KPop Demon Hunters’ “Golden” Tops Billboard Hot 100, Marks Historic K-Pop Milestone

Published Time: 08-12-2025, 15:00

The animated Netflix film KPop Demon Hunters has set new records with its breakout hit single “Golden” reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The song’s success highlights the film’s growing global influence and the expanding reach of K-pop music beyond traditional boundaries.

Netflix’s Animated Hit Dominates Streaming and Music Charts

KPop Demon Hunters, which tells the story of the K-pop girl group Huntr/x using music to battle demons, has become Netflix’s most-watched animated film since its June release. The film’s music, deeply integrated into its storyline, has resonated with viewers and listeners alike.

According to Billboard, “Golden” recorded nearly 32 million official streams in the first week of August, propelling it to the top spot on the Hot 100. This achievement makes it the ninth K-pop song to ever reach number one on the chart, and notably, the first by female performers.

The track is performed by Ejae, Audrey Nuna, and Rei Ami, with Ejae also credited as a co-writer. The song debuted at number 81 on July 5, steadily climbing the charts over the following weeks.

Music Woven Seamlessly Into Storytelling

Maggie Kang, Korean-Canadian co-director of KPop Demon Hunters, told the BBC that unlike many animated films where music serves as mere filler, the soundtrack here plays a crucial narrative role.

“The music was woven into the narrative in a way that enhanced it rather than distracted,” Kang said, highlighting the film’s unique approach to integrating its soundtrack with storytelling.

Another notable track from the movie, “Your Idol” by fictional rivals Saja Boys, also achieved commercial success, reaching number eight on the Billboard Hot 100. Both “Golden” and “Your Idol” surpassed popular real-world K-pop bands BTS and Blackpink on US Spotify charts shortly after the film’s release.

Global Impact and UK Chart Success

Earlier in August, “Golden” climbed to the top of the Official UK Singles Chart, making it only the second K-pop single to achieve this after Psy’s 2012 global hit “Gangnam Style.” Martin Talbot, CEO of the Official Charts Company, called this a landmark moment for K-pop’s global influence.

“This will forever be the summer of Oasis for many, but K-pop’s superstars are certainly giving the Gallaghers a run for their money,” Talbot remarked, referring to the British band Oasis.

Artist Reflections on the Song’s Success

Ejae expressed surprise at the overwhelming response to “Golden,” though the team always believed in the song’s potential.

“It’s like I’m surfing for the first time and a big wave just came through,” Ejae told BBC Newsbeat, reflecting on the rapid rise of the hit single.

Prospects for a Franchise

The success of KPop Demon Hunters extends beyond music. Netflix reports the film quickly became its fourth-most watched movie of all time within weeks of release. Sources in the US suggest the streaming giant is considering developing KPop Demon Hunters into a franchise with multiple sequels, aiming to replicate the runaway success of Disney’s Frozen series.