The 98th Academy Awards will be remembered not only for the glitz, glamour, and iconic wins but also for a moment that sparked widespread debate online, highlighting the ongoing tension between recognition and airtime. Among the most historic moments of the evening was the win for Best Original Song, awarded to “Golden,” the chart-topping track from the 2025 animated film KPop Demon Hunters. The film itself had already claimed the Oscar for Best Animated Feature earlier in the ceremony, marking a monumental night for its creators and the fictional girl group HUNTR/X, whose popularity had soared to unprecedented heights since the film’s Netflix debut on June 20, 2025.

With over 500 million streams on the platform and eight consecutive weeks atop the Billboard Hot 100, the cultural impact of KPop Demon Hunters was undeniable. Fans around the globe were thrilled to see a K-pop group, even a fictional one, break barriers at the Academy Awards, a milestone that resonated deeply with both K-pop enthusiasts and advocates for greater international representation in Hollywood. Yet, despite the record-breaking achievements and the emotional gravity of the wins, the evening took a controversial turn that left viewers divided and social media abuzz with outrage.