Blackpink's Rose vs Sumi Jo: Who really made Korean Grammy history? Fan wars rage after 2026 nominations

When is it not a war in the K-Pop world?

Well, this one was predicted. After the Grammys 2026 nominations where Blackpink’s Rose scored a triple nod with Bruno Mars for their chirpy APT, the common tweet began to spread  that she was the first Korean soloist to earn a nomination. Fans started questioning it immediately, and noted that Sumi Jo, was the first Korean solo singer and first to win a Grammy Award, which she received in 1993.

Enter Sumi Jo: Korea’s Opera Legend

Before jumping to conclusions, it’s worth remembering Sumi Jo, the South Korean lyric coloratura soprano. Born in 1962, she is a Grammy Award-winning opera singer, celebrated for her bel canto performances. She won her Grammy in 1993 as part of an ensemble for Best Opera Recording for Richard Strauss’ Die Frau ohne Schatten.

Fans quickly pointed out the distinction: while Sumi Jo was the first Korean woman to win a Grammy, her award was for opera and as part of a group, not a solo pop nomination.

A community note was also added to the tweets: As per the Recording Academy’s official records, Sumi Jo’s Grammy was awarded as part of an ensemble for Best Opera Recording, not as a soloist. Therefore, Rose is recognised as the first Korean soloist to receive an individual Grammy nomination. “Sumi Jo is the first Korean woman, but she is not considered a pop soloist. She’s a Soprano who won the award for Best Opera Recording,” a fan lashed out.

Fury broke loose as Blackpink fans rose up in defence of Rose, with BTS getting dragged of course.

“All this time ARMYs have been spreading fairy tales for 4 years straight that BTS paved the way,” accusing the ARMY’s of lying about BTS getting the Grammy nomination. Others hit back, explaining that BTS fans had already acknowledged Sumi Jo’s achievements before, and shared screenshots. 

Not a single calm day when you’re a K-Pop fan, is there?