Golden from the K-Pop Demon Hunters Won Oscar for the Best OST

Photo by Sami Drasin

HOLLYWOOD, 15 March 2026 - The song Golden from KPop Demon Hunters has made history, becoming the first K-pop track to win the Academy Award for Best Original Soundtrack. The victory marks the film’s second Oscar of the night, following its triumph in the Best Animated Feature category.

Performers Rei Ami, Ejae, and Audrey Nuna delivered the song live, while Ejae, Ido, and Teddy Park celebrated as the first South Koreans to ever win in this category. Ejae’s emotional speech highlighted the milestone, while co-director Maggie Kang, accepting the animation award, reflected on the significance: “For those of you who look like me, I’m so sorry 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.”

The song edged out competition from Sinners, Train Dreams, Viva Verdi!, and Diane Warren’s Relentless. Warren, despite her legendary career and 17 nominations since 1987, extended her record streak of losses. Her latest entry, Dear Me performed by Kesha, couldn’t break the pattern, though she previously received an honorary Oscar in 2022.

This landmark win not only cements KPop Demon Hunters as a cultural phenomenon but also signals a broader recognition of Korean artistry on Hollywood’s biggest stage.