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South Korean President Lee Celebrates Historic Grammy Win for K‑Pop Song “Golden”

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  • This Reuters photo shows composers of the "KPop Demon Hunters" soundtrack, who won Best Song Written for Visual Media at the 68th Grammy Awards in Los Angeles for "Golden" on Feb. 1, 2026. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
    Image: Yonhap
    This Reuters photo shows composers of the "KPop Demon Hunters" soundtrack, who won Best Song Written for Visual Media at the 68th Grammy Awards in Los Angeles for "Golden" on Feb. 1, 2026. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap) Source Full size
  • This EPA photo shows the team from "KPop Demon Hunters" posing in the press room with the award for Best Song Written for Visual media for "Golden" during the 68th annual Grammy Awards ceremony at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles on Feb. 1, 2026. (Yonhap)
    Image: Yonhap
    This EPA photo shows the team from "KPop Demon Hunters" posing in the press room with the award for Best Song Written for Visual media for "Golden" during the 68th annual Grammy Awards ceremony at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles on Feb. 1, 2026. (Yonhap) Source Full size
  • This AFP photo shows songwriters of "Golden" from the "KPop Demon Hunters" soundtrack, who won Best Song Written for Visual Media for the song at the 68th Grammy Awards in Los Angeles on Feb. 1, 2026. (Yonhap)
    Image: Yonhap
    This AFP photo shows songwriters of "Golden" from the "KPop Demon Hunters" soundtrack, who won Best Song Written for Visual Media for the song at the 68th Grammy Awards in Los Angeles on Feb. 1, 2026. (Yonhap) Source Full size
  • Cher saw the funny side of her gaffe
    Image: BBC
    Cher saw the funny side of her gaffe (Reuters) Source Full size
  • 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
  • President Lee Jae Myung (Yonhap)
    Image: Yonhap
    President Lee Jae Myung (Yonhap) Source Full size
  • Zoey, Rumi and Mira are Huntr/x - the Kpop trio who also try and save the world from evil
    Image: BBC
    Zoey, Rumi and Mira are Huntr/x - the Kpop trio who also try and save the world from evil (Netflix) Source Full size
  • LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 01: (L-R) Rei Ami, EJAE, and Audrey Nuna of HUNTR/X attend the 68th GRAMMY Awards on February 01, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Johnny Nunez/Getty Images for The Recording Academy)
    Image: Newsweek
    LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 01: (L-R) Rei Ami, EJAE, and Audrey Nuna of HUNTR/X attend the 68th GRAMMY Awards on February 01, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Johnny Nunez/Getty Images for The Recording Academy) Source Full size
  • Cher saw the funny side of her gaffe
    Image: BBC
    Cher saw the funny side of her gaffe (Reuters) Source Full size
  • Rosé and Bruno Mars performing together
    Image: BBC
    Rosé and Bruno Mars performing together (EPA/Shutterstock) Source Full size
  • Pharrell Williams was honoured with a lifetime achievement prize
    Image: BBC
    Pharrell Williams was honoured with a lifetime achievement prize (Getty Images) Source Full size
  • None
    Image: BBC
    Reuters Source Full size
  • Sabrina Carpenter lit up the stage during an aviation themed performance
    Image: BBC
    Sabrina Carpenter lit up the stage during an aviation themed performance (Emma McIntyre / Getty Images) Source Full size
  • None
    Image: BBC
    EPA/Shutterstock Source Full size
  • (left to right) Audrey Nuna and Rei Ami from the fictional band
    Image: BBC
    (left to right) Audrey Nuna and Rei Ami from the fictional band (EPA/Shutterstock) Source Full size
  • None
    Image: BBC
    Getty Images Source Full size
  • None
    Image: BBC
    Reuters Source Full size
  • Aura V and her father Fyutch won best children's music album for Harmony
    Image: BBC
    Aura V and her father Fyutch won best children's music album for Harmony (Reuters) Source Full size
  • Lady Gaga on stage wearing an eyelash lampshade hat, of course
    Image: BBC
    Lady Gaga on stage wearing an eyelash lampshade hat, of course (EPA/Shutterstock) Source Full size
  • None
    Image: BBC
    Getty Images Source Full size
  • Alex Warren and Addison Rae both hit the charts after making their names as influencers
    Image: BBC
    Alex Warren and Addison Rae both hit the charts after making their names as influencers (Getty Images) Source Full size
  • Zach Top won the best traditional country album
    Image: BBC
    Zach Top won the best traditional country album (Getty Images) Source Full size
  • None
