HUNTR/X Becomes First K-Pop Act to Win Billboard Women of the Year

The three singers behind HUNTR/X's viral phenomenon have officially rewritten music history. Billboard announced on March 11 that EJAE, Audrey Nuna, and Rei AMI will receive the 2026 Women of the Year award at Billboard Women in Music, making them the first K-pop act ever to claim the title.

The honor also marks the first time the award has been shared collectively by a group. The trio will accept the prize at the Hollywood Palladium on April 29, joining fellow 2026 honorees Teyana Taylor, Tate McRae, Ella Langley, Kehlani, Laufey, Mariah the Scientist, Thalia, and Zara Larsson. Keke Palmer will host and perform at the ceremony, which will stream live on Billboard's YouTube channel.

From Soundtrack to Global Domination

The recognition caps a year that nobody, including the singers themselves, could have predicted. When Netflix dropped KPop Demon Hunters in June 2025, the Sony Pictures Animation film became an instant phenomenon, eventually claiming the title of the streamer's most-watched program of all time. But it was the soundtrack that proved equally massive.

Their single "Golden" spent eight weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, becoming the first ever chart-topper by a female K-pop act on the main chart. The song held the top spot on the Billboard Global 200 for 18 weeks, tying for the longest run since the chart's 2020 debut. Across all platforms, the trio has amassed nearly 15 billion streams.

Awards Season Sweep

"Golden" has dominated the 2025-2026 awards circuit with a historic run. The song won the Grammy Award for Best Song Written for Visual Media, becoming the first K-pop track to take home a Grammy. It also claimed the Golden Globe for Best Original Song and is nominated for this Sunday's Academy Awards. The film itself swept all 10 Annie Award categories it was nominated in.

"We are incredibly proud to honor EJAE, AUDREY NUNA and REI AMI as Billboard's Women of the Year," said Leila Cobo, Billboard's co-chief content officer. "In a year marked by record-breaking achievements, major awards, and extraordinary global success, they have not only dominated the charts, but also redefined what it means to be powerful women in this industry and on the world stage."

Three Paths, One Voice

What makes this win remarkable is how different each artist's journey has been. EJAE spent 12 years as an SM Entertainment trainee before pivoting to songwriting, penning hits for Red Velvet and aespa before lending her voice to HUNTR/X leader Rumi. Audrey Nuna, the youngest of the three at 26, built a following through viral singles like "Damn Right" and "Comic Sans" featuring Jack Harlow before voicing the group's fearless Mira. Rei AMI, who voices rapper Zoey, broke through on TikTok via Sub Urban's "Freak" before carving her own path in alternative R&B.

They're now being honored alongside a legacy list that includes Doechii, Karol G, SZA, Olivia Rodrigo, Cardi B, Billie Eilish, Ariana Grande, and Taylor Swift. The company they're joining speaks to how completely KPop Demon Hunters has broken through from animated film soundtrack to genuine pop culture force.

What's Next

The Oscars delivered on March 15. "Golden" won Best Original Song at the 2026 Academy Awards, making it the first K-pop song to win an Oscar. KPop Demon Hunters also took Best Animated Feature, completing the most decorated awards sweep in K-pop history. Netflix has already confirmed a sequel with original directors Maggie Kang and Chris Appelhans returning. Whether the real-life singers will contribute to the second film's soundtrack hasn't been announced, but given this year's results, there's little reason to change the formula.

The Billboard Women in Music 2026 ceremony takes place April 29 at the Hollywood Palladium in Los Angeles. Tickets and tables are available through Billboard.