K-pop Grammy recognition reached a new milestone Sunday at the 68th Grammy Awards in Los Angeles, as songwriters of “Golden” from Netflix’s animated film KPop Demon Hunters took the award for best song written for visual media. Ejae, Teddy, 24, and Ido earned the Grammy, emphasizing K-pop’s growing international presence and creative influence.
The win matters because global stars like BTS never won a Grammy, despite three prior nominations in other categories. The award honors songwriters rather than performers, recognizing the creative contribution behind “Golden.” The track combines K-pop-inspired melodies with the film’s narrative, reaching audiences worldwide and drawing new fans to the genre.
“KPop Demon Hunters” is a US-produced animated film directed by Korean Canadian filmmaker Maggie Kang. The soundtrack uses K-pop elements but follows American pop conventions. Ejae performed as a lead vocalist rather than as part of a traditional idol group. Critics note that the film’s global release contributed significantly to the track’s exposure and international acclaim.
Music critic Lim Hee-yun explained that while the category falls outside the general field, it introduces K-pop to audiences unfamiliar with the genre. “It is meaningful that K-pop songwriters won their first Grammy,” Lim said. “Even without general field recognition, this exposure strengthens global awareness of K-pop.” Cultural critic Jung Deok-hyun added that “Golden” shows how K-pop is evolving into a globalized form of pop music, blending Korean motifs with widely accessible sounds.
However, experts caution that the track may differ from traditional K-pop. Lim and Jung observed that American pop influences dominate the song, which may challenge K-pop’s distinctive identity. Nonetheless, the K-pop Grammy serves as recognition that the genre has reached musical standards validated by the Grammys.
Looking ahead, songwriters and producers will likely pursue more collaborations with international media projects. They aim to balance global appeal with K-pop’s unique identity. Observers suggest future strategies may expand K-pop integration into film, streaming, and television while maintaining its Korean roots.
Ultimately, the K-pop Grammy milestone demonstrates that the genre continues expanding its influence worldwide. By blending innovation with tradition, K-pop sets the stage for further international recognition and growth.
