What are the 'big four' Grammy categories?

The 'big four' Grammy categories are Record of the Year, Song of the Year, Best New Artist, and Best Pop Duo/Group Performance.

Which K-pop artists are nominated for the 2026 Grammys?

Rosé, HUNTR/X (performing 'Golden'), and Katseye have received nominations, marking a historic moment for K-pop at the awards.

Why is K-pop's Grammy recognition debated?

The debate centers on whether the nominated songs, often featuring English lyrics and global appeal, truly represent traditional K-pop or a hybridized international sound.

Home / Arts and Entertainment / K-Pop Grammys: Milestone or Mimicry?

K-Pop Grammys: Milestone or Mimicry?

14 Jan

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Summary

K-pop artists nominated for the first time in Grammy's 'big four' categories.
Nominations feature English lyrics and global appeal, sparking debate.
Experts question if these are true K-pop or a 'de-territorialized' concept.

K-pop's presence at the Grammy Awards is evolving, with artists receiving nominations in the prestigious 'big four' categories for the first time in the upcoming ceremony. Rosé, known from Blackpink, is nominated for Record of the Year, while the fictional group HUNTR/X and HYBE's creation Katseye are recognized in other major categories. This marks a significant shift for K-pop's institutional recognition.

However, the nature of these nominations is sparking debate among experts. Some argue that acts like Rosé's "APT." and Katseye, while developed within the K-pop system, feature significant English lyrics and a globalized sound, leading to questions of whether they represent K-pop or a more hybridized concept. The inclusion of these acts could reflect a broader trend of K-pop's mainstream integration.

Experts suggest that the increased English lyrical content and mainstream appeal, exemplified by collaborations and international productions, are key factors in these Grammy nods. This moment is seen by some as overdue recognition for K-pop's global influence, while others view it as a sign of the U.S. music industry seeking external hits amid a perceived slowdown in domestic releases.