Netflix's animated film 'K-Pop Demon Hunters' (KDH) has made history with its OST 'GOLDEN' winning the 'Best Song Written for Visual Media' at the 68th Grammy Awards. Major international media outlets have highlighted this as a monumental event in K-Pop history.
The New York Times reported on the 1st (local time) that 'GOLDEN' was announced as a winner at the Grammy pre-ceremony, stating, "'K-Pop Demon Hunters' is the most influential global cultural content of 2025 and has set a record for the most views in Netflix history." The article further noted, "This work has now set a new milestone as the 'first Grammy win for K-Pop'." The publication also described 'GOLDEN' as an 'anthem of self-esteem' led by singer EJAE, who voices the character Lumi in the virtual girl group Huntrix.
The Associated Press also covered the win, noting it as "the first Grammy win for a K-Pop artist," and highlighted the bilingual charm of the song as the winners delivered their acceptance speech in both Korean and English. Variety quoted the chorus of 'GOLDEN', "It's our moment," stating that it quenched the long-standing thirst of the K-Pop genre.
With this win, EJAE, who led the songwriting and composition, along with producers Teddy, 24, and the producing team THEBLACKLABEL (Yoo Han, Kwak Jung Kyu, Nam Hee Dong), have become the first Grammy winners in K-Pop history. Co-composer Mark Sonnenblick also joined the list of winners.
'GOLDEN' has created a global phenomenon, maintaining the top spot on the Billboard Hot 100 for eight weeks. It has already secured the Best Original Song at the 83rd Golden Globe Awards and is nominated for the Best Original Song at the upcoming Academy Awards.
Historically, K-Pop's presence at the Grammys has been minimal. The New York Times recalled that BTS was nominated five times but did not win. However, the Recording Academy, which hosts the Grammys, is making changes by inducting K-Pop figures like Zico, Seventeen's Woozi, and Vernon as voting members.
Previously, Korean individuals such as soprano Sumi Jo, sound engineer Hwang Byung Joon, violist Richard Yongjae O'Neill, and audio engineer David "Youngin" Kim have won Grammys, but this is the first time a K-Pop composer or producer has received a main award.
The main ceremony will be hosted by comedian Trevor Noah, who will step down after six consecutive years. Rapper Kendrick Lamar leads with nine nominations, followed by pop star Lady Gaga with seven. Performers include Justin Bieber, Bruno Mars, and Rosé.
By Min-Kyung Lee, TenAsia Reporter 2min_ror@tenasia.co.kr