"K-pop has finally been recognized on the world's biggest stage." (U.S. media)
Rosé of BLACKPINK and Netflix's animated feature K-Pop Demon Hunters (KDH) have both earned nominations in the General Field categories — the most prestigious honors of the Grammy Awards — marking a historic first for K-pop.
Rosé and KDH make Grammy history
On November 8 (local time), the Recording Academy unveiled the nominees for the 68th Grammy Awards. Rosé's hit single Apartment was nominated for Song of the Year, Record of the Year, and Best Pop Duo/Group Performance, while K-Pop Demon Hunters OST track Golden secured five nominations, including Song of the Year, Best Pop Duo/Group Performance, and Best Song Written for Visual Media.
This marks the first time in Grammy history that a K-pop artist or production has been nominated in the General Fields — Song of the Year, Record of the Year, Album of the Year, and Best New Artist.
Media praise the K-pop breakthrough
American outlets hailed the nominations as a cultural milestone. Forbes wrote, "K-pop has long been a global phenomenon yet remained unrepresented at the Grammys. BTS was nominated for three consecutive years but never won — now, that barrier has broken." The magazine added, "Rosé's Apartment and Golden are not just historic choices; they're deserved ones — two of the most successful songs within the eligibility period."
The Los Angeles Times echoed the sentiment: "With multiple artists nominated in major categories, it's clear K-pop is being recognized as mainstream pop, not just a fan-driven trend." It further noted that Grammy voters are now "evaluating K-pop for its artistry, acknowledging it as an integral part of global pop music."
Gold Derby highlighted the shift as well: "After years of underappreciation from the Recording Academy, K-pop has finally broken through — millions of fans worldwide are celebrating this moment."
A year of milestones for Rosé and K-pop
The BBC called Rosé "the first K-pop idol ever nominated in a Grammy Big Four category," recognizing her as "a member of BLACKPINK and one of the most successful solo artists of her generation."
Rosé previously made history at the 2025 MTV Video Music Awards, becoming the first K-pop artist to win Song of the Year with Apartment, while BLACKPINK took Best Group, earning her two trophies.
Apartment has dominated charts worldwide — 12 weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard Global 200 and 19 weeks atop the Global (Excl. U.S.) chart, also peaking at No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100, making Rosé the highest-charting Korean female solo artist ever. The song remains on the chart for 45 consecutive weeks.
Meanwhile, Golden from K-Pop Demon Hunters topped the U.K. Official Chart for eight weeks and matched its success on the Billboard Hot 100, setting new records for an animated OST.
The 68th Grammy Awards will be held in Los Angeles on February 1, 2026 (local time), where Cat's Eye is also nominated for Best New Artist and Best Pop Duo/Group Performance.
