Liputan6.com, Jakarta - The song "Golden" from the phenomenal Netflix animated film, "KPop Demon Hunters," made history at the 68th Grammy Awards and marked a historic moment for the K-pop industry, becoming the first K-pop song to win this prestigious award.
The award for Best Song Written for Visual Media was announced at the Grammy Premiere Ceremony on February 1, 2026, US time and held at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles.
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The song "Golden" itself is a brilliant collaboration between talented songwriters Ejae, Teddy, 24, and Ido while vocals are performed by Ejae, Audrey Nuna, and Rei Ami, who also plays the fictional group HUNTR/X in the film.
"Golden" Makes History on the Grammy Stage
"Golden"'s win at the 68th Grammy Awards was more than just an award; it marked a milestone.
The song was officially recognized as Best Song Written for Visual Media, a category that highlights the quality of songwriting for visual media.
In the visual media category, “Golden” beat “As Alive As You Need Me To Be” (Nine Inch Nails), “I Lied to You” (Miles Caton), “Never Too Late” (Elton John, Brandi Carlile), “Pale, Pale Moon” (Jayme Lawson) and “Sinners” (Leonard Denisenko, Rodarius Green, Travis).
This marked the first time a K-pop song, or a K-pop producer/songwriter, had taken home a Grammy, opening a new chapter for the genre on the international stage.
The song is energetically performed by Ejae, Audrey Nuna, and Rei Ami, whose voices bring life to the fictional character Huntr/x.
Before winning the Grammy, "Golden" was already a global phenomenon, dominating charts worldwide and topped the Billboard Hot 100, one of the most prestigious charts in the United States.
Furthermore, "Golden" also broke into the British Official Singles Chart Top 100.
Golden Earns 4 Grammy Nominations
"Golden" was nominated for a total of four Grammys.
Although it lost in the Best Pop Duo/Group Performance category to "Defying Gravity" by Cynthia Erivo & Ariana Grande, its win in the Best Song Written for Visual Media.
The film "KPop Demon Hunters" itself has also been nominated for an Oscar and won awards at the Critics' Choice Awards and the Golden Globes, adding to its list of achievements.
During his win, producer-composer 24 delivered a special dedication. He referred to Teddy, who was unable to attend the ceremony, as "my greatest mentor and closest friend, a pioneer of K-pop."
The Global Phenomenon of K-Pop Demon Hunters
The animated film "KPop Demon Hunters" has captivated global audiences since its release on Netflix in June 2025.
The film quickly became a sensation, topping the platform's most-watched title throughout 2025, with total viewing reached a staggering 20.5 billion minutes.
Produced by Sony Pictures Animation, the film presents a unique narrative about a fictional female K-pop trio called HUNTR/X.
The group's members, Rumi, Mira, and Zoey, lead dual lives as shining K-pop idols and formidable demon hunters.
Solo musician EJAE was entrusted with composing the film's music, bringing his experience as a songwriter for renowned K-pop groups like Red Velvet and aespa.
Four of its songs simultaneously reached the Top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100, an unprecedented achievement for a soundtrack.