(ATTN: UPDATES with more results in paras 1-4, 9-13; ADDS photos)
By Shim Sun-ah
SEOUL, Feb. 2 (Yonhap) — “Golden” from the soundtrack of Netflix’s animated sensation “KPop Demon Hunters” made history, winning the first-ever Grammy Award for a K-pop song.
BLACKPINK’s Rose, however, didn’t win, despite being nominated in three categories, including the prestigious Song of the Year and Record of the Year, with “APT.,” her collaborative hit single with Bruno Mars.
“Golden” was awarded Best Song Written for Visual Media during the premiere ceremony of the 68th Grammy Awards at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles on Sunday (U.S. time).
While South Korean recording engineer Hwang Byeong-joon and Korean American artist Yungin have previously won Grammys, the “Golden” win marks the first time K-pop producers and songwriters have been recognized with this prestigious award. The official winning songwriters include Korean American artist Ejae, and Teddy, 24 and Ido, all producers at the South Korean music label The Black Label.
Songwriters of “Golden” from the “KPop Demon Hunters” soundtrack, winner of Best Song Written for Visual Media at the 68th Grammy Awards in Los Angeles on Feb. 1, 2026. (AFP/Yonhap)
Following the win, producer-composer 24 dedicated the award to Teddy, who was absent from the ceremony. 24 praised Teddy’s influence on the “creative process,” acknowledging him as “my greatest mentor and closest friend, the pioneer of K-pop.”
Performed by Korean American artists Ejae, Audrey Nuna, and Rei Ami as the fictional girl group Huntr/x, “Golden” from “KPop Demon Hunters” achieved global success, reaching the top spot on both the Billboard Hot 100 and the British Official Singles Chart Top 100.
Produced by Sony Pictures Animation, “KPop Demon Hunters” tells the story of a trio leading a double life. They balance their music careers with their responsibilities as warriors protecting the world from demonic spirits, including the overlord Gwi-Ma and the soul-stealing Saja Boys.
In the Best Pop Duo/Group Performance category, Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande triumphed with “Defying Gravity” from the “Wicked” soundtrack, beating out contenders such as “Golden,” Rose of BLACKPINK with “APT.”, and Katseye with “Gabriela.”
Korean American songwriter Ejae at the 68th Grammy Awards in Los Angeles on Feb. 1, 2026, accepting the award for Best Song Written for Visual Media for “Golden.” (AFP/Yonhap)
“Golden” and the “KPop Demon Hunters” soundtrack received nominations in five Grammy categories this year, including Song of the Year, Best Pop Duo/Group Performance, Best Song Written for Visual Media, Best Remixed Recording (for its remix version), and Best Compilation Soundtrack for Visual Media. Ultimately, it won only in the Best Song Written for Visual Media category.
Rose’s “APT.” also contended for three awards – Song of the Year, Record of the Year, and Best Pop Duo/Group Performance – but ultimately did not win.
Despite not winning, Rose achieved a milestone as the first K-pop artist to be nominated in a general field category at the Grammys. Her three nominations equaled the record for the most nominations for a K-pop act, previously set by BTS at the 65th Grammy Awards.
This year, Billie Eilish’s “Wildflower” claimed the Song of the Year award, while Kendrick Lamar and SZA’s “Luther” won Record of the Year. The Best New Artist award, which included K-pop group Katseye among its nominees, went to British pop singer Olivia Dean.
Rose and Bruno Mars commenced the main ceremony with a vibrant performance of “APT.,” and K-pop girl group Katseye performed “Gnarly,” joining the other Best New Artist nominees in a collaborative showcase.
BLACKPINK’s Rose and Bruno Mars performing their collaborative single “APT.” at the 68th Grammy Awards at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles on Feb. 1, 2026. (AP/Yonhap)
K-pop girl group Katseye performing at the 68th Grammy Awards at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles on Feb. 1, 2026. (AP/Yonhap)
sshim@yna.co.kr
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