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Netflix’s ‘KPop Demon Hunters’ Wins Grammy and Secures Oscar Nods, Surpasses 500 Million Views

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  • This photo provided by Netflix shows a scene from "KPop Demon Hunters." (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
    Image: Yonhap
    This photo provided by Netflix shows a scene from "KPop Demon Hunters." (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap) Source Full size
  • This Reuters photo shows songwriters of "Golden" from the "KPop Demon Hunters" soundtrack, who won Best Song Written for Visual Media at the 68th Grammy Awards in Los Angeles on Feb. 1, 2026. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
    Image: Yonhap
    This Reuters photo shows songwriters of "Golden" from the "KPop Demon Hunters" soundtrack, who won Best Song Written for Visual Media at the 68th Grammy Awards in Los Angeles on Feb. 1, 2026. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap) Source Full size
  • Korean American artists Rei Ami (L), Ejae and Audrey Nuna, who performed "Golden" from Netflix's animation sensation "KPop Demon Hunters," are seen in this photo from the Associated Press. (Yonhap)
    Image: Yonhap
    Korean American artists Rei Ami (L), Ejae and Audrey Nuna, who performed "Golden" from Netflix's animation sensation "KPop Demon Hunters," are seen in this photo from the Associated Press. (Yonhap) Source Full size

Grammy Victory Marks First K‑Pop Soundtrack Award At the 68th Grammy Awards in Los Angeles on Feb. 1, 2026, “Golden” from “KPop Demon Hunters” won Best Song Written for Visual Media, the first Grammy nomination or win for a K‑pop‑genre soundtrack [1]. Songwriters Ejae, Teddy, 24 and Ido received the award, highlighting the genre’s breakthrough into major U.S. music honors [1]. The win also marks the inaugural Grammy recognition for K‑pop producers and songwriters [1].

Series Becomes Netflix’s Most‑Watched Title With 500 Million Views Within six months of its debut, the animated series amassed over 500 million total views, making it Netflix’s most‑watched program ever [1]. The surge sparked sold‑out “sing‑along” screenings across the United States, Britain, Australia and New Zealand [1]. High viewership underscores the global resonance of the K‑pop‑infused narrative [1].

‘Golden’ Dominates Global Charts and Billboard 200 Performed by Korean‑American artists Ejae, Audrey Nuna and Rei Ami, “Golden” led the Billboard Hot 100 for eight non‑consecutive weeks and topped the UK Official Singles Chart for ten non‑consecutive weeks [1]. The full soundtrack album reached No. 1 on the Billboard 200, while additional tracks entered the main songs chart [1]. These chart achievements illustrate K‑pop’s expanding footprint in Western markets [1].

Cultural Ripple Extends to Museums, Merchandise and Oscar Nominations The National Museum of Korea reported a record 6 million visitors in 2026, a surge linked to the series’ popularity [1]. Official merchandise line Mu:ds experienced a sales boom, and the film secured Oscar nominations for Best Animated Feature and Best Original Song (“Golden”) [1]. These indicators show the series’ impact beyond streaming platforms [1].

Animated Feature Merges Traditional Korean Motifs With Modern Pop “KPop Demon Hunters” follows fictional girl group Huntr/x battling evil spirits with music, set against Seoul streets, hanbok attire, tiger and magpie characters, and traditional medicine clinics [1]. The hybrid presentation showcases local landmarks while appealing to global audiences [1]. Its cultural blend has drawn worldwide attention since release [1].

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Timeline

Jun 20, 2025 – Netflix releases KPop Demon Hunters, an American animated feature about the fictional K‑pop girl group Huntr/x who battle demons with music, quickly becoming Netflix’s most‑watched movie ever and sparking global interest in its Korean‑rooted story. [3]

Late 2025 – Within six months of its June debut, the film amasses over 500 million total views on Netflix, fuels sold‑out sing‑along screenings in the U.S., Britain, Australia and New Zealand, and drives a surge of more than 6 million visitors to the National Museum of Korea, the institution’s highest annual total since opening. [2]

Jan 5, 2026 – At the Critics Choice Awards in Santa Monica, KPop Demon Hunters wins Best Animated Feature and “Golden” wins Best Song, with director Maggie Kang noting the project began seven years ago as a love letter to Korean culture and Ejae saying the song lets her experience her character vicariously and offers hope to fans worldwide. [7]

Jan 12, 2026 – The film captures both Best Motion Picture, Animated and Best Original Song (“Golden”) at the 83rd Golden Globes; Ejae calls the victory a dream‑like wave, dedicates the honor to those facing closed doors, Arden Cho stresses the movie’s role in representing under‑served communities, and director Maggie Kang highlights how a story rooted in Korean heritage resonates worldwide. [1][4]

Jan 22, 2026 – The Academy announces that KPop Demon Hunters receives nominations for Best Animated Feature and Best Original Song (“Golden”) at the 98th Oscars, setting the stage for a March 15 ceremony and confirming the film’s strong awards‑season momentum. [3]

Feb 1, 2026 – At the 68th Grammy Awards in Los Angeles, “Golden” wins Best Song Written for Visual Media, marking the first Grammy nomination and win for a K‑pop‑genre soundtrack and the inaugural Grammy for K‑pop producers Teddy, 24 and Ido, underscoring the genre’s growing acceptance in U.S. music honors. [2]

Feb 2026 – “Golden” dominates global charts, leading the Billboard Hot 100 for eight non‑consecutive weeks, topping the UK Official Singles Chart for ten non‑consecutive weeks, and propelling the full soundtrack to No. 1 on the Billboard 200, while additional tracks such as “Takedown” and “Soda Pop” also enter major charts, illustrating K‑pop’s expanding footprint. [2]

Mar 15, 2026 – The 98th Academy Awards ceremony is scheduled to take place, where KPop Demon Hunters will compete for its two nominations, potentially cementing its historic run across streaming, music and film awards. [3]

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