Netflix’s “KPop Demon Hunters” Achieves Unprecedented Global Success; OST “Golden” Dominates Charts in UK, US, and South Korea

Netflix’s original animated film “KPop Demon Hunters” is enjoying unprecedented global success. Since its release on June 20, it has accumulated 220.8 million hours of viewing time, making it the most-watched original animated film in Netflix history. The number of individual views has reached 132.4 million. What is even more remarkable is its viewing pattern. Unlike most streaming content, which sees a sharp decline after the first 2–3 weeks, this film reached its peak at 25.8 million views in week 5. Starting at 9.2 million views in week 1, it climbed to 24.2 million in week 2, 22.7 million in week 3, and 24.2 million in week 4, continuing its upward trend until week 5. This sustained popularity is attributed to continuous word-of-mouth promotion from K-pop fans worldwide and the high quality of the film itself, which drives both repeat views and new audience engagement. The film’s success is also evident in its music. “Golden,” the song by the fictional K-pop girl group HUNTR/X featured in the movie, topped the UK Official Singles Chart. This marks the first time in 13 years since Psy’s “Gangnam Style” in 2012 that a K-pop song has reached the chart’s summit. “Golden” reached the top spot in week 6 after its release and finished as the second-highest song on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100. It also claimed first place on South Korea’s Melon monthly chart and held the top position for 18 consecutive days on the July daily chart. “Golden” was performed by EJAE, a composer who was once a Trainee at SM Entertainment, along with American-Korean singer Audrey NuNa and Ray Aimi. Teddy and 24 from Double Black Label contributed to its composition. In addition to “Golden,” the film’s OST features eight other tracks—“Your Idol,” “Soda Pop,” “How It's Done”—all of which entered the Billboard Hot 100 simultaneously for three consecutive weeks. On the UK Official Chart, “Your Idol” reached position 10, “Soda Pop” landed at 11, and “TAKEDOWN” placed at 63. In an interview with BBC, EJAE described the chart success as “feeling like a dream,” comparing it to “the moment big waves come in when you first start surfing.” He noted that he gained 100,000 Instagram followers in just one month, drawing significant attention, and added, “We live in a time that needs hope. This song carries a very hopeful and powerful message, giving people exactly what they need.” Martin Talbot, CEO of the UK Official Chart, said, “Thirteen years have passed since Psy’s ‘Gangnam Style’ became the first K-pop song to top the chart in the UK back in October 2012. This week represents another groundbreaking moment for the Korean genre that dominates the world.” The film was co-directed by American-Korean directors Maggie Kang and Chris Appelhans and produced by Sony Pictures Animation in the U.S. While centered on a three-member K-pop idol group fighting demons, it meticulously incorporates elements of Korean culture such as Seoul’s urban landscapes, Korean cuisine, and daily lifestyle habits. Building on this explosive success, Netflix is planning to expand the franchise. It is considering developing a three-part animated film trilogy, as well as live-action remakes, musical versions, TV series, and spin-offs. Ted Sarandos, Netflix CEO, said during the second-quarter earnings report, “It has achieved tremendous success from the very beginning, and audiences are deeply engaged with both the film and the music, which will ensure long-term popularity. We are already thinking about where this project will go next.” This is regarded as a turning point that proves Netflix’s billions of dollars invested in Korean content can yield explosive results beyond dramas. It also signals a shift in the global streaming industry, as a real competitor emerges in the family animation market, which has been dominated by Disney for nearly a century.