Netflix’s “KPop Demon Hunters” Sets All-Time Viewing Record; OST “Golden” Holds Billboard No. 1 for 7 Consecutive Weeks

Netflix’s animated film “KPop Demon Hunters” has surpassed 300 million total views just three months after its release in June, surpassing Season 1 of “Squid Game” to become Netflix’s most-watched title in history. This achievement far exceeds initial expectations. From June 22 to 28 last month, the film remained on Netflix’s English-language films chart for 15 consecutive weeks, setting a new record for the longest streak. During that period, it recorded 19.3 million weekly views, securing first place in the English-language films category — nearly double the 10.3 million views of the second-ranked film, “Ruth and Boaz.” The film held the No. 1 position for 8 out of those 15 weeks and stayed in second place for 7 weeks, never dropping below third place. The previous record was held by “Red Notice,” starring Dwayne Johnson and Ryan Reynolds, which appeared on the chart 12 consecutive weeks before making two additional non-consecutive appearances, for a total of 14 times.

The film’s musical performance is equally impressive. Its original soundtrack’s Title Track, “Golden,” has maintained its position at No. 1 on Billboard’s main singles chart, the Hot 100, for the seventh straight week. This surpasses BTS’s “Dynamite,” which held No. 1 for three consecutive weeks, and challenges BTS’s own record of 10 weeks at No. 1 with “Butter,” the longest-running No. 1 for a K-pop song. Other key tracks from the film are also performing well. “Soda Pop” and “Your Idol” reached No. 3 and No. 5 respectively, while “How It's Done,” “What It Sounds Like,” and “Takedown” have all made it onto the chart.

The film was co-directed by Canadian-Korean director Maggie Kang and American director Chris Appelhans. It centers on a battle between a K-pop trio of idol hunters, the HUNTR/X, who fight evil spirits using music, and the male idol group, the Lion Boys, who oppose them. Built on a unique worldview that blends Korean Musok beliefs with K-pop culture, the film seamlessly integrates stunning visuals, action, fantasy, and occult elements while addressing universal themes such as identity struggles, friendship, and sacrifice, resulting in an explosive response from audiences worldwide.

Thanks to the film’s global success, discussions about producing a sequel are underway. Sony Pictures and Netflix are working closely to develop a follow-up to “KPop Demon Hunters,” with Maggie Kang and Chris Appelhans set to return as directors. The Motion Picture Association (MPA) has also assigned a PG rating to a short animated film titled “Debut: KPop Demon Story Hunters,” which is believed to be a prequel focusing on the HUNTR/X’s debut.

The film’s success has significantly boosted global interest in Korean culture. Actor EJAE, who voices Rumi, said, “‘Golden’ is a great song about hope, and it includes Korean lyrics,” emphasizing the global spread of Korean culture. AUDREY NUNA, who voices Mira, added, “This film is for everyone, but it’s especially touching to see children connecting more deeply with their own culture.” REI AMI, who voices Joy, mentioned, “Not only K-pop but also Korean food, art that may not be trendy yet but captures Korea’s beauty, the scenery of Seoul, and landmarks like Namsan Tower are all included in the film.” Notably, the singalong version has topped Netflix’s film performance charts, featuring scenes where children around the world sing along to the Korean lyrics.