EJAE, Audrey Nuna, and Rei Ami marked a historic win as their song “Golden” not only won the Best Song Written for Visual Media at the 68th Grammy Awards but also claimed K-pop's first ever Grammy.
For years, several K-Pop acts have been nominated at the prestigious awards ceremony, including the globally renowned boy group BTS, which was first nominated in 2021, but has yet to be awarded.
“Golden” serves as the musical centerpiece for HUNTR/X, the fictional K-pop group featured in the Netflix animated series KPop Demon Hunters. Its Grammy recognition highlights not only the song’s success but also the growing presence of K-pop in global entertainment.
Speaking with Entertainment Tonight on the Grammys red carpet on February 2 (PST), the HUNTR/x singers shared their immediate reactions to the win, which signaled a breakthrough for Korean music at one of the world’s most prestigious awards shows.
“Oh my god. This is a crazy moment. It’s a historical moment. It’s a glorious moment. We’re very excited and just so honored,” EJAE said as she reflected on the milestone.
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The win carried a particularly personal meaning for EJAE, who has openly shared her journey of training for nearly a decade in hopes of becoming a K-pop idol. Although she never officially debuted, she later focused on songwriting and producing other K-pop songs. With this Grammy, EJAE became the first artist known to have undergone K-pop idol training to win a Grammy Award.
Rei shared her own excitement following the announcement. “Honestly, I’m just so glad we won. We are honored to be here. I’m trying to be lit,” she said.
Audrey also expressed pride in the entire team behind the song, stating: “I’m just really, really proud of everyone here honestly. We have been working so hard for this moment and I’m just beaming with joy.”
As musicians, the trio noted how meaningful the Grammy win was compared to other awards they had received this season. For them, the recognition emphasized the power of music to cross cultures and languages.
“Because we are all musicians, this is the time to celebrate music. It just goes to show that 'Golden' – [which] has Korean, K-Pop, and Pop influence as well – that no matter what language it is, music connects everybody,” EJAE added.
The Grammy award also honored the song’s songwriting team, composed of EJAE, Park Hong Jun (a.k.a. Teddy), Joong Gyu Kwak, Yu Han Lee, Hee Dong Nam, Jeong Hoon Seo, and Mark Sonnenblick.
Winning Best Song Written for Visual Media, “Golden” topped a competitive field that included nominees “As Alive as You Need Me to Be” from Tron: Ares (performed by Nine Inch Nails and written by Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross), “I Lied to You” by Sinners (performed by Miles Caton and written by Ludwig Göransson and Raphael Saadiq), “Never Too Late” from Elton John: Never Too Late (performed by Elton John and Brandi Carlile, written by Brandi Carlile, Elton John, Bernie Taupin and Andrew Watt), as well as “Sinners” from Sinners (performed by Rod Wave, and written by Leonard Denisenko, Rodarius Green, Travis Harrington, Tarkan Kozluklu, Kyris Mingo & Darius Povilinus).
The song was also nominated in several other Grammy categories this year, including Song of the Year, where Billie Eilish and Finneas O’Connell’s “Wildflower” won; Best Pop Duo/Group Performance, which went to Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande for “Defying Gravity”; and Best Compilation Soundtrack for Visual Media, which was won by Sinners.
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“Golden” has already made a strong impact this awards season, having won Best Original Song at the Golden Globe Awards. It is also nominated for Best Original Song at the upcoming Oscars in March.
Korean representation was strongly felt throughout the Grammys, with BLACKPINK member Rosé earning nominations for Song of the Year and Record of the Year alongside Bruno Mars for “APT.” as well as a nod for Best Pop Duo/Group Performance. Meanwhile, global girl group KATSEYE, whose music and performance style are influenced by K-pop, also earned nominations for Best New Artist and Best Pop Duo/Group Performance.
For EJAE, Audrey Nuna, and Rei Ami, the Grammy win for “Golden” marked not only a career milestone but also a moment that highlighted the growing influence of Korean music on the global stage that continues to open doors for future artists.