KPop Demon Hunters Scores First K-pop Grammy Win, Rosé Shines Bright

The 2026 Grammy Awards marked a historic moment for K-pop, with “Golden” by KPop Demon Hunters receiving the genre’s first win in the written for visual media category. The song, which topped the Billboard Hot 100 for a significant portion of the summer, was also nominated for song of the year and pop duo/group performance.

A Landmark Achievement

The win is particularly significant given the historical lack of Grammy recognition for K-pop artists, despite the genre’s global popularity. EJAE, the songwriter and singing voice of Rumi from KPop Demon Hunters, expressed immense pride, stating, “Growing up, people didn’t know where Korea was or what Korea was, and that’s why it’s so incredible to have the song ‘Golden’ being sung all over the world, singing the Korean lyrics word by word.”

Did You Know? KPop Demon Hunters is Netflix’s most popular title ever.

Rosé’s Breakthrough Performance

Blackpink member Rosé also had a standout night, opening the Grammy telecast with a performance of “APT” alongside Bruno Mars. The performance was described as electrifying, with attendees reportedly dancing along. Rosé’s nominations for “APT” – in the song of the year and record of the year categories – were also firsts for a K-pop artist in the general field.

Further Nominations

Beyond the wins and performance, KPop Demon Hunters received a nomination for best compilation soundtrack for visual media. The David Guetta remix of “Golden” was also nominated for best remixed recording. Rosé’s debut album, Rosie, released in December 2024, reached No. 3 on the Billboard 200 chart, with “APT” as its lead single.

Expert Insight: The Grammy recognition for K-pop, particularly for KPop Demon Hunters and Rosé, signals a growing acceptance and appreciation of the genre within the mainstream American music industry. This could lead to increased opportunities for K-pop artists and greater cultural exchange.

Looking Ahead

With a sequel film to KPop Demon Hunters already confirmed at Netflix and Sony Animation, the franchise’s momentum is likely to continue. Further success for K-pop artists at future award shows is a possibility, potentially leading to even greater mainstream recognition. The continued popularity of K-pop could also influence music production and collaboration trends globally.

Frequently Asked Questions

What song won a Grammy for K-pop?

“Golden” by KPop Demon Hunters won the Grammy for written for visual media, marking the first Grammy win for K-pop.

Who performed at the opening of the 2026 Grammys?

Blackpink member Rosé performed at the opening of the 2026 Grammy telecast, alongside Bruno Mars, performing their song “APT.”

Is a sequel to KPop Demon Hunters in development?

Yes, a sequel film to KPop Demon Hunters is in development at Netflix and Sony Animation, with deals confirmed late last year.

How do you think this increased recognition will impact the future of K-pop’s global influence?