Sony Pictures Animation and Netflix’s K-Pop: Demon Hunters has officially etched its name into music history. At the 2026 Grammy Awards, the film’s chart-topping anthem “Golden” secured a monumental victory, marking the very first time the K-pop industry has claimed a trophy at the prestigious ceremony.
“Golden” triumphed in the category of Best Song Written for Visual Media. While the track features the vocal talents of the fictional group Huntr/x—portrayed by Ejae (Rumi), Rei Ami (Zoey), and Audrey Nuna (Mira)—the Grammy was awarded to the visionaries behind the composition. The winning songwriting team includes Ejae, Park Hong Jun, Jeong Hoon Seo, Joong Gyu Kwak, Yu Han Lee, Hee Dong Nam, and Mark Sonnenblick.
The track was also a heavyweight contender in two other major categories: Song of the Year and Best Pop Duo/Group Performance. It ultimately ceded those titles to Billie Eilish and Finneas O’Connell’s “Wildflower” and the powerhouse collaboration of Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande for “Defying Gravity,” respectively.
Despite the narrow misses in the general categories, the win for Visual Media remains a significant milestone for international representation. Reflecting on the achievement in the Grammy press room, Ejae shared a poignant sentiment: “Growing up, many people were unfamiliar with Korea. Seeing audiences sing along to Korean lyrics word for word is incredibly moving. This award isn’t just a win; it’s about cultural visibility and celebration.”
K-Pop: Demon Hunters has been a record-breaking force since its debut last June. The film’s meteoric rise saw Huntr/x become the first all-female collective to reach No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 since Destiny’s Child achieved the feat with “Bootylicious” in 2001. Beyond the charts, the group has captivated late-night audiences on programs hosted by Jimmy Kimmel and Jimmy Fallon. The film’s critical acclaim matches its commercial success, having earned two Academy Award nominations and cementing its status as the most-watched original movie in Netflix history.
With a Grammy win now added to its growing list of accolades, the cultural phenomenon of K-Pop: Demon Hunters shows no signs of slowing down.
Source: Polygon
