by In a historic moment for global entertainment, the animated film K‑Pop Girls! Demon Hunters has won two major awards at the Academy Awards Best Animated Feature and Best Original Song.
The 98th Academy Awards took place on February 15 (local time) at the iconic Dolby Theatre, marking a milestone not only for animation but also for the global rise of K-pop culture.
A Historic Double Win at the Oscars
The film, distributed by Netflix, achieved an extraordinary feat by winning:
- Best Animated Feature
- Best Original Song for Golden
This marks the first time a K-pop song has ever won an Academy Award, making it a groundbreaking achievement for the Korean music industry.
Emotional Acceptance Speeches
Director Maggie Kang, a Korean-Canadian filmmaker, accepted the award while the film’s theme song played in the background.
Visibly emotional, she said:
“I’m sorry it took so long for a film about people like me to be made. The next generation won’t have to wait.”
She dedicated the award to Korea and Korean communities worldwide, highlighting the importance of representation in global media.
Co-director Chris Appelhans added:
“Music and storytelling have the power to connect people across cultures and borders.”
His message resonated strongly with aspiring creators around the world.
“Golden” A Record-Breaking K-Pop Song
The award-winning track Golden played a central role in the film’s success.
Performed by the fictional idol group HUNTR/X, the song is voiced by:
- EJAE
- Audrey Nuna
- REI AMI
EJAE, who also contributed to writing and composing the song, shared a heartfelt message:
“This song isn’t about success it’s about healing.”
She added that she was once teased for loving K-pop, but now the world sings along with her music—an emotional full-circle moment.
Global Chart-Topping Success
“Golden” didn’t just win awards—it dominated global charts.
Major Achievements
- 1 on Billboard Hot 100 (USA)
- 1 on UK Official Charts Top 100
- Grammy Award Winner (Best Song for Visual Media)
- Golden Globe Winner (Best Original Song)
This makes it one of the most successful K-pop songs in history, breaking cultural and industry barriers.
A Global Streaming Phenomenon
Since its release in June 2025, K-Pop Girls! Demon Hunters has become a massive hit worldwide.
Streaming Milestone
- Over 500 million views (based on total watch time)
This record sets a new benchmark for animated films released on Netflix, showcasing the growing global demand for diverse storytelling.
Story Overview: K-Pop Meets Supernatural Action
The film tells the story of HUNTR/X, a K-pop idol group that secretly fights evil spirits threatening the world.
By blending:
- K-pop performance culture
- Supernatural action
- Emotional character arcs
the movie delivers a fresh and unique experience that appeals to both anime fans and global music audiences.
Strong Competition at the Oscars
At the Academy Awards, the film competed against major animated titles, including:
- Zootopia 2
- Elio
Despite the tough competition, K-Pop Girls! Demon Hunters emerged victorious, proving both its artistic quality and worldwide popularity.
Why This Win Matters
This achievement represents more than just awards—it signals a shift in global entertainment.
Key Impact
1. Recognition of K-Pop in Hollywood
K-pop has officially entered the highest level of global cinema recognition.
2. Diversity and Representation
The film highlights stories from underrepresented voices in mainstream media.
3. Growth of Global Animation
Non-Western storytelling continues to gain influence in international markets.
4. Cultural Connection Through Music
The success of “Golden” shows how music can transcend language and cultural barriers.
What’s Next for K-Pop and Animation?
With the success of K-Pop Girls! Demon Hunters, industry experts expect:
- More collaborations between K-pop and global film studios
- Increased investment in international animation projects
- Greater diversity in storytelling across streaming platforms
There are also rumors of possible sequels and spin-offs, although no official confirmation has been announced yet.
Final Thoughts
The double Oscar win for K-Pop Girls! Demon Hunters marks a historic milestone for both animation and K-pop.
From record-breaking music to global streaming success, the film has proven that stories rooted in specific cultures can resonate worldwide.
As the boundaries between music, animation, and cinema continue to blur, this victory sets the stage for a new era of global entertainment.
