Netflix’s “KPop Demon Hunters” Exceeds 80 Million Views, With 7 Songs Entering Billboard Chart Simultaneously

Netflix’s original animated series “KPop Demon Hunters” has established a new milestone in K-pop history by dominating global charts. Since its release worldwide on June 20, it has accumulated 80 million views, with as many as 7 of its tracks simultaneously making it onto the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 main singles chart. The soundtrack album reached second place on the Billboard 200 chart. Right after its release on June 20, “KPop Demon Hunters” topped the charts in 17 countries including the United States, Germany, and France, and it has since grown into a global phenomenon as it expanded to more regions. As of recent updates, it remains at the top of Netflix’s global movies ranking. In the English-language film category, it also secured first place in the second week of July with 24.2 million views. The standout track from the soundtrack, “Golden” (by HUNTR/X), reached sixth on the Billboard Hot 100, becoming the most popular song. The composer and vocalist of this track, EJAE (Kim Eun-jae), is a Korean-American who was once a Trainee at SM Entertainment and has contributed to K-pop albums by groups such as RED VELVET and aespa. Netflix has announced plans to submit “Golden” as a candidate for the Original Song award at next year’s Academy Awards, and if it wins, EJAE is expected to become the first K-pop artist to receive an Academy Award. The success of “KPop Demon Hunters” lies in the combination of K-pop identity and international quality. Director Maggie Kang is of Korean descent and immigrated to Canada at the age of 5; the production team visited Korea in person to experience hanoks and Korean cuisine, integrating Korean sentiment into the work. Actor Ahn Hyo-seop portrayed the protagonist Jin-woo, while Korean-American actors such as Aden Cho and Jiyoung Yoo provided voice performances. Numerous real K-pop hitmakers also contributed to the project. Composers from Teddy’s Double Black Label, the agency behind BLACKPINK, along with musicians from SM Entertainment, created the beats and melodies. TWICE’s Jihyo, Jeongyeon, and Chaeyoung sang “Takedown” by HUNTR/X in the series, further enhancing K-pop identity. MELOMANCE also participated in the soundtrack. The music in the animation creatively blends Korea’s Musok culture with K-pop. The female group HUNTR/X, who serve as the protagonists, are depicted as descendants of female shamanesses who exorcise evil spirits. They win over fans through singing and performances on stage while fighting against ghosts using spiritual powers behind the scenes. The exorcism rituals in the show are inspired by Korea’s traditional Musok ceremonies. The magpies and tigers that act as messengers in the series are based on the humorous characters from the folk tale “Hwagodo.” The depiction of Seoul in “KPop Demon Hunters” has also drawn attention. Places such as the Jamsil Olympic Stadium, Samsung Station billboards, Bukchon Hanok Village, Naksan Park and Namsan Tower, and Cheongdam Bridge serve as backgrounds in the film, with Myeongdong streets and street food also appearing. Audiences at home and abroad have been able to experience Seoul’s charm, where modernity and tradition coexist, through this movie. BTS also responded to “KPop Demon Hunters.” Jungkook cried after watching the ending of the film, while RM showed interest in the songs by humming “Soda Pop.” Director Maggie Kang also expressed enthusiasm for potential collaboration on social media, saying, “I’m grateful that idols at BTS’s level have recognized us.” Industry experts evaluate “KPop Demon Hunters” as having elevated K-pop to the center of mainstream American culture. Ramon Pacheco Pardo, a professor at King’s College London, stated, “It is clear that Hallyu is no longer a temporary phenomenon but has become part of mainstream culture,” adding that “the secret to the success of K-content lies in its ability to convey universal messages through a Korean backdrop.” The U.S. conservative economic publication Forbes also published consecutive articles about “KPop Demon Hunters,” including pieces recommending K-pop songs. Meanwhile, Netflix raised its forecast for quarterly annual revenue from $43.5 billion to $44.5 billion to $44.8 billion to $45.2 billion, reflecting factors such as a weak dollar, steady growth in subscriber numbers, and strong advertising sales performance.