On February 1, 2026, the K-pop world erupted in celebration as “Golden”—the electrifying anthem performed by the fictional girl group HUNTR/X from Netflix's blockbuster animated film KPop Demon Hunters—took home the Grammy Award for Best Song Written for Visual Media at the 68th Annual Grammy Awards.
This victory is monumental: it represents the first-ever Grammy win for a K-pop song, shattering long-standing barriers and paving the way for greater recognition of the genre on music's biggest global stage. While powerhouses like BTS and BLACKPINK have earned nominations in recent years, this triumph signals a new era where K-pop's creativity, energy, and global appeal are finally being honored at the Grammys.
The win came during the Premiere Ceremony, with the track's songwriters—including lead vocalist EJAE (who voices Mira in the film) alongside collaborators—accepting the award. Though the fictional HUNTR/X (comprising characters voiced and sung by EJAE, Audrey Nuna as Zoey, and Rei Ami as Rumi) couldn't hit the stage themselves, the real-life talents behind the voices stole hearts on the red carpet and in interviews, sharing their overwhelming joy and gratitude for the fans who propelled the song to #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 for weeks and made the film Netflix's most-watched release ever.
The Significance for K-pop
This breakthrough isn't just about one song—it's a beacon for the entire industry. KPop Demon Hunters, blending high-octane action, demon-slaying heroics, and infectious pop tracks, captured imaginations worldwide in 2025. "Golden," with its empowering lyrics (“We’re goin’ up, up, up, it’s our moment”) and catchy production, became a cultural phenomenon, topping charts and inspiring fans everywhere.
Experts and critics hail this as a turning point, highlighting K-pop's growing mainstream acceptance in the U.S. and beyond. South Korea celebrated wildly, with fans and industry figures noting how this win boosts future prospects for authentic K-pop acts at awards shows.
Shoutout to the Real Stars: EJAE, Audrey Nuna, and Rei Ami
The Grammy belongs to the incredible vocalists who brought HUNTR/X to life:
- EJAE, whose powerhouse vocals drive the track's emotional core
- Audrey Nuna, delivering fierce rap verses and harmonies
- Rei Ami, adding that signature edge and charisma
These artists poured their talents into the project, and seeing their work recognized on this platform is a dream come true. Their red-carpet moments at the 2026 Grammys—stunning looks with personal stories—only amplified the excitement, reminding everyone that behind the animation are real, talented women making history.
K-pop stans, this is OUR moment! "Golden" didn't just win an award—it proved that K-pop belongs at the top. Here's to more victories, more breakthroughs, and endless "up, up, up" for the genre we love.
Stay tuned to KpopEcho.com for more updates on HUNTR/X, KPop Demon Hunters, and all things K-pop glory! 💛✨
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