The music industry is abuzz with anticipation as K-pop’s global footprint continues to expand, with BLACKPINK’s Rosé and the soundtrack from “KPop Demon Hunters” emerging as potential contenders for the upcoming Grammy Awards. Rosé’s solo track “APT.”, a collaboration with Bruno Mars, and the song “Golden” from the Netflix animated film “KPop Demon Hunters” have reportedly been submitted for consideration in major categories. This marks a significant moment as K-pop artists aim to break through and potentially secure their first-ever Grammy wins in the genre’s history.
K-Pop’s Grammy Aspirations: A New Frontier
For years, K-pop has steadily gained international recognition, with artists like BTS paving the way for broader acceptance within the mainstream music industry. While BTS has received multiple nominations, a Grammy win has remained elusive for the genre. The current Grammy cycle, the 68th Annual Grammy Awards, features submissions from a wide array of K-pop talent, signaling a determined push for recognition. The eligibility period for these awards covers works released between August 31, 2024, and August 30, 2025, making these songs prime candidates.
“APT.” and “Golden”: Chart-Topping Contenders
Rosé’s “APT.” has been submitted for top categories such as Record of the Year and Song of the Year, as well as Best Pop Duo/Group Performance and Best Music Video. The song, released on October 18, 2024, has already achieved significant global success, topping charts and garnering critical acclaim. Its collaboration with Bruno Mars, an artist with a strong Grammy history, further bolsters its profile.
Similarly, “Golden,” an anthem from the “KPop Demon Hunters” soundtrack, has made substantial waves. Released as a single on July 4, 2025, the song has achieved remarkable chart performance, including topping the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 and the UK Official Charts, feats unprecedented for a K-pop OST. It has been submitted for Record of the Year, Song of the Year, Best Pop Duo/Group Performance, Best Remixed Recording, Best Music Video, and Best Song Written for Visual Media. The entire “KPop Demon Hunters” soundtrack album is also vying for Best Compilation Soundtrack for Visual Media. The song’s success has positioned it as a legitimate contender, with some experts believing it could set a new milestone for K-pop at the Grammys.
Broader K-Pop Presence and Industry Dynamics
Beyond these two standout tracks, numerous other K-pop artists and groups have submitted entries across various categories. This includes submissions from established acts like BTS and BLACKPINK, as well as rising stars such as Seventeen, Stray Kids, Aespa, IVE, and Le Sserafim, competing in categories ranging from Best New Artist to Best Pop Duo/Group Performance. This widespread participation reflects K-pop’s growing influence and ambition within the global music landscape.
However, the path to Grammy recognition has historically presented challenges for K-pop. Despite significant global success and nominations, the genre has yet to secure a major award. Past snubs have led to discussions about potential biases within the Recording Academy, with some fans and critics questioning the Academy’s acknowledgment of non-Western artists. The Recording Academy’s preference for established U.S. popular music is often cited as a barrier, though recent years have seen increased diversity in nominations.
Navigating the Nomination Process
The Recording Academy is currently in the first round of voting for the 68th Annual Grammy Awards, with nominations slated for announcement on November 7, 2025. The final voting period will conclude on January 5, 2026, leading up to the awards ceremony on February 1, 2026. The journey for “APT.” and “Golden” will be closely watched, not only for their potential to win but also for their role in shaping K-pop’s future Grammy narrative. Whether these tracks can overcome the historical hurdles and bring home a coveted Grammy remains to be seen, but their strong performance and broad submissions signal a significant moment for K-pop music on the global stage.
