Netflix’s “KPOP Demon Hunters” OST “Golden” Reaches No. 1 on Billboard and UK Charts Simultaneously

Netflix’s animated series “KPOP Demon Hunters” has evolved into a global cultural phenomenon. Released on June 20, 2025, the series had accumulated 184.6 million views by August 10, placing it second in Netflix’s all-time top movies list. On August 15, it reached No. 1 in daily rankings across 63 countries. It is currently on track to surpass “Squid Game (Season 1)” as Netflix’s highest-ranked movie overall, with over 210 million global views. The success of its OST is particularly remarkable. The title track “Golden” became the first BTS song to reach No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and the first song by a K-pop artist to top the UK Official Singles Chart since Psy’s “Gangnam Style.” It is the first K-pop track to achieve simultaneous No. 1 on both charts. All nine original songs from the album entered the Billboard Hot 100, with three currently inside the top 10. “Golden” is currently the most streamed song in the United States. The key to its success lies in its unique concept of demon-hunting K-pop girl groups and its accurate depiction of Korean culture. The setting in which the trio girl group Huntrix’s songs form a barrier called “Honnun” between the human world and the spirit world serves as a metaphorical portrayal of K-pop and fandom culture, as well as a modern interpretation of shamanism. Various elements of Korean culture, including Seoul streets, taekwondo, musok religion, hanbok, and gat, are accurately depicted throughout the film. It is known that the ramen and snacks featured in the movie resemble Nongshim’s products. Many members of the production team are Koreans or of Korean descent. Director Maggie Kang, a Korean-Canadian, planned this project over seven years after immigrating to Canada as a child. EJAE, a Korean-American singer-songwriter who wrote, composed, and performed “Golden,” was once a trainee at SM Entertainment, one of Korea’s largest entertainment agencies, and has previously composed songs for major K-pop acts such as TWICE, aespa, LE SSERAFIM, and Red Velvet. In a Billboard interview, EJAE said she cried all day and expressed great joy at being able to realize the dream of an 11-year-old girl. “KPOP Demon Hunters” clearly conveys messages related to K-pop identity. The lyrics of “Golden,” “I’m not hiding anymore; I’m shining just as I was from birth,” come from a scene where the protagonist Rumi accepts her complex identity as it is. 49% of U.S. K-pop fans said, “K-pop makes me want to become a better person,” confirming K-pop’s themes of “growth” and “hope.” A solo version of the song has also begun airing in theaters. It was shown in 1,700 theaters across North America on August 23 and 24, with 1,000 tickets sold out. Industry estimates suggest the solo version could generate between $5 million and $10 million (approximately 7 billion to 14 billion won) solely in North American theaters. This reflects Netflix’s unusual decision to pursue theatrical distribution despite being a streaming-focused platform, indicating the strong success and demand for the work. Industry collaborations are also expanding. Nongshim released a limited-edition package in partnership with “KPOP Demon Hunters,” featuring products such as Shin Ramen, Ssamgungkkang, and the new “Shin Ramen Tomba All-in-One Sauce.” The package will be launched sequentially in Korea, North America, Europe, Oceania, and key countries in Southeast Asia. A special product inspired by the cup ramen design seen in the movie is also expected to be released. The animated format is credited with contributing to its global success. Sony utilized Spider-Man animation technology to dynamically depict the movements of the demon hunters, while the production team effectively employed storytelling strategies that delivered enjoyment to active viewers. Most importantly, animation reduced the barrier posed by non-Western bodies, allowing global audiences to connect without the racist complexities associated with the Asian appearance of K-pop idols. In today’s K-pop culture, where virtual idol groups like PLAVE and ISEAIRO IDOL can even go on international tours, Huntrix and Sazaboyz debut on the global K-pop stage with their own unique worlds. One reason for “KPOP Demon Hunters”’ success is the way its narrative and music are integrated. Music is not merely a musical substitute for dialogue but becomes part of the story itself, with the setting that music directly affects souls. In the series, when Huntrix’s songs move people’s souls, soul resonance occurs, creating a barrier called Honnun that prevents demons from invading. It is believed that such success would not have been possible without combining K-pop music with the demon-hunting narrative, nor without including music alongside a Korean-cultural background for the demon-hunting story. “KPOP Demon Hunters” also highlights the importance of worldbuilding—specifically, the storytelling behind groups—in K-pop culture. Storytelling helps give seemingly ordinary K-pop groups a distinct identity, adds depth to the complex K-pop narratives that fans must interpret, and encourages active fan engagement. In today’s global cultural landscape where value orientation is crucial, “KPOP Demon Hunters”’ human-centered and community-focused worldbuilding, featuring protagonists with dual identities striving to protect the human world, appears exotic and appealing. The open-ended narrative of “KPOP Demon Hunters,” which leaves room for numerous sequels and prequels, allows for the creation of many local versions through stories of the Hunters fighting local demons during their world tours. Korean wave researchers believe “KPOP Demon Hunters” adds a new dimension to existing Korean wave phenomena. Similar to Apple TV’s 2022 series “Pachinko,” it incorporates the unique Korean cultural experiences and passion of second-generation Korean creators, enabling effective cultural mediation that connects with global audiences. While “Pachinko’s” live-action drama failed to attract tourists to Korea, the portrayal of Seoul in “KPOP Demon Hunters” stimulates nostalgia and curiosity, drawing visitors to the city.