“Golden,” a standout track from the hit animated film KPop Demon Hunters, has made history by becoming the first K-pop song to win the Oscar for Best Original Song. This notable achievement also marks a milestone for its creators, with Ejae, Ido, and Teddy Park emerging as the first South Koreans to claim this prestigious award.
During the ceremony, Ejae delivered an emotional acceptance speech, while Mark Sonnenblick, another contributor, was notably interrupted mid-address, drawing mixed reactions from the audience. This win is the film’s second Oscar of the night, following its triumph in the Best Animated Feature category.
In her acceptance speech, Maggie Kang, co-writer and co-director of the film, expressed heartfelt sentiments, stating, “For those of you who look like me, I’m so sorry that it took so long to see us in a movie like this, but it is here. That means the next generations don’t have to go longing.” Kang dedicated the win to Korea and Koreans around the world, highlighting the significance of representation in cinema.
The song “Golden” triumphed over strong competition, defeating contenders such as songs from Sinners, Train Dreams, Viva Verdi!, and Diane Warren’s track, Dear Me. This latest nomination extended Warren’s notable record of 17 nominations without a win, marking her continued struggle in the Oscars despite her invaluable contributions to music. Warren, 69, has been nominated multiple times throughout her career, with notable songs like “Nothing’s Gonna Stop Us Now” from Mannequin and I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing by Aerosmith from Armageddon.
Warren’s song for this year’s Oscars, “Dear Me,” was performed by Kesha and showcased in the documentary Diane Warren: Relentless. Although Warren did not secure a win this year, she received an honorary Oscar in 2022, acknowledging her long-standing influence in the industry.
The success of “Golden” not only reflects the growing acceptance and celebration of diverse music genres like K-pop in mainstream awards but also emphasizes the impact of representation in storytelling. This breakthrough moment opens doors for future creators and artists from underrepresented backgrounds, inspiring a new generation to pursue their dreams in the film and music industries.
As K-pop continues to gain traction globally, this Oscar win signals a poignant shift in how diverse narratives are honored and recognized at prestigious film events. With such milestones, the landscape of both K-pop and the broader film industry is poised for exciting developments in the years to come, encouraging a celebration of creativity and cultural heritage.
As the industry evolves, audiences can expect more groundbreaking stories and songs that resonate with diverse experiences, further enriching the filmic tapestry.
Original Source: https://www.theguardian.com/film/2026/mar/16/golden-from-k-pop-demon-hunters-wins-oscar-for-best-original-song
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Publish Date: 2026-03-16 08:39:00
