The 68th annual awards ceremony will take place at the Crypto.com Arena on the evening of 1/2 Los Angeles time (morning of 2/2 Hanoi time). This year, the Korean music scene garners attention as it features representatives competing in the general field for the first time: record of the year (Rose's APT.), song of the year (Golden - soundtrack from Kpop Demon Hunters, APT.), and best new artist (Katseye - a multinational group managed by HYBE in South Korea).

The aforementioned songs and artists also made it into several other categories, setting a new record for Kpop with 10 potential wins. In 2021, BTS became the first Korean artist to enter the Grammy race, competing for best pop duo/group performance for their single "Dynamite." Two years later, the group was featured in the album of the year list, but as collaborators for Coldplay's single "Music of the Spheres." However, BTS has not yet been named a winner.

Katseye members primarily operate in the international market. This year, the group is nominated for best new artist and best pop duo/group performance. *Photo: Instagram/ Katseye*

According to Korea Herald, this is Kpop's closest opportunity to secure its first Grammy award, particularly with APT. and Golden. Speaking to the news outlet on 30/1, critic Lim Hee-yun believes both have a strong chance of winning due to their consistent high rankings on international music charts and widespread appeal across all ages and genders. The expert also noted that Rose's hit is suitable for the best pop duo/group performance award because she and Bruno Mars perform almost equally.

Meanwhile, cultural critic Jung Deok-hyun pointed out a shift in Kpop's identity, which he considers a favorable factor. He remarked that the two songs reflect the genre's evolution, nearing global pop standards, making a Grammy win unsurprising.

Nevertheless, Jung considers Golden a stronger contender because music associated with film holds significant weight in the pop market. "If the Grammys value the song's role as a soundtrack, as well as a global cultural phenomenon, then this result will be very significant," he added.

The music video for "Golden." In the film, the track is a hit song by a female demon hunter group disguised as the band HUNTR/X. In real life, Korean-American singers EJAE, Audrey Nuna, and Rei Ami provide the vocals for the characters. *Video: Netflix*

Experts from AP offered varying perspectives on whether Kpop will make history at the upcoming event. According to Bernie Cho, president of DFSB Kollective management company, the issue is not whether they win, but who wins and how many awards they take home. Previously, he analyzed Rose, HUNTR/X, and Katseye as representing a form of "post-idol Kpop," meaning these singers are showcasing a globalized version.

These songs are not exclusively for Koreans, composed by domestic teams, or originating solely from South Korea; they have transcended national borders. "This is a tribute, a testament to the diversity and dynamism of this music genre," he stated.

The music video for "APT." by Rose and Bruno Mars. The song received three nominations this year, with expectations that it could make Rose the first Korean singer to win a Grammy. *Video: YouTube Rose*

Mathieu Berbiguier, a scholar of Korean studies at Carnegie Mellon University in the US, noted that this year's nominees differ from previous ones because their music demonstrates pop's widespread appeal. He also stated that it is very difficult to predict, but believes Golden could be honored.

Meanwhile, US music journalist Tamar Herman said this outcome may or may not happen, depending on how Kpop is evolving and defined. "After all, HUNTR/X is a fictional group from an animated film, not launched through the domestic music system. Does their victory equate to a Kpop triumph? This depends on one's perspective," she explained.

The music video for "Gabriela" by Katseye, one of the group's popular songs last year. *Video: YouTube/ Katseye*

The Grammys, first held in 1959, are awards organized by the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (NARAS) in the US, honoring artists who have made outstanding contributions to the music industry. The general field includes categories such as album of the year, record of the year, song of the year, best new artist, producer of the year, and songwriter of the year (the latter two are not for classical music).

This year, Rose, Lady Gaga, Bruno Mars, Justin Bieber, and Sabrina Carpenter are among the artists scheduled to perform. Trevor Noah will host the event for the sixth consecutive season. This will also be his final time hosting the event.

By Phuong Thao (according to AP, The Korea Herald)