KPOP Demon Hunters Sets Netflix Streaming Record; Recognized Globally at Golden Globe, Grammy, and TIME

Netflix’s animated film based on K-POP, “KPOP Demon Hunters,” has achieved the highest streaming performance in the platform’s history, emerging as a global cultural phenomenon. Since its release on Netflix on June 20, the film has accumulated 325.1 million views over 91 days, setting the best-ever record for Netflix films and series combined. It surpassed 325 million views within the first three months and managed to enter the top 10 rankings in 93 countries. This work, which depicts Rumi, Mira, and Joy — exorcists who defeat evil spirits through music and members of the K-POP girl group HUNTR/X — has also received high praise at international award ceremonies. At the 83rd Golden Globe Awards, it was nominated in three categories: Best Animated Film, Song of the Year, and Cinematic or Box Office Achievement. In particular, the theme song “Golden” was additionally nominated in a music category, acknowledging the film’s musical accomplishments. The soundtrack became the second-most-streamed album on Spotify in 2025 and received five nominations at the Grammy Awards. “Golden” was included as a candidate for Song of the Year and Best Pop Duo/Group Performance. During a singalong event held at a Brooklyn theater in November, adult audiences accompanied by their children sang along to the film, demonstrating its most widespread cultural impact among animated movies since “Frozen” in 2013. The film was nominated for a Rotten Tomatoes award and was also selected as TIME’s “Breakthrough of the Year.” The film’s directors, Maggie Kang and Chris Appelhaus, along with producer Michelle Wong, said, “We are grateful to everyone who supported our vision over the past seven years, and it’s hard to believe this global cultural impact has become a reality.” Former K-POP trainees Jay, Annie, Nana, and Lay — who provide the vocals for HUNTR/X — have been promoting the film by appearing on events such as Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, Saturday Night Live, and Jimmy Fallon’s show. “Golden” was also played during the Changing of the Guard ceremony at Buckingham Palace in the UK. Despite competition from major entertainment events like Olympic competitions and the re-release of “Frozen,” the film continues to hold a top position on the Netflix platform. It is expanding its global fanbase through two spin-off books and a theatrical singalong version.