    Image: BBC
    Getty Images Source Full size
  • Carole King (left) alongside Lady Gaga
    Image: BBC
    Carole King (left) alongside Lady Gaga (EPA/Shutterstock) Source Full size
  • Meryl Streep and Anne Hathaway made an unexpected appearance during the Grammys... kind of
    Image: BBC
    Meryl Streep and Anne Hathaway made an unexpected appearance during the Grammys... kind of (20th Century Studios) Source Full size
  • Zoey, Rumi and Mira are Huntr/x - the Kpop trio who also try and save the world from evil
    Image: BBC
    Zoey, Rumi and Mira are Huntr/x - the Kpop trio who also try and save the world from evil (Netflix) Source Full size
  • FKA Twigs was the first British winner of the night, with other UK nominees including Olivia Dean, Lola Young and Wet Leg
    Image: BBC
    FKA Twigs was the first British winner of the night, with other UK nominees including Olivia Dean, Lola Young and Wet Leg (Getty Images) Source Full size
  • Yungblud attended the ceremony with Ozzy Osbourne's widow, Sharon
    Image: BBC
    Yungblud attended the ceremony with Ozzy Osbourne's widow, Sharon (Getty Images) Source Full size
  • R&B singer Kehlani won two prizes for her break-up ballad, Folded
    Image: BBC
    R&B singer Kehlani won two prizes for her break-up ballad, Folded (Getty Images) Source Full size
  • LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 01: (L-R) Rei Ami, EJAE, and Audrey Nuna of HUNTR/X attend the 68th GRAMMY Awards on February 01, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Johnny Nunez/Getty Images for The Recording Academy)
    Image: Newsweek
    LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 01: (L-R) Rei Ami, EJAE, and Audrey Nuna of HUNTR/X attend the 68th GRAMMY Awards on February 01, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Johnny Nunez/Getty Images for The Recording Academy) Source Full size
  • This AFP photo shows songwriters of "Golden" from the "KPop Demon Hunters" soundtrack, who won Best Song Written for Visual Media for the song at the 68th Grammy Awards in Los Angeles on Feb. 1, 2026. (Yonhap)
    Image: Yonhap
    This AFP photo shows songwriters of "Golden" from the "KPop Demon Hunters" soundtrack, who won Best Song Written for Visual Media for the song at the 68th Grammy Awards in Los Angeles on Feb. 1, 2026. (Yonhap) Source Full size
  • Korean American songwriter Ejae (L) attends the 68th Grammy Awards in Los Angeles on Feb. 1, 2026, to receive a trophy for Best Song Written for Visual Media for "Golden" in this AFP photo. (Yonhap)
    Image: Yonhap
    Korean American songwriter Ejae (L) attends the 68th Grammy Awards in Los Angeles on Feb. 1, 2026, to receive a trophy for Best Song Written for Visual Media for "Golden" in this AFP photo. (Yonhap) Source Full size
  • BLACKPINK's Rose and Bruno Mars perform their collaborative single "APT." at the 68th Grammy Awards at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles on Feb. 1, 2026, in this photo from The Associated Press. (Yonhap)
    Image: Yonhap
    BLACKPINK's Rose and Bruno Mars perform their collaborative single "APT." at the 68th Grammy Awards at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles on Feb. 1, 2026, in this photo from The Associated Press. (Yonhap) Source Full size
  • K-pop girl group Katseye performs at the 68th Grammy Awards at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles on Feb. 1, 2026, in this photo from The Associated Press. (Yonhap)
    Image: Yonhap
    K-pop girl group Katseye performs at the 68th Grammy Awards at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles on Feb. 1, 2026, in this photo from The Associated Press. (Yonhap) Source Full size
  • 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
  • This EPA photo shows the team from "KPop Demon Hunters" posing in the press room with the award for Best Song Written for Visual media for "Golden" during the 68th annual Grammy Awards ceremony at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles on Feb. 1, 2026. (Yonhap)
    Image: Yonhap
    This EPA photo shows the team from "KPop Demon Hunters" posing in the press room with the award for Best Song Written for Visual media for "Golden" during the 68th annual Grammy Awards ceremony at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles on Feb. 1, 2026. (Yonhap) Source Full size
  • President Lee Jae Myung (Yonhap)
    Image: Yonhap
    President Lee Jae Myung (Yonhap) Source Full size
  • This image, provided by Netflix, is a scene from "Kpop Demon Hunters." (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
    Image: Yonhap
    This image, provided by Netflix, is a scene from "Kpop Demon Hunters." (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap) Source Full size

