KPop Demon Hunters Wins Best Animated Feature, 'Golden' Wins Best Original Song Oscar

Why It Matters

The dual Oscars validate K-pop–inspired storytelling as a major global cultural and commercial force, reinforcing streaming platforms’ ability to launch international IP into mainstream awards and markets. This breakthrough likely accelerates investment in Korean talent and projects aimed at global audiences.

Summary

K-pop Demon Hunters dominated the 98th Academy Awards, winning Best Animated Feature and Best Original Song for “Golden,” the first K-pop song to claim an Oscar. The Netflix film, which has over 500 million global views since its June release, beat contenders including Zootopia 2 and Elio and arrived after a sweep of critics’ awards, Golden Globes and a Grammy. Director Kong expressed emotional pride at securing a culturally Korean victory on the global stage, and performers delivered a live rendition of the winning song. The wins also spotlighted individual Korean talent invited and recognized by the Academy.

Original Description

'케이팝 데몬 헌터스' 아카데미 장편 애니메이션상, 주제가상 수상

It was a big night for South Korea at the Academy Awards with KPop Demon Hunters winning two Oscars, taking home Best Animated Feature and Best Song at this year's ceremony in Los Angeles.

The song "Golden" from the film has now become the first K-pop song to win an Oscar.

Our culture correspondent Park Kun-woo reports.

The moment Koreans have been waiting for.

KPop Demon Hunters captured the Oscar for Best Animated Feature at the 98th Academy Awards.

Bursting into tears, the Korean director had this to say.

"Thank you to the Academy, and to all the fans who got us here. And for those of you who look like me, I'm so sorry that it took us so long to see us in a movie like this. But it is here. And that means that the next generations don't have to go longing. This is for Korea and for Koreans everywhere."

Speaking backstage, Kang also said she was proud not to have disappointed Korea.

"One of the most emotional moments for me, just as a filmmaker, is watching Director Bong Joon-ho win for Parasite. And the fact that we have won the Best Animated Feature for what the Korean, culturally Korean film is, just feels like we have both. Both categories, so I just feel immensely proud and relieved."

Other nominees for the same category included Zootopia 2 and Elio.

The win comes as the animated film has become Netflix's most-watched movie ever since its release in June last year, with more than 500 million global views.

And that followed a string of major awards this year, including Best Animated Feature and Best Song at the Critics' Choice Awards, and Best Animated Motion Picture and Best Original Song at the Golden Globes.

The Netflix phenomenon also won a Grammy for Best Song Written for Visual Media, marking the first time a K-pop themed song has taken home a Grammy.

The film's main theme song "Golden" was also a winner, picking up the award for Best Original Song, while the animated trio HUNTR/X's singing voices ---EJAE, Rei Ami, and Audrey Nuna ---performed the track live.

Another highlight was Korean actor Ahn Hyo-seop ---the voice of Jinu from Saja Boys ---who also drew attention at the ceremony, after his agency said he had been officially invited by the Academy.

With KPop Demon Hunters resonating with global fans and sweeping major awards, attention is now turning to what comes next for K-pop-inspired storytelling on the global stage.

Park Kun-woo, Arirang News.

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2026-03-16, 12:00 (KST)