Two K-pop tracks are making history at the upcoming Grammy Awards, marking a significant milestone for Korean popular music on the global stage. BLACKPINK member Rosé's collaboration with Bruno Mars on "APT." and the animated film soundtrack hit "Golden" from "KPop Demon Hunters" have both received nominations for the most prestigious music awards in the United States.
"APT.," the explosive collaboration between Rosé and American pop superstar Bruno Mars, has earned three major Grammy nominations. The California-based National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences announced on November 7 that the global hit received nominations for Song of the Year, Record of the Year, and Best Pop Duo/Group Performance. Song of the Year and Record of the Year are considered among the top Grammy categories, alongside Album of the Year, making this a particularly significant achievement for K-pop representation.
The soundtrack to the animated blockbuster "KPop Demon Hunters" has also made waves in the Grammy nominations, receiving five total nominations. The standout track "Golden" from the film's soundtrack earned a Song of the Year nomination, setting up a direct competition with "APT." in this prestigious category. The soundtrack's success demonstrates the growing influence of K-pop culture beyond traditional music releases, extending into multimedia entertainment.
"Golden" will face off against "APT." not only in the Song of the Year category but also in Best Pop Duo/Group Performance, creating an unprecedented situation where two K-pop-related tracks are competing against each other in major Grammy categories. This represents the first time since BTS received nominations in 2023 that K-pop acts have been recognized by the Grammy Awards, highlighting the continued global expansion and acceptance of Korean popular music.
The nominations mark a historic moment for the Korean Wave, or Hallyu, as it continues to penetrate mainstream American entertainment. Both "APT." and "Golden" have achieved significant chart success, with "APT." becoming a viral sensation worldwide and "Golden" serving as the chart-topping anthem for the fictional girl group HUNTRIX from "KPop Demon Hunters." These Grammy nominations could potentially lead to K-pop's first Grammy win, cementing the genre's place in global music history.