“Golden” Secures First K‑Pop Grammy The track “Golden” from Netflix’s animated film KPop Demon Hunters won Best Song Written for Visual Media at the 68th Grammy Awards on Feb. 1, 2026, held at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles [1][3][4][7][8]. Songwriters Ejae, Teddy, 24 and Ido—affiliated with The Black Label—were named the official recipients, marking the inaugural Grammy for any K‑pop producer or songwriter [1][3][4][7]. Performed by the fictional group Huntr/x (Ejae, Audrey Nuna, Rei Ami), the song topped both the Billboard Hot 100 and the UK Official Singles Chart, sustaining multiple non‑consecutive weeks at number 1 [3][4][7]. The win coincided with other major awards, including Song of the Year to Billie Eilish and Record of the Year to Kendrick Lamar & SZA [3][8].

Netflix Series Drives Global K‑Pop Surge KPop Demon Hunters amassed over 500 million global views within six months, becoming Netflix’s most‑watched program ever and prompting sold‑out sing‑along screenings across the U.S., U.K., Australia and New Zealand [4]. The soundtrack’s dominance extended to the Billboard 200, where the full album reached No. 1, and contributed to a surge in museum attendance and merchandise sales linked to Korean culture [4][5]. The film also secured Oscar nominations for Best Animated Feature and Best Original Song (“Golden”), underscoring its cross‑media impact [4]. Its blend of traditional Korean motifs with modern animation has been highlighted as a key factor in its worldwide resonance [4].

President Lee Highlights Win and Broader Success South Korean President Lee Jae Myung posted on X on Feb. 2, 2026, congratulating the “Golden” team and calling the achievement “a new chapter in K‑pop history” [1]. He also praised fellow nominees Rose of BLACKPINK and Jeung Yoon‑chae of KATSEYE, noting their Grammy nominations as evidence of South Korea’s artistic competitiveness despite their lack of wins [1]. Lee pledged “steadfast support” for Korean artists and producers, hinting at future policy or funding initiatives to expand cultural exports [1]. A photo of the production team with the Grammy trophy was distributed by Yonhap, illustrating the visibility of Korean creators at the ceremony [1].

Reporting Discrepancy on Rose’s Grammy Outcome Newsweek reported that BLACKPINK’s Rose won a Grammy for her track “APT” [6], a claim contradicted by all other sources, which state Rose received three nominations (Song of the Year, Record of the Year, Best Pop Duo/Group Performance) but did not win any category [3][5][8]. This inconsistency highlights the need for careful verification of award results across outlets.

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Timeline

Oct 1, 2025 – South Korea launches the Presidential Committee on Popular Culture Exchange, appointing JYP Entertainment founder Park Jin‑young as co‑chair to boost Korea’s cultural exports and strengthen international exchanges, marking a governmental push to capitalize on the global K‑pop surge[18].

