The animated film KPop Demon Hunters has taken the music world by storm with its breakout hit Golden. The song recently claimed the number one spot on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
This song, performed by the fictional K-pop girl group Huntr/x, blends Korean and English lyrics. It has become a symbol of this summer’s musical breakthrough.
KPOP DEMON HUNTERS’ MUSICAL INFLUENCE
The track’s success marks several milestones: it is the first number one in America by a female K-pop act and the first such hit outside of BTS’s influence, according to Slate.
Golden has racked up nearly 32 million streams in a single week, an impressive feat that reflects the growing impact of K-pop globally.
As Korean co-director Maggie Kang explained, the film cleverly integrates music into its storyline rather than using it as mere filler.
OTHER HIT SONGS
The movie tracks the adventures of Huntr/x’s members, who moonlight as demon hunters protecting humanity.
Alongside Golden, the film’s soundtrack has produced multiple hit tracks. The fictional rival boy band Saja Boys’ song Your Idol also reached the top ten on the Hot 100.
The album itself has climbed to number two on the Billboard 200 chart. This success forms a virtuous cycle with streaming, viewership of the movie on Netflix, and music consumption driving each other.
Ejae, one of the real artists providing vocals for Huntr/x and co-writing Golden, said, “It feels like I’m riding a wave for the first time and a massive swell just hit.”
NETFLIX AND KPOP DEMON HUNTERS
Netflix’s KPop Demon Hunters has become its fourth most-watched film. There are talks underway for possible sequels, aiming to replicate the runaway success of Disney’s Frozen.
The song’s inspiring anthem, “We’re goin’ up, up, up!”, carries a message of empowerment and unity that resonates universally.
THE INFLUENCE OF KOREAN POP MUSIC
As Martin Talbot, CEO of the UK Official Charts, put it, “this summer belongs to K-pop’s stars.” They are increasingly challenging established norms and expanding their reach far beyond Asia.
The rise of Huntr/x and Golden is proof that new, imaginative forms of pop can unite diverse audiences, even in challenging times.
This is a story of musical innovation, global collaboration, and unexpected triumph born from animated imagination.
HAVE YOU WATCHED ‘KPOP DEMON HUNTERS’ ON NETFLIX? IF SO, WHAT DID YOU THINK?
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