The animated fantasy KPop Demon Hunters created one of the most talked-about moments at the 98th Academy Awards, securing two major wins and cementing its place in entertainment history. The film blended high-energy K-pop music with Korean mythology, capturing global attention and becoming one of the standout stories of the Academy Awards ceremony.
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Historic Double Win at the Oscars
At the 2026 Oscars, KPop Demon Hunters won Best Animated Feature, beating strong competitors and showcasing the growing global influence of Asian storytelling in Hollywood animation. The film’s producers Maggie Kang, Chris Appelhans, and Michelle L. M. Wong accepted the award while celebrating the cultural inspiration behind the project.
KPop Demon Hunters: The movie also won Best Original Song for Golden, a powerful track that blends pop vocals with cinematic storytelling. Written by a team including Ejae, Mark Sonnenblick, and Teddy Park, the song made history as the first K-pop track to receive an Oscar.
A Unique Story Blending Music and Mythology
Released on Netflix in 2025, the animated feature tells the story of a fictional K-pop girl group that secretly protects the world from supernatural threats. By day they perform on stage, but behind the scenes they fight demons using the power of their voices.
The concept, inspired by elements of Korean folklore, struck a chord with audiences worldwide. Its vibrant animation style, catchy soundtrack, and action-packed storyline helped the film quickly become one of the platform’s most watched animated titles.
A Cultural Milestone for K-Pop and Animation
Before the Oscars, the song Golden had already gained recognition at major award shows, including the Golden Globe Awards and Critics’ Choice Awards. The film also received multiple honors at the Annie Awards, a key event for animation.
