Netflix confirmed that Golden, one of the tracks featured in KPop Demon Hunters, has been submitted for consideration at the 2026 Academy Awards. The song is performed by EJAE, Audrey Nuna, and Rei Ami as the voices of HUNTR/X group members Rumi, Mira, and Zoey, respectively. EJAE (real name Kim Eun-jae) co-wrote the track with American composer Mark Sonnenblick.
If it makes the shortlist, Golden would become the first K-pop song to be nominated for an Oscar. It would make KPop Demon Hunters the first animated film to get a nomination in four years, since Lin-Manuel Miranda’s Dos Oruguitas from Encanto.
It would also make EJAE the second songwriter of Korean descent to receive an Oscar nomination. Singer-songwriter Karen O’s became the first when The Moon Song from the film Her scored a nomination for Best Original Song.
Why This Matters Now
A nomination for Golden would obviously be a win for Netflix and the Demon Hunters creative team. It also sends a message that a K-pop song is worthy of even being considered for one of the biggest awards in the entertainment industry.
For years, K-pop has been treated as a niche genre, celebrated mostly in fan circles or on social media. But as the genre goes global, we’re seeing more Korean artists featured in different mediums like TV, film, even video games. If a K-pop song from an animated film can break through at the Oscars, it could lead to more crossovers.
It’s also a big win for animated films. Despite the success of projects like Encanto, Coco, and Frozen, animation is still often seen as “lesser” in awards spaces. A nomination for Golden could push the Academy to give animated projects some much needed recognition.
A Doorway for Future Soundtracks
There’s also a domino effect worth considering. If Golden gets the nomination, it wouldn’t be surprising to see more K-pop artists recruited for film soundtracks. And if audiences respond well, it could become more common to see Korean-language songs take center stage in big international productions.
The success of past Korean artists like BTS and BLACKPINK has proven that the language barrier hasn’t stopped K-pop from resonating with American audiences. A potential Oscar nomination would only drive that point home.
So… Could Golden Actually Get Nominated?
It’s hard to say. The Best Original Song category is unpredictable, often preferring songs written by established songwriters with the occasional left-field pick.
Golden could stand out as both a crowd-pleaser and an entry that defined the status quo. Especially if the Academy is hoping to present itself as an institution that’s serious about promoting diversity and inclusivity.
Whether or not Golden scores a nomination, its Oscar bid matters. It’s a sign that Hollywood is starting to recognize what fans have known for years. That K-pop is art and that it’s here to stay.
