K-pop nears "golden moment" by scoring big on Grammy nominations

SEOUL, November 08 (AJP) -K-pop is approaching a “golden moment” on the global stage as a wave of Korean female artists secured nominations in top categories for the 68th Annual Grammy Awards. 

“APT.,” BLACKPINK member Rose’s collaboration with Bruno Mars, and “Golden,” an original soundtrack piece from Netflix’s blockbuster anime KPop Demon Hunters, were both shortlisted for major honors including Song of the Year and Best Pop Duo/Group Performance.
The Recording Academy announced the 2026 nominees across 95 categories on Thursday ahead of the Feb. 1 ceremony at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles.

Rose earned multiple nods, with “APT.” shortlisted for Song of the Year and Record of the Year — two of the Grammys’ prestigious “Big Six” general field categories — in addition to Best Pop Duo/Group Performance.
 BLACKPINK Rose (L) and pop star Bruno Mars in APT. music videoGolden" from "Kpop Demon Hunters" was nominated for the Song of the Year, Best Pop Duo/Group Performance, Best Song Written for Visual Media and Best Remixed Recording. The film was also nominated for Best Compilation Soundtrack for Visual Media.A scene from K-Pop Demon Hunters. Courtesy of NetflixInternational girl group Katseye under Hybe, the label behind K-pop superband BTS -- was nominated for the Best New Artist and the Best Pop Duo/Group Performance.Hybe's international girl group Katseye. Courtesy of HybeIt marks the first Grammy nominations for K-pop act since BTS received a nomination with "My Universe," a collaboration single with global pop icon Coldplay, in 2023. 

If any of them take home a Golden Gramophone in February, it would be the first for any Korean.
Rose's "APT”, a track from her first full-length album, "rosie” dominated major music charts in South Korea and abroad after its release for its catchy rhythm and humorous play with Korean’s drinking game. In September, Rose won Song of the Year at the MTV Video Music Awards in the United States for "APT." 

"Golden" is performed by Korean American artists Ejae, Audrey Nuna and Rei Ami as the singing voices behind fictional girl group Huntr/x. It achieved a milestone for K-pop, topping both the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 and the British Official Singles Chart Top 100.
Additionally, 2025 Tony-awarded Korean musical and Broadway hit "Maybe Happy Ending" was nominated for Best Musical Theater Album.

Final-round voting to select the winners will run from Dec. 12 through Jan. 5.
 
Seo Hye Seung 편집국장 ellenshs@ajunews.com