The 2026 Academy Awards witnessed a groundbreaking moment in music history as the K-pop track "Golden" from the animated film "K-Pop Demon Hunters" secured the Oscar for Best Original Song. This victory represents the first time a K-pop song has ever won in this prestigious category, marking a significant milestone for South Korean music on the global stage.
A Historic Win for South Korean Artists
The song's creators, including performers Rei Ami, Ejae, and Audrey Nuna, along with composers Ido and Teddy Park, have become the first South Koreans to claim an Oscar in the Best Original Song category. During the emotional acceptance speech, 24-year-old Ejae delivered heartfelt remarks, while co-writer Mark Sonnenblick was unfortunately cut off mid-speech due to time constraints.
Second Oscar of the Evening for 'K-Pop Demon Hunters'
This musical triumph served as the film's second Oscar victory of the night, following its earlier win for Best Animated Feature. Maggie Kang, the film's co-writer and co-director, expressed profound sentiment while accepting the animation award, stating: "For those of you who look like me, I'm so sorry that it took so long to see us in a movie like this, but it is here. That means the next generations don't have to go longing. This is for Korea and Koreans everywhere."
Competition and Notable Records
"Golden" triumphed over formidable competition from songs featured in "Sinners," "Train Dreams," "Viva Verdi!" and "Diane Warren: Relentless." The latter nomination extended Diane Warren's record-breaking Oscars losing streak, as she failed to convert her 17th nomination into a win. Warren, now 69, first entered Oscar contention in 1987 with "Nothing's Gonna Stop Us Now" from "Mannequin" and received eight consecutive nominations between 2018 and 2025.
Throughout her illustrious career, Warren has penned numerous iconic songs including Aerosmith's "I Don't Want to Miss a Thing" from "Armageddon" and Lady Gaga's "Til It Happens to You" from "The Hunting Ground." In recognition of her substantial contributions to film music, Warren was presented with an honorary Oscar in 2022. This year, she was nominated for the song "Dear Me," performed by Kesha, which features in the documentary "Diane Warren: Relentless."
The Cultural Significance of the Victory
The Oscar win for "Golden" represents more than just a musical achievement; it symbolizes the growing global influence of K-pop and South Korean cultural exports. This historic moment at the Academy Awards underscores how Korean entertainment continues to break barriers and gain recognition on the world's most prestigious stages, inspiring future generations of artists and filmmakers from diverse backgrounds.
