The 2026 Academy Awards delivered a historic moment for global music as “Golden,” the hit track from the animated film KPop Demon Hunters, won the Oscar for Best Original Song. The victory marked the first time a K-pop song has ever won an Academy Award in this category, highlighting the genre’s growing global influence.
The achievement represents a major milestone not only for K-pop but also for Asian representation in the global entertainment industry. Over the past decade, Korean music and culture have steadily expanded beyond Asia, dominating global charts and building massive fan communities worldwide. With this win, K-pop has now officially secured its place on Hollywood’s biggest stage.
“Golden” is performed by EJAE, Audrey Nuna, and Rei Ami and is part of the soundtrack for the animated Netflix film KPop Demon Hunters. The song quickly became one of the film’s standout moments, combining powerful vocals, high-energy production, and the cinematic storytelling typical of K-pop music videos and performances.
At the Oscars ceremony held at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, the song triumphed over several strong contenders in the Best Original Song category. The win also marked the first Oscar nomination and victory for the entire songwriting team behind the track.
The success of “Golden” did not happen overnight. The song had already enjoyed an impressive awards run before the Oscars, collecting major honors at events like the Golden Globes and Critics Choice Awards. It also gained international chart success, further proving the global appeal of K-pop music.
Meanwhile, KPop Demon Hunters itself had a strong night at the Academy Awards, with the film also winning Best Animated Feature. The double victory further cemented the movie as one of the most influential animated projects of the year.
For fans of Korean music and cinema, the Oscar win for “Golden” is more than just a trophy. It symbolizes how far K-pop has come, transforming from a regional phenomenon into a global cultural force that continues to reshape the entertainment industry.