KPop Demon Hunters Wins Big at Oscars 2026

Netflix film's historic victories for best animated feature and best original song signal the growing global influence of Korean pop culture.

Mar. 16, 2026 at 2:33pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Netflix animated film KPop Demon Hunters won Oscars for best animated feature and best original song at the 98th Academy Awards, marking a major milestone for Korean pop culture's acceptance in Hollywood. Co-director Maggie Kang and producer Michelle Wong became the first people of South Korean descent to win in the animated feature category, while the film's winning song "Golden" was the first K-pop track to ever win best song written for visual media at the Grammys.

Why it matters

The KPop Demon Hunters Oscar wins represent a significant breakthrough for Korean pop culture, which has long been marginalized in mainstream American entertainment despite its global popularity and influence. The film's success signals Hollywood's growing embrace of diverse storytelling and international creative voices.

The details

KPop Demon Hunters, which follows two fictional K-pop bands, was a major hit on Netflix, surpassing the platform's previous viewership record held by Red Notice. The film's Oscar wins included best animated feature, accepted by co-directors Kang and Chris Appelhans, and best original song "Golden", performed live at the ceremony by the film's voice cast. In their acceptance speeches, the filmmakers celebrated the significance of Korean representation and encouraged young global artists to tell their own stories.

  • KPop Demon Hunters was released on Netflix in September 2025.
  • The 98th Academy Awards ceremony took place on March 16, 2026.
  • "Golden" won best song written for visual media at the 2026 Grammy Awards.

The players

Maggie Kang

Co-director and writer of KPop Demon Hunters, who became the first person of South Korean descent to win the Oscar for best animated feature.

Michelle Wong

Producer of KPop Demon Hunters, who also became the first person of South Korean descent to win the Oscar for best animated feature.

Chris Appelhans

Co-director of KPop Demon Hunters, who accepted the Oscar for best animated feature alongside Kang and Wong.

Ejae, Audrey Nuna, Rei Ami

Singers who voice the K-pop bands HUNTR/X in KPop Demon Hunters and performed the Oscar-winning song "Golden" at the ceremony.

Yu Han Lee, Joong Gyu Kwak, Hee Dong Nam, Jeong Hoon Seo

Songwriters who won the Oscar for best song written for visual media for "Golden" from KPop Demon Hunters, the first K-pop track to ever win that award.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“To all the fans who got us here and for all of those who look like me, sorry that it took us so long to see us in a movie like this. This is for Korea and for Koreans everywhere.”

— Maggie Kang, Co-director and writer, KPop Demon Hunters

“The power of storytelling is in its ability to connect us as humans across cultures and borders. I encourage all the young filmmakers, artists, musicians in all corners of the globe - tell your story, sing in your voice. I promise you the world is waiting.”

— Chris Appelhans, Co-director, KPop Demon Hunters

What’s next

The success of KPop Demon Hunters is expected to open more doors for Korean artists and storytellers in Hollywood, paving the way for greater representation and acceptance of Korean pop culture on the global stage.

The takeaway

The historic Oscar wins for KPop Demon Hunters mark a watershed moment for Korean pop culture, demonstrating its immense global appeal and influence. This triumph signals a shift in the American entertainment industry's embrace of diverse voices and international creative talent.