UPDATE: The original soundtrack “Golden” from Netflix’s blockbuster animated film KPop Demon Hunters has officially soared to No. 6 on the Billboard Hot 100, marking a historic moment for virtual K-pop artists. This unprecedented achievement, announced just moments ago, showcases the incredible popularity of the fictional girl group Huntrix, whose track has surged an astonishing 17 spots from last week.
Streaming numbers for “Golden” are nothing short of staggering, with the song racking up 18.8 million streams—a remarkable rise of 39% from the previous week. Additionally, it garnered 950,000 airplay impressions and 3,000 digital downloads. This sweeping success has also seen “Golden” dominate both the Billboard Global 200 and Global Excl. US charts, marking the first time a virtual artist has topped both global charts since their introduction in 2020.
The soundtrack’s influence doesn’t stop there. Another track, “Takedown,” featuring real-life K-pop sensations Jeongyeon, Jihyo, and Chaeyoung from the group Twice, has made its debut at No. 86 on the Hot 100.
The animated musical KPop Demon Hunters follows Huntrix, a girl group that secretly battles malevolent spirits threatening humanity. As they contend with their rivals, the demon-born boy group Saja Boys, the film unravels dark secrets that captivate audiences worldwide. Released last month by Sony Pictures Animation, KPop Demon Hunters has quickly become a viral sensation, topping Netflix’s global film rankings and igniting trends on TikTok, where fans recreate choreography and share reactions in videos that have amassed hundreds of millions of views.
Industry experts credit the soundtrack’s chart-topping performance to a powerhouse production team, including renowned producers like Teddy Park, known for his work with Blackpink and Bigbang, as well as BTS collaborator Lindgren. Contributions from other talented composers at The Black Label further enhance the album’s appeal.
In a significant move, Netflix plans to submit “Golden” for consideration in the Best Original Song category at the upcoming Academy Awards, as reported by Variety and Billboard. This ambitious step could elevate the track’s visibility even further, making it a defining moment in music history.
Stay tuned as this story continues to develop, and follow along for updates on the impact of KPop Demon Hunters and its groundbreaking soundtrack.
