K-pop being nominated for the Grammy Awards main prize is a historic event. Rosé of BLACKPINK and the Netflix animation "K-Pop Demon Hunters" (hereafter "KDH") were named as main prize nominees at the Grammy Awards, the most prestigious music awards ceremony in the United States, on the 8th. They were the first K-pop artists to be nominated in the "General Fields" category. This is the first time they have been nominated in the categories of Song of the Year, Record of the Year, Album of the Year, and Best New Artist.

Rosé's "Applause" was nominated in three categories: Song of the Year, Record of the Year, and Best Pop Duo/Group Performance. The OST "Golden" from "KDH" was nominated in five categories, including Song of the Year, Best Pop Duo/Group Performance, and Best Song Written for Visual Media.

The U.S. media showed great interest in K-pop's nomination for the Grammy Awards main prize. Forbes reported, "K-pop has historically been overlooked at the Grammys. Despite being a global phenomenon for 10 years, it was not properly represented." BTS was nominated for Best Pop Duo/Group Performance for three consecutive years (63rd to 65th Grammy Awards) but did not win. Forbes stated, "BTS was the only nominee, but that is no longer the case. The nominations of 'Applause' and 'Golden' are historic but not surprising." The outlet explained, "These two songs were among the most successful during the eligibility period for Grammy nominations."

The LA Times emphasized that K-pop artists were nominated in major Grammy categories, suggesting that K-pop is beginning to be recognized as mainstream pop music. The outlet reported, "The Grammy voters are indicating that they evaluate K-pop not just as a fandom-driven phenomenon but for its artistic value. It is recognized as an important part of pop music."

Gold Derby pointed out that K-pop had not been properly evaluated by the Recording Academy in the past and that BTS fans had also been overlooked. The outlet reported, "After a long wait, K-pop has found a breakthrough at the Grammy Awards. Millions of K-pop fans erupted in joy."

The UK's BBC reported on Rosé, saying, "Rosé is a member of BLACKPINK who has achieved tremendous success. She is the first K-pop idol to be nominated in the Grammy Awards' 'Big 4' categories." Rosé won Song of the Year at the U.S. 2025 MTV Video Music Awards last September, marking the first time for a K-pop singer. BLACKPINK also won Best Group, achieving a double victory.

"Applause" held the No. 1 spot on the Billboard Global 200 chart for 12 consecutive weeks and topped the Global (excluding U.S.) chart for 19 weeks. It also reached the top of various national charts. On the Billboard main singles chart, the Hot 100, it peaked at No. 3, setting a record as the highest-ranking Korean female solo artist. It remained on the chart for 45 weeks, ranking 43rd last week.

"Golden" from "KDH" held the No. 1 position on the UK Official Chart for 8 weeks and achieved the same record on the Billboard Hot 100. This song achieved overwhelming success as an animation OST.

The 68th Grammy Awards will be held on February 1 next year (local time) in Los Angeles, USA. At this ceremony, Cats Eye was also nominated for Best New Artist and Best Pop Duo/Group Performance. The nomination of K-pop for the main prize is expected to serve as an opportunity for K-pop artists to gain greater recognition in the global music market in the future.