KPop Demon Hunters’ hit song reaches the top of the Billboard charts
Golden, the breakout track from the animated film KPop Demon Hunters, has made its mark by reaching number one on the prestigious Billboard Hot 100 chart. The film, which centers around K-pop girl band Huntr/x who utilize music to safeguard humans from demons, has garnered immense popularity since its debut on Netflix in June. Directed by Korean-Canadian filmmaker Maggie Kang, the movie has distinguished itself by seamlessly incorporating music into its narrative, thereby enhancing the storytelling experience rather than being a mere commercial ploy.
The track, performed by Audrey Nuna, Ejae, and Rei Ami, has captured the hearts of listeners worldwide, amassing nearly 32 million official streams in the initial week of August. Its success marks the ninth occasion a K-pop song has claimed the top spot on the Hot 100 chart and the first time female vocalists have achieved this milestone. Additionally, the song Your Idol by Saja Boys, the fictional rivals of Huntr/x in the movie, has also enjoyed commercial triumph by securing the eighth position on the Hot 100 chart and topping the US Spotify charts in July, surpassing renowned K-pop acts like BTS and Blackpink.
In a significant achievement, Golden ascended to the number one spot on the Official UK Singles Chart, following in the footsteps of K-pop legend Psy’s Gangnam Style in 2012. As Official Charts CEO Martin Talbot noted, this achievement represents a landmark moment for the K-pop genre, which continues to captivate audiences globally. The success of Golden underscores K-pop’s growing influence and popularity, positioning it as a formidable force in the music industry.
Ejae, who co-wrote and performed Golden, expressed her astonishment at the track’s overwhelming success, likening it to “surfing for the first time and encountering a massive wave.” The unexpected triumph of the song has resonated with fans and critics alike, solidifying the undeniable impact of K-pop music on the global music landscape.
Moreover, KPop Demon Hunters has not only enjoyed musical triumph but has also become a massive hit for Netflix, ranking as the platform’s fourth-most watched movie of all time within weeks of its release. Reports suggest that Netflix is contemplating transforming the film into a franchise with multiple sequels, aiming to replicate the enormous success of Disney’s Frozen. The film’s fusion of captivating storytelling, vibrant visuals, and infectious music has struck a chord with audiences of all ages, establishing it as a cultural phenomenon in the realm of animation.
Overall, the success of Golden and the film KPop Demon Hunters underscore the growing influence and global appeal of K-pop music and culture, solidifying its position as a dominant force in the entertainment industry. As audiences continue to embrace the captivating melodies and compelling narratives of K-pop, the genre’s prominence and impact are set to reach new heights in the years to come.