Netflix’s “KPop Demon Hunters” Receives Global Recognition as OST “Golden” Stays on Charts for 33 Consecutive Weeks

Netflix’s animated series “KPop Demon Hunters” has become a global cultural phenomenon by winning critical acclaim, a Golden Globe award, and a Grammy award. The show depicts the story of the girl group HUNTR/X, who act as music artists during the day and demon hunters at night, setting records in both the music and streaming industries.

It has become the most-watched series in Netflix’s history, and it marked the first time a Korean pop music group received a Grammy nomination. By drawing on Korean folkloric concepts of evil spirits while collaborating with Western production teams, the series served as a symbolic example of Korean culture and K-POP’s global influence.

The series’ theme song, “Golden,” achieved even more remarkable results. It remained on the Billboard Hot 100 chart for 33 consecutive weeks, reaching position 5—down one spot from its previous week’s rank of 4. This song became the first K-pop track to top the UK Singles Chart since “Gangnam Style” last year and also reached number one in over 30 countries.

“Golden” recently won a Grammy award for Best Visual Media Song and received a Golden Globe award last month. It was also nominated for the Academy Award for Best Original Song. Mark Sonnenblatt, the composer of the song, told BBC that “the only reason this nomination was possible was because fans responded and encouraged others to watch the film.”

The series’ directors mentioned Eminem, Drake, and Lil Wayne as sources of inspiration for “Golden.” Director Maggie Kang explained, “The concept was so unconventional that the songs had to be excellent to be accepted—they needed to enhance the story while also being pop songs capable of making it onto the Billboard chart on their own.” Co-director Chris Appelhans added, “The reference songs for ‘Golden’ were by Biggie, Drake, Eminem, and Lil Wayne, all centered around characters starting from nothing and discovering themselves through music.”

The OST album for the series continued its streak of 33 consecutive weeks on the chart, reaching position 6 on the Billboard 200 albums chart. Another hit track from the soundtrack, “How It’s Done,” reached position 85. Additionally, the series was named second on NME’s list of the best songs of 2025, and the film itself was included in NME’s list of the best films of 2025.

Meanwhile, it has been confirmed that a sequel is in the production phase. Sonnenblatt stated, “Music will come from the story, and only when it makes sense for us all to do it again,” indicating uncertainty about his involvement in the sequel.