For the first time in history, K-pop has broken into the General Fields—the most prestigious Grammy categories.
BLACKPINK’s Rosé and Netflix’s animated film K-Pop Demon Hunters have both earned nominations at the 68th Annual Grammy Awards, marking a monumental moment for Korean music on the global stage.
Rosé’s global hit “APT.” has been nominated in three major categories, including Song of the Year and Record of the Year, while K-Pop Demon Hunters’ original soundtrack “Golden” stunned the world with five nominations, also including Song of the Year.
This marks not only the first time a female K-pop artist and a K-pop film OST have been nominated for major Grammy honors but also the first time since BTS that K-pop has made it into the Grammy spotlight.
K-pop is no longer a niche or fandom-driven genre — it has officially become part of mainstream global pop culture.
Rosé: The K-pop Queen Challenging the ‘Big Four’
Rosé’s nomination in the Grammys’ Big Four categories is nothing short of historic. Her track “APT.”, a collaboration with Bruno Mars, became an instant global sensation upon release last October.
With its hypnotic repetition and flawless synergy between Rosé and Bruno, the song captivated both the masses and critics alike.
It climbed to No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100, staying on the chart for a record-breaking 45 weeks, setting the longest-running entry for any K-pop act.
Far from being just a hit, it earned acclaim for its artistry and emotional depth. Rosé had already made history by becoming the first K-pop artist to win Song of the Year at the MTV VMAs in September — and her Grammy nominations now solidify her place as a true global pop icon.
Her success represents not just personal achievement but a broader acknowledgment of K-pop’s musical sophistication and global influence.
The OST Revolution: “Golden” from K-Pop Demon Hunters
Equally groundbreaking is the success of “Golden”, the electrifying theme song from K-Pop Demon Hunters. The track has become one of the most streamed and celebrated songs worldwide this year.
Produced by former SM trainee EJAE, alongside Korean-American artists Audrey Nuna and Rei Ami, “Golden” delivers a blend of powerful vocals and cinematic energy.
It made history by hitting No. 1 for eight consecutive weeks on the Billboard Hot 100 and nine weeks atop the UK Official Singles Chart — an unprecedented feat for a K-pop track.
Its inclusion in five Grammy categories — including Best Song Written for Visual Media — shows how K-pop is expanding beyond music into global media and entertainment.
“Golden” isn’t just an OST — it’s a cultural milestone proving K-pop’s ability to define modern pop trends.
The Grammys’ Changing Lens: From Fandom to Artistry
U.S. media outlets have reacted with palpable excitement.
LA Times declared, “K-pop finally reaches the major Grammy categories,” while Forbes noted, “After years of being a global phenomenon, K-pop artists are now rightfully recognized at music’s biggest stage.”
This shift signals a turning point: Grammy voters are now valuing artistry, creativity, and craftsmanship rather than just fandom power.
Rosé and “Golden” have achieved what BTS could not — entry into the General Fields, officially cementing K-pop as a core pillar of global pop music.
A New Era for K-pop
The nominations of Rosé and K-Pop Demon Hunters represent more than individual triumphs — they mark the elevation of K-pop itself.
Even new-generation acts like Cat’s Eye, a Korean-American joint project under HYBE, have earned a Best New Artist nomination, showing that the next wave of K-pop is already knocking on the Grammy doors.
The Grammys, known for rewarding musical artistry over commercial success, have now recognized K-pop as one of the most innovative and influential genres in the world.
This moment paves the way for future artists to shine on music’s biggest stage — breaking boundaries, transcending cultures, and rewriting pop history.
K-pop’s new chapter has begun — and the world is watching as it unfolds, note by note, beat by beat.