Netflix’s “KPop Demon Hunters” Creates Global Sensation, Ranking as 4th Most Popular Film Ever and Dominating Billboard Charts

Netflix’s animated film “KPop Demon Hunters” is achieving unprecedented success in the global content market. Released on June 20, the film has accumulated 158.8 million views, placing it fourth among Netflix’s most-watched English-language films in history, with a total viewing duration of 264.6 million hours. The movie follows a K-pop trio girl group named HUNTR/X as they fight against evil spirits to save the world. It was directed by Meggie Cohn and Chris Appelhans, and produced by Sony Pictures Animation. Aden Cho, May Hong, and Jiyoung Yu provided voice performances for the members of HUNTR/X, while actor Ahn Hyo-seop portrayed Jin-woo from the villainous group Lion Boys. The film’s success extended to music charts as well. “Golden,” sung by HUNTR/X, reached number 2 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 for two consecutive weeks and topped the UK Official Singles Chart. This marks the first time in 13 years since Psy’s “Gangnam Style” that a K-pop song has claimed the top spot on the UK chart. “Your Idol” by Lion Boys reached number 9 on the Hot 100. A total of eight original songs from the film entered the Billboard Singles Chart simultaneously, and the OST album secured second place on the Billboard 200. On Spotify’s U.S. chart, up to six of the songs reached the top 10, while four made it into the global top 10. Billboard compared the film’s success to “We Don’t Talk About Bruno” from Disney’s 2022 film “Encanto.” The film started with 9.1 million views in its first week and reached a weekly high of 25.8 million views by the week of July 20, staying within Netflix’s top 10 films for seven consecutive weeks. Netflix calculates views over a 91-day period, and if current trends continue, the film is likely to surpass “Red Notice” (230.9 million views), “Carrie” (172.1 million views), and “Dune: Part Two” (171.4 million views) to become the most-watched Netflix film of all time. Leveraging this success, Netflix is planning sequels. The company is considering completing a three-part trilogy of two additional animated films, as well as expanding the franchise into various formats such as live-action remakes, musical versions, TV series, and spin-offs. A submission for an Academy Award in the Best Original Song category is also being pursued. The film’s music was produced by IDO, Vince, and Do Min-seok from The Black Label, along with Teddy, Producer 24 from BLACKPINK, and Jeongyeon, Jihyo, and Chaeyoung from TWICE. The film is regarded as a signal marking the beginning of the “KPop 4.0” era, characterized by the fusion of K-pop with U.S. capital and creative talent.