K-pop just shattered the glass ceiling. At the 68th Annual Grammy Awards on February 1, history wasn’t just made—it was rewritten. The track “Golden” from the Netflix film KPop Demon Hunters officially took home the award for Best Song Written for Visual Media. It marks the first-ever Grammy win for a K-pop act, a moment fans have been manifesting for years.
The win happened during the Premiere Ceremony, but the shockwaves were felt instantly across the globe. After dominating the charts for months, “Golden” has ended the long-standing “Grammy drought” for the Korean music scene. This isn’t just a win for a movie soundtrack. It is a massive statement for the entire industry.
The Powerhouses Behind the Vocals: EJAE, Audrey Nuna, and Rei Ami
Who are the voices behind the animated group HUNTR/X? Meet the real powerhouses: EJAE, Audrey Nuna, and Rei Ami. These three Korean-American artists gave the fictional characters their soul. Notably, EJAE has now become the first K-pop artist to be individually recognized with a Grammy win. It is a huge milestone for her career and the genre as a whole.
The track didn’t happen by accident. Industry legend TEDDY and the production team at The Black Label were the architects behind the sound. Speaking to the press after the win, the artists were clearly emotional.
“We’ve worked so hard to bring an authentic K-pop sound to the screen. To see it recognized like this… we deserve this,” the trio shared in a joint statement.
Breaking the Jinx: From BTS to HUNTR/X
This victory feels personal for the community. We all remember how BTS paved the way with five historic nominations, constantly pushing against the Recording Academy’s boundaries. While they served as the ambassadors who opened the door, “Golden” finally walked through it to grab the gilded gramophone.
By winning in a songwriting and visual media category, the industry has proven its worth. K-pop’s structural excellence—from production to lyrical integration—is officially world-class. It’s no longer just about the flashy performance. Now, it’s about the musicality.
A “Golden” Track Record: Quick Facts
- Chart Dominance: “Golden” topped the Billboard Hot 100 for eight weeks in 2025.
- Language Milestone: This is the first song with Korean lyrics to win in this category.
- UK Success: The track hit #1 on the British Official Singles Chart.
- The Trophy: The Grammy will reportedly be displayed at The Black Label building in Itaewon.
Massive Fan Reception and Viral Celebration
The news is currently trending #1 worldwide. Social media is in a frenzy, and streaming numbers for “Golden” are skyrocketing once again. Fans are celebrating this as a collective victory. Many are pointing out how the song’s detailed choreography and vocal work felt like a real-world comeback, not just a movie song.
The authentic production standards used in KPop Demon Hunters resonated with the Academy and the public alike. It has moved the narrative of K-pop from “global performers” to “award-winning creators.”
What’s Next for the Genre?
This win will likely open new doors for K-pop in “General Field” categories, like Song of the Year, in the future. As for the artists, EJAE, Audrey Nuna, and Rei Ami are already busy. All three are reportedly working on new solo projects following their history-making night.
Is the Grammy’s relationship with K-pop finally entering a “Golden” era? After last night, the answer is a resounding yes.
