K-Pop Song 'Golden' Makes History with Oscar Win

The K-Pop song 'Golden' from the animated film KPop Demon Hunters has made history by winning an Oscar for Best Original Song at the 2026 Academy Awards. Performed by EJAE, Audrey Nuna, and Rei Ami, the track is the first of its kind to receive this prestigious honor. EJAE's emotional acceptance speech highlighted the song's message of resilience, while Maggie Kang, co-director of the film, celebrated the representation of Korean culture in cinema. The film, released on Netflix, follows a K-Pop girl group leading double lives as demon hunters. This win marks a significant milestone for K-Pop on the global stage.

By Narendra Chaudhary Mar 16, 2026, 08:29 IST

Historic Oscar Win for 'Golden'

'Golden,' a track from the animated film KPop Demon Hunters, has achieved a remarkable milestone by winning an Oscar. Performed by EJAE, Audrey Nuna, and Rei Ami, this song is the first K-Pop track to receive an Academy Award. The artists delivered a captivating performance of 'Golden' during the 2026 Oscars, showcasing a blend of traditional Korean music and dance prior to the main event. Ultimately, 'Golden' was honored as the Best Original Song at the 98th Academy Awards, with EJAE visibly moved while accepting the accolade.

EJAE's Emotional Acceptance Speech

During her acceptance speech, EJAE expressed her emotions, stating, "As a child, I faced ridicule for my K-Pop aspirations, but now our song resonates with so many. I take immense pride in our Korean lyrics. This award symbolizes resilience rather than mere success, and I am deeply thankful to our team." Despite a request for extra time, the team's speech was unfortunately cut short, with Mark Sonnenblick interrupted mid-sentence.

Maggie Kang's Tribute

While accepting the Oscar for Best Animated Feature, Maggie Kang, co-writer and co-director of KPop Demon Hunters, remarked, "I apologize for the long wait for representation in films like this, but we are finally here. This signifies that future generations won’t have to feel unrepresented." She dedicated the award to Korea and its people. The song 'Golden' was crafted by Mark Sonnenblick, IDO, 24, and Teddy Park. The artists have been actively promoting the song, performing at various events during Grammy week, and even reuniting for performances at the BAFTA and BRIT Awards.

About KPop Demon Hunters

KPop Demon Hunters, directed by Maggie Kang and Chris Appelhans, premiered on Netflix on June 20 of the previous year. Produced by Sony Pictures Animation, the film features voice talents such as Arden Cho, Ahn Hyo-seop, May Hong, Ji-young Yoo, Yunjin Kim, Daniel Dae Kim, Ken Jeong, and Lee Byung-hun. The storyline follows a K-Pop girl group named Huntrix, who lead secret lives as demon hunters while contending with a rival boy band known as Saja Boys.