Dec 8, 2025 – The Hollywood Foreign Press Association announces Golden Globes nominations, naming Netflix’s KPop Demon Hunters for Best Motion Picture – Animated and its song “Golden” for Best Original Song, signaling early awards‑season momentum for the Korean‑inspired film[19].

Dec 16, 2025 – Netflix reports KPop Demon Hunters becomes its most‑watched title ever across film and TV, surpassing Squid Game and driving over 500 million views in six months; the National Museum of Korea logs a record 6 million visitors and foreign tourism rises 15 % as the film fuels a broader Korean cultural boom[18].

Jan 5, 2026 – At the Critics Choice Awards, KPop Demon Hunters wins Best Animated Feature and “Golden” wins Best Song, and director Maggie Kang declares, “the movie began seven years ago as a personal love letter to Korean culture and music,” underscoring the project’s cultural intent[16][17].

Jan 9, 2026 – K‑pop secures its first “big‑four” Grammy nominations as Rosé contends for Record of the Year, “Golden” and “APT.” vie for Song of the Year, and HYBE’s Katseye appears for Best New Artist; analyst Areum Jeong notes the nods “feel like a de‑territorialized, hybrid idea of K‑pop”[5].

Jan 12, 2026 – The 83rd Golden Globes award KPop Demon Hunters Best Motion Picture – Animated and “Golden” Best Original Song; singer‑songwriter Ejae, tearful, says the win “feels like a dream” and cites the track’s lyrics about shining despite adversity, while director Maggie Kang adds, “a story deeply rooted in Korean culture could connect with audiences worldwide”[13][15].

Jan 22, 2026 – The Academy announces Oscar nominations for KPop Demon Hunters in Best Animated Feature and Best Original Song (“Golden”), setting the stage for a March 15 ceremony and confirming the film’s continued awards‑season trajectory[12].

Jan 23, 2026 – The BRIT Awards reveal nominations for BLACKPINK’s Rosé (“APT.”) and “Golden” in International Song of the Year and for the fictional group Huntr/x in International Group of the Year, extending Korean pop’s recognition into the UK’s premier music ceremony slated for Feb. 28[11].

Feb 1, 2026 – The Grammy Premiere Ceremony honors “Golden” with the Best Song Written for Visual Media award, marking the first Grammy for any K‑pop producer; producer 24 dedicates the trophy to mentor Teddy, calling him “my greatest mentor and closest friend, the pioneer of K‑pop”[10][6].

Feb 2, 2026 – The main Grammy Awards broadcast features Cher’s mistaken announcement of “Luther Vandross” before correcting to Kendrick Lamar & SZA, Trevor Noah quipping “I love live television,” Bad Bunny’s contractual ban from performing, and Demon Hunters becoming the first K‑pop act to win a Grammy, while Steven Spielberg completes his EGOT and the Dalai Lama secures an audiobook Grammy, highlighting the ceremony’s historic breadth[1][4].

Feb 2, 2026 – South Korean President Lee Jae Myung posts on X, calling the “Golden” Grammy win “a new chapter in K‑pop history” and pledging to “steadfastly support our artists so they can showcase their talents on an even broader stage,” while also applauding Rose and Jeung Yoon‑chae’s nominations as evidence of Korea’s global competitiveness[8].

Feb 2, 2026 – Yonhap’s Monday roundup notes the Grammy victory for “Golden,” heavy snowfall disrupting travel, a sharp KOSPI decline, and a special‑counsel probe of Coupang, illustrating the day’s mix of cultural triumph and domestic challenges in South Korea[9].

Feb 28, 2026 – The 2026 BRIT Awards ceremony takes place, where Rosé and “Golden” compete for International Song of the Year and Huntr/x vies for International Group, continuing the momentum generated by earlier nominations and showcasing Korean music on a major UK stage[11].

Mar 15, 2026 – The 98th Academy Awards ceremony occurs, featuring KPop Demon Hunters as a nominee for Best Animated Feature and Best Original Song, capping a year of unprecedented awards recognition for the Korean‑themed animated franchise[12].

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