The Historic Achievement of “Golden”
The summer anthem “Golden,” from the pop culture sensation KPop Demon Hunters, has made waves by becoming the first female K-pop act to top the Billboard Hot 100 chart. This milestone not only highlights the growing influence of K-pop on the global music scene but also marks a significant moment in music history. With this achievement, KPop Demon Hunters joins the ranks of iconic soundtracks, being the first fictional act to reach No. 1 since Encanto and the first female group to do so since Destiny’s Child in 2001.
Chart Dominance and Streaming Success
“Golden” has not only claimed the top spot on the Billboard Hot 100 but has also maintained its dominance across multiple charts. The song has achieved a remarkable streak at No. 1 on the Billboard Streaming Songs and the Billboard Global 200 charts. Its infectious melody and captivating lyrics have resonated with audiences worldwide, contributing to over three billion global streams to date. The soundtrack for KPop Demon Hunters has climbed to No. 2 on the Billboard 200, solidifying its position as the highest-charting soundtrack of the year. Furthermore, it has secured the title of the No. 1 Soundtrack Debut of 2025, marking a seventh consecutive week at the top of the Billboard Soundtracks chart.
The Phenomenon of KPop Demon Hunters
Released on Netflix on June 20th, KPop Demon Hunters has quickly become the most popular animated film on the platform, breaking records as the first original animated film to enter the Most Popular Movies List (English). The film follows the adventures of K-pop superstars Rumi, Mira, and Zoey, who, while selling out stadiums, lead double lives as fierce demon hunters. Their mission is to protect their fans from a looming supernatural threat, culminating in a showdown with a rival boy band of demons in disguise.
A Stellar Soundtrack
The soundtrack of KPop Demon Hunters features a collection of original songs crafted by a talented team of songwriters and producers, including Danny Chung, Ido, Vince, Kush, Ejae, Jenna Andrews, Stephen Kirk, Lindgren, Mark Sonnenblick, Daniel Rojas, and more. The production team, comprising Teddy Park, 24, Ido, Dominsuk, Lindgren, and Ian Eisendrath, has created a vibrant sound that complements the film’s energetic narrative. Notable performances include contributions from Ejae, Audrey Nuna, Rei Ami, Andrew Choi, Danny Chung, Kevin Woo, SamUIL Lee, Neckwav, and the legendary Lea Salonga. The soundtrack also features the original song “Takedown,” performed by Jeongyeon, Jihyo, and Chaeyoung from the renowned K-pop girl group, Twice.
Cultural Impact and Future Prospects
The success of “Golden” and the KPop Demon Hunters soundtrack reflects the increasing global appeal of K-pop, particularly among female artists. This achievement not only paves the way for future female acts in the genre but also showcases the potential for animated films to make significant cultural impacts. As audiences continue to embrace diverse musical styles and narratives, the influence of K-pop is likely to expand even further, setting the stage for more groundbreaking achievements in the music industry.
With its unique blend of music, animation, and storytelling, KPop Demon Hunters is not just a film; it’s a cultural phenomenon that resonates with fans around the world, proving that the power of music knows no boundaries.
