Netflix’s “KPop Demon Hunters” Achieves Global Success; OST “Golden” Remains at No. 2 on Billboard for Fourth Consecutive Week

Netflix’s animated film “KPop Demon Hunters” has secured record-breaking success worldwide, reshaping the landscape of the music industry. Since its release in June, the film has attained the highest viewing numbers ever recorded for a Netflix movie, while its original soundtrack dominates various music charts. According to the U.S. Billboard Hot 100, released on the 18th, “Golden” maintained its position at No. 2 for the fourth straight week, demonstrating exceptional popularity. Notably, eight tracks from “KPop Demon Hunters” entered the chart simultaneously this week, with “Soda Pop” (No. 15), “Your Idol” (No. 24), “How It’s Done” (No. 27), “What It Sounds Like” (No. 32), “Take Down” (No. 43), and “Free” (No. 44) all ranking in the upper tiers. This marks the 19th consecutive week that eight tracks from the same OST have entered the chart at once, a feat rarely seen in K-pop history. “Golden” also retained its No. 1 spot on both the Billboard Global 200 and the Global (Excluding U.S.) charts, underscoring its international appeal. On Billboard’s main album chart, the “KPop Demon Hunters” OST reached No. 3, while the version of “Take Down” performed by TWICE members Jeongyeon, Jihyo, and Chaeyoung placed at No. 92. TOMORROW X TOGETHER’s Jungjun’s solo album “No Labels: Part 01” made its debut on the album chart at No. 10. “Golden” recently received the award for Best Song in the Animated Film category at the “2025 Hollywood Music in Media Awards” (HMMA), which evaluates music used in video content, marking its first honor in Hollywood. The song was composed and produced by Lee Jae, Teddy, IDO, and 24, with Lee Jae, Rumi, and O.de singing it in a combination of Korean and English. HMMA is a prestigious award show attended by officials from the Academy Awards and the Grammy Awards, and this win increases the likelihood of “Golden” being nominated for next year’s Grammy and Oscar awards. In fact, “Golden” became the first K-pop track to be nominated in five categories, including Song of the Year, at the 68th Grammy Awards, signaling a historic breakthrough for K-pop. The film has also sparked academic interest in Korean culture. Berklee College of Music in Boston, USA, offered a special weekly course titled “K-Pop and Beyond” featuring film experts, while Korean professors analyzed the significance of traditional Korean cultures depicted in the film, such as Korean shamanism, folk paintings, and Korean cuisine. Andrew Choi, who portrayed Jinwoo, the vocalist of the fictional girl group HUNTR/X in the film, was also highlighted as an example of effective vocal training. The film’s commercial success has extended to the merchandise market as well. Official Rumi wigs, Yoto cards, Mattel dolls, and other related goods have sold out repeatedly, proving the strong purchasing power of K-pop fans. Industry sources report that Netflix and Sony Pictures have signed a production contract with the goal of releasing a second season by 2029. Key crew members including director Maggie Kang are set to participate, as efforts to sustain the film’s popularity intensify.