Netflix’s “KPOP Demon Hunters” Becomes the Most-Watched Series Ever, Spreading Globally and Dominating Music Charts

Netflix’s animated film “KPOP Demon Hunters” has set a record as the most-watched film in Netflix’s history, thereby expanding its global fanbase. Released in June, the film already surpassed all previous Netflix films in terms of viewership by August, and as of November 25, it had accumulated over 325.1 million views. The film’s global impact is further evident through its presence on music charts and major events. Its soundtrack achieved record-breaking success, with eight original songs simultaneously entering the Billboard Hot 100 chart. In particular, “Golden” reached as high as second place on the Hot 100 nearly 20 weeks after release, while “Your Idol” ranked 13th, “Soda Pop” 18th, “How It's Done” 23rd, “What It Sounds Like” 30th, “Takedown” 36th, and “Free” 40th. HUNTR/X, composed of EJAE, Audrey Nuna, and REI AMI—who provided the voices for the film’s protagonists Rumi, Mira, and Joy—performed at the 99th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade held in New York City on November 27. Broadcast live on NBC and streamed on Peacock, the parade was watched by approximately 3.5 million people, during which HUNTR/X performed “Golden” alongside a giant blue demon cat balloon. This marked HUNTR/X’s first live television appearance. After first revealing “Golden” at the opening segment of Season 51 of “Saturday Night Live” on October 4, they delivered their first full-length live performance on “The Late Show with Jimmy Fallon” on October 7. Meanwhile, K-pop culture is also rapidly spreading in Scotland, UK, driven by the popularity of “KPOP Demon Hunters.” On September 26, a character party was held at “Go Kids,” a dance school near Glasgow, with 50 children attending for a participation fee of 17 pounds (approximately 32,500 won). On November 2, a “KPOP Demon Hunters Halloween Party” was held at Queen Margaret University near Edinburgh, targeting children aged 4 to 12; the six-hour event charged 33.22 pounds per person (approximately 63,600 won). Black scars, face paint, as well as the protagonists’ costumes and hair accessories from the film have become popular items on online retailers like Amazon, and a Christmas party is also scheduled for December. The film’s success is paving the way for sequels. Netflix and Sony Pictures Animation are currently working on a sequel set for release in 2029. Additionally, an 142-page art book produced in collaboration with Nucleus Publishing will begin pre-orders on gallerynucleus.com starting January 1, 2026, with deliveries set to begin on February 1. The art book is designed as a multimedia-style encyclopedia featuring behind-the-scenes production details, early character sketches, research on demonology, and analyses of K-pop choreography.