K-pop has finally broken through one of the biggest barriers in the American music industry — the Grammy Awards. For the first time ever, K-pop artists have been nominated in the main categories, also known as the “General Fields.”
On November 7 (local time), the Recording Academy revealed the final nominees for the 68th Grammy Awards, and K-pop made history. BLACKPINK’s Rosé and Netflix’s K-pop Demon Hunters are among the nominees, marking a major milestone for the genre.
Rosé scored three nominations, including Song of the Year and Record of the Year, for her global hit APT. Meanwhile, the OST Golden from K-pop Demon Hunters earned five nominations, also including Song of the Year. The song was written, composed, and performed by E Jae, a former SM Entertainment trainee turned singer-songwriter.
HYBE’s global girl group KATSEYE also earned two nominations, including the prestigious Best New Artist category, further cementing K-pop’s presence on the Grammy stage.
This is the first time in history that K-pop artists have been nominated in the Grammys’ General Fields. Previously, BTS was the only K-pop act to receive nominations, earning three consecutive nods for Best Pop Duo/Group Performance at the 63rd to 65th ceremonies, though they did not win. Now, with Rosé, Golden, and KATSEYE filling three of the five spots in this category, many believe K-pop could finally take home a Grammy.
The Grammys, hosted annually since 1959 by the Recording Academy — a group of music experts, producers, and critics — are known for valuing artistry over commercial success. Even being nominated is considered a huge honor.
So far, only two Koreans have ever won a Grammy: soprano Jo Sumi (1993) and recording engineer Hwang Byung Jun (2012 and 2016).
The historic K-pop nominations have drawn praise from U.S. media. Forbes reported, “Even though K-pop has been a global phenomenon, it has long been overlooked by the Grammys. Until now, BTS was the only name recognized. The nominations for APT. and Golden are historic — and not at all surprising.”
K-pop’s milestone at the Grammys shows that the genre is finally being recognized on the world’s biggest music stage.
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