After breaking Netflix records as the the most-watched film in the platform’s history and dominating Halloween night with fans everywhere dressing up as Rumi, Zoey and Mira, “KPop Demon Hunters” has made its way to music’s biggest stage: the 68th Grammy Awards.
The nominations, announced Friday, include the movie’s breakout hit “Golden,” which earned nods for both song of the year and the best pop duo/group performance categories.
Currently sitting at No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 after 19 weeks and counting on the chart, including eight weeks at No. 1, “Golden” was written by EJAE and Mark Sonnenblick and performed by artists EJAE, Audrey Nuna and Rei Ami.
Speaking to Variety after the nominations were anounced, EJAE admitted, “I’m not able to digest this time. I’m still in shock.” Nuna added the moment goes beyond music:
“You’re going to see three Korean faces. To think about the kids who are going to see that, and hopefully for that to shape their understanding of what they can do in this world, is the stuff that is giving me chills up my spine.”
“Golden” faces stiff competition from Lady Gaga’s “Abracadabra,” Sabrina Carpenter’s “Manchild,” and Billie Eilish’s “WILDFLOWER,” among others, for song of the year, as previously reported by the Deseret News.
In the best pop duo/group performance, it will compete against Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande’s “Defying Gravity,” KATSEYE’s “Gabriela,” ROSÉ and Bruno Mars’ “APT.” and “30 for 30″ by SZA and Kendrick Lamar.
What other K-pop groups have been nominated?
This marks another major milestone for K-pop at the Grammys. Before the 2026 Grammy nominations, BTS was the only K-pop group ever recognized by the Recording Academy, earning three consecutive nominations for best pop duo/group performance, but never taking home the trophy.
BLACKPINK’s ROSÉ also made waves this year, scoring song of the year and record of the year nominations for “APT.” alongside Bruno Mars. ROSÉ becomes the first K-pop soloist in history to be nominated for a Grammy.
Despite its growing popularity and recognition, no K-pop artist has won a Grammy, but that could change soon.
The 2026 Grammy Awards will air on CBS and Paramount+ on Feb. 1, 2026.