“Golden” OST from Netflix’s Most-Watched Film Ever, “KPop Demon Hunters,” Claims 8 Consecutive Billboard No. 1 Spots

Netflix’s most-watched animated film to date, “KPop Demon Hunters,” continues to be a global phenomenon over four months after its release. With cumulative views exceeding 325 million, it has surpassed “Squid Game” to become Netflix’s most-viewed title in history. The film’s OST, “Golden,” made history by staying at the top of the Billboard Hot 100 for 8 consecutive weeks. It became the longest-running song at number one for an animated artist since “Sugar Sugar” by the 1960s band The Archies. Additionally, the fact that four songs from the film simultaneously entered the Billboard Top 10 is a achievement even musical films like “Saturday Night Fever” have not reached. “Golden” has received a platinum record certification, and multiple tracks from it made it onto the Billboard 200 chart. The film will continue to have theatrical re releases. After the singalong version topped the U.S. box office in August, generating $19 million, it will be shown again during Halloween weekend from October 31 to November 2 in theaters across the globe, including around 400 AMC theaters, as well as in the UK, Ireland, South Korea, Spain, Germany, the Netherlands, Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, Chile, Australia, and New Zealand. This marks the first commercial partnership between Netflix and AMC Entertainment in several years. In South Korea, Everland will host the “KPop Demon Hunters Singalong Fireworks Show” nightly at its Four Seasons Garden until the end of the year. The approximately 11-minute fireworks display features the film’s OSTs “Golden,” “How It’s Done,” “Soda Pop,” and “Your Idol,” played through a 24-meter long and 11-meter high giant LED screen along with an immersive sound system. Everland opened a “KPop Demon Hunters” themed zone last month on the 26th, offering various attractions such as photo zones, mission games, and videos. Work is also underway on a sequel. Director Maggie Kang said in a BBC interview, “I don’t have anything official to share, but it’s clear we and the characters in this universe can do more together.” She added that the sequel will be “something we’ll want to see,” implying plans to expand on the backstories of main characters Rumi’s friend Joy and Mira. Awards contention for the Oscar is also generating excitement. The film holds a 95% positive rating on Rotten Tomatoes, and according to Gold Derby predictions, it has now overtaken “Zootopia 2” and “Elio” to become a strong contender for Best Animated Feature. The production team plans to submit “Golden” for the Original Song award, while considering “Your Idol” and “What It Sounds Like” for the other two spots. Director Chris Appelhans joked, “Just by looking at the film’s title, it seems like it’s aiming for the Oscars, doesn’t it?” Meanwhile, Director Maggie Kang firmly ruled out a live-action adaptation. She explained, “There’s too much tone and comedy tailored to animation, so it would be difficult to turn it into a live-action film. It might feel too realistic.” The role of fans is cited as a key factor behind the film’s success. Director Kang said, “Fans are a generation that enjoys creating content, and the materials they produced acted like free advertising, spreading word about the film widely.” She also noted that K-pop fans and animation enthusiasts quickly embraced the film, with various audience groups starting to connect with it after the third week of release.