Golden, the standout song from Netflix’s animated hit KPop Demon Hunters, has soared to the number one position on the Billboard Hot 100, marking another milestone for the summer sensation. The track’s success makes it the first K-pop song by female singers to claim the top spot, and only the ninth K-pop song overall to achieve this feat.
Netflix’s animated phenomenon
The film follows the adventures of Huntr/x, a fictional K-pop girl group who use music to protect humanity from demons. Released in June, it has since become Netflix’s most-watched animated film, with its soundtrack playing a key role in its popularity.
According to Billboard, Golden drew nearly 32 mln official streams in the first week of August. Co-director Maggie Kang, a Korean-Canadian filmmaker, said the goal was to create music that was «really incredible» and genuinely resonated with K-pop fans, fitting seamlessly into the genre.
Multiple tracks hitting the charts
The film’s music success extends beyond Golden. Rival group Saja Boys’ track Your Idol entered the Hot 100 at number eight. Both songs also topped US Spotify charts in July, outperforming global K-pop heavyweights BTS and Blackpink.
Earlier this month, Golden reached number one on the UK Singles Chart, becoming only the second K-pop single to do so, following Psy’s Gangnam Style in 2012. Official Charts CEO Martin Talbot hailed it as «another landmark moment» for K-pop’s global dominance.
Sung by Ejae, Audrey Nuna and Rei Ami, Golden debuted at number 81 on July 5, before steadily rising to the top. Ejae, who co-wrote the track, said the team knew it was going to be a «banger» but admitted the scale of its success was unexpected:
«It’s like I’m surfing for the first time and a big wave just came through.»
From hit film to potential franchise
KPop Demon Hunters has not only dominated music charts but also Netflix’s viewing rankings, becoming its fourth most-watched film ever within weeks. US media reports suggest the streaming giant is already exploring sequels, aiming to build a franchise that could rival Disney’s Frozen.
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