Netflix’s “KPop Demon Hunters” OST Sets New Record as Longest-Running No. 1 for a 21st-Century Female Group

“The Golden” theme song from Netflix’s original animation “KPop Demon Hunters” is dominating global music charts. It held the top spot on the UK Official Charts for eight non-consecutive weeks, marking the longest consecutive reign at number one for a K-pop artist since Psy’s “Gangnam Style” 13 years prior. On the U.S. Billboard Hot 100, “The Golden” also reached the summit for seven consecutive weeks and a total of eight non-consecutive weeks, establishing the longest No. 1 record in the history of 21st-century female groups. The song was performed by the fictional girl group Huntrix and was co-created by Korean-American composer Lee Jae, singer Audrey Nuna, and Ray Aimi. Its intense synth-pop sound combined with the message “never lose your light” resonated widely among global listeners. Other tracks from the OST also entered the top ranks of the charts simultaneously. “How It's Done” reached position 9, “What It Sounds Like” reached position 13, and “Takedown” performed by TWICE’s Jihyo, Jeongyeon, and Chaeyoung reached position 98, resulting in a total of four songs appearing on the chart at once. The series has become Netflix’s most-watched title ever. Just two months after its release on June 20, it surpassed “Red Notice” to become the most viewed show on the platform, and by September, it became the first Netflix content to exceed 300 million cumulative views. The story of K-pop girl group Huntrix serving as hidden heroes protecting the world behind dazzling stages, combined with its highly addictive music and unique Korean culture, sparked a global phenomenon. The enthusiasm among global fans continues to grow. Sing-along screenings that sold out at the Busan International Film Festival are now expanding to theaters nationwide. CGV will hold special sing-along showings in over 100 theaters across the country from October 31 to November 2, alongside “fan battle screenings” where fans of Huntrix and Lion Boys support their respective teams. Netflix uploaded a “The Golden” sing-along practice video to its official YouTube channel, featuring Korean pronunciation guides, which accumulated over 150,000 views within a single day of release. Collaborative merchandise is also being launched. Eight Seconds, the casual fashion brand under Samsung C&T Fashion, has released secondary collaboration products inspired by the outfits of Huntrix and Lion Boys. The collection includes a variety of items such as long coats, short puffer jackets, leather/denim skirts, tartan knits, and plaid shirts, with a new design based on the tiger character “Thuffy” added as well. Keychains featuring Korean motifs, lunch bag accessories, and sock boxes with mother-of-pearl designs are also available for purchase. Eight Seconds plans to operate a pop-up store in Seongsu-dong, Seoul, from November 7 to 19, bringing the world of the film to life in a physical space.