Will the 2026 Grammy Awards see K-pop artists win for the first time?

K-pop's presence at the Grammys is historically undercelebrated, though this year marks a significant shift with nominations in the major categories. Rosé’s song "APT." is nominated for Record of the Year, a first for a K-pop artist in this field. The Song of the Year category also features K-pop nominees, including "APT." and the fictional group HUNTR/X's song "Golden." Additionally, Katseye, a group formed by HYBE, has received a nomination for Best New Artist. Experts debate whether these nominations truly represent K-pop or a more hybridized, globally-marketed version. Some argue these artists are recognized due to their mainstream appeal and significant English lyric content, rather than pure K-pop production. The lack of major hits in the U.S. music market this year may also have contributed to external recognition. While some believe a K-pop win is inevitable, others are uncertain, particularly regarding the definition of "K-pop" in these nominations. The 68th Grammy Awards will air on February 1st.