The animated film world has been electrified by the news that the Netflix original movie “K-Pop Demon Hunters” has secured two prestigious nominations for the 98th Academy Awards, scheduled for March 15, 2026.
This announcement, made by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences on January 22, marks a monumental achievement for a film that has already redefined the boundaries of animated storytelling and musical integration.
“K-Pop Demon Hunters” has been a cultural juggernaut since its release in June 2025, blending the vibrant aesthetics of the K-pop industry with a high-stakes supernatural thriller narrative.
These nominations serve as the ultimate validation of the film’s artistic excellence and its unprecedented global reach.
Record-Breaking Nominations: Animation and Music
The film was recognized in two major categories: Best Animated Feature and Best Original Song.
- Best Animated Feature: Co-directed by Korean-Canadian filmmaker Maggie Kang and American director Chris Appelhans, the film follows the story of K-pop superstars Rumi, Mira, and Zoey, who lead secret double lives as demon hunters. The nomination acknowledges the film’s innovative animation style, which seamlessly incorporates the high-energy choreography and visual flair of actual K-pop performances into a lushly designed supernatural world. It is set to compete against major titles like “Arco,” “Elio,” and “Zootopia 2.”
- Best Original Song: The hit track “Golden” was nominated in the music category, making history as the first K-pop style song to receive an Oscar nomination. Performed by the fictional group HUNTR/X (voiced by artists EJAE, Audrey Nuna, and Rei Ami), the song has become a global chart-topper, surpassing one billion views on YouTube and dominating the Billboard Soundtrack charts.
K-Pop Demon Hunters (Credit: YouTube)
A Trailblazing Awards Season
The Oscar nominations are the latest in a string of accolades for the project. Earlier in January 2026, “K-Pop Demon Hunters” won both Best Animated Film and Best Original Song at the Golden Globes and the Critics’ Choice Awards.
These wins are often seen as the primary indicators for Oscar success, placing the film as a frontrunner in its categories.
Furthermore, the soundtrack has received five Grammy Award nominations, including the prestigious Song of the Year.
The film’s success has been so immense that it reportedly dethroned “ Squid Game ” to become Netflix’s most-watched title of all time, amassing over 500 million views worldwide.
Impact and Cultural Significance
The significance of these nominations extends beyond just the film itself. For the K-pop industry, it represents a successful crossover into the highest tiers of Western cinematic recognition.
Director Maggie Kang’s nomination also marks a historic moment as she becomes the first Korean-Canadian director to achieve this level of Academy recognition.
The film’s narrative—which involves K-pop idols protecting their fans from literal demons—has resonated with audiences of all ages, creating a new “cultural phenomenon” that combines traditional animation with the modern global appeal of Hallyu.
Looking Toward the Ceremony
As the 98th Academy Awards approach on March 15, the entertainment world is watching to see if “K-Pop Demon Hunters” can secure a win and continue its “Golden” run.
The potential for a live performance of the nominated song during the Oscars broadcast has already generated massive buzz among fans.
Whether or not it takes home the statues, the film has already made history by proving that animated stories centered on K-pop can achieve universal critical and commercial success on a scale never seen before.
In a testament to their enduring global dominance, BTS has officially shattered their personal records with the upcoming release of their fifth full-length album, “ARIRANG.”
On January 23, 2026, album distributor YG PLUS revealed that the group had reached an unprecedented milestone in stock pre-orders, signaling what is likely to be the biggest musical event of the year.
This comeback is particularly significant as it represents the first full-group project from the septet in nearly four years, following a period of individual activities and military service fulfillments.
The massive demand for “ARIRANG” underscores the unwavering loyalty of the ARMY fanbase and the high anticipation for the group’s collective return to the music scene.
Breaking the 4 Million Milestone
According to the latest data from YG PLUS, “ARIRANG” recorded a staggering 4.06 million stock pre-orders as of January 22, 2026.
This feat is even more impressive considering it was achieved just one week after pre-orders officially opened on January 16.
Stock pre-orders represent the amount of album stock produced prior to the actual release date, calculated based on the demand from retail stores and early fan orders.
This figure officially marks the highest pre-order count in BTS’s legendary career. It effectively surpasses the previous record set by their 2020 fourth full-length album, “MAP OF THE SOUL : 7,” which had logged 3.42 million pre-orders within its first week.
Given that “MAP OF THE SOUL : 7” eventually went on to sell over 5 million copies according to Circle Chart, industry analysts are closely watching “ARIRANG” to see if it will become the best-selling album in South Korean history.
Anticipation for the Full-Group Return
The upcoming album “ARIRANG” is scheduled for a worldwide release on March 20, 2026, at 1 p.m. KST. It marks the group’s first full-length collective work in approximately three years and nine months, a gap that has only served to heighten the public’s hunger for new OT7 music.
The title itself, “Arirang,” refers to a traditional Korean folk song often considered the unofficial national anthem of Korea, suggesting that the album may explore themes of cultural identity, heritage, and the group’s journey on the world stage.
With nearly two months remaining until the official release date, the current pre-order numbers are expected to climb significantly.
Fans and critics alike are speculating on whether the final tally will cross the 5 or even 6 million mark before the album hits store shelves.
Global Impact and Industry Standing
The record-breaking pre-orders for “ARIRANG” arrive at a time when BTS members continue to dominate global charts individually.
Even during their hiatus from group activities, members have swept top spots on the Billboard World Albums Chart and various brand reputation rankings.
The synergy of their individual successes appears to have funneled back into the collective brand, creating a “perfect storm” for their 2026 comeback.
As March 20 approaches, the entertainment industry is bracing for a massive shift in market dynamics.
BTS’s return is expected to not only dominate domestic music shows and digital charts but also make a major impact on the Billboard 200 and Hot 100.
For now, the 4.06 million pre-orders serve as a clear message: BTS remains at the pinnacle of the global music industry, and their next chapter is set to be their most influential one yet.
ARMY around the world is currently counting down the days until they can hear the full narrative of “ARIRANG.”
