Netflix’s “KPop Demon Hunters” Tops Billboard, Strengthening K-Pop’s Global Presence

Netflix’s animated series “KPop Demon Hunters” has become a global cultural phenomenon just four months after its release in June. With over 325 million views, it now ranks as Netflix’s most-watched series ever. The series’ theme song, “Golden,” has held the top spot on the Billboard Hot 100 for eight consecutive weeks, tying with the band Arches’ “Sugar Sugar” as the longest-running number-one song by an animated artist. On October 7, EJAE, Audrey Nuna, and Rei Ame appeared on The Jimmy Fallon Show to reveal key records for “Golden.” It became the first female K-Pop song to reach the top of the Billboard Hot 100 and earned platinum status (over 1 million units sold). Additionally, four songs from the series simultaneously entered the top 10 of the Billboard Hot 100, a feat even the famous musical film “Saturday Night Fever” has not achieved. The singalong version released in August became the first Netflix film to top the U.S. box office, generating $18 million in just one weekend. Such achievements have brought K-Pop to a level of recognition and popularity in the U.S. market that it has never experienced before. The success of “KPop Demon Hunters” has not only driven box office success but also contributed to a shift in societal perception of K-Pop. Liz Schmidt, president of the Iowa State University K-Pop Club, said, “Thanks to ‘KPop Demon Hunters,’ liking K-Pop is becoming normalized,” adding that “many new members are joining our club.” This indicates a growing trend among younger generations to embrace K-Pop positively, moving away from a culture where openly admitting to being a K-Pop fan was once stigmatized. In South Korea as well, the popularity of “KPop Demon Hunters” has evolved into a real cultural phenomenon. Everland has decided to hold the “KPop Demon Hunters Singalong Fireworks Show” at its Four Seasons Garden every night until the end of the year, starting from October 12. The approximately 11-minute performance features a medley of hit songs from the series, including “Golden,” “How It's Done,” “Soda Pop,” and “Your Idol,” in a singalong format that allows guests to join in singing. Everland increased the amount of fireworks used by about 25% compared to regular shows to visually create a golden-colored display. The themed zone opened last month on the 26th has attracted around 40,000 visitors so far, and 38 types of limited-edition collaboration merchandise are also very popular. EJAE, the composer and vocalist of “Golden,” revealed in an interview with KBS Radio that she aspires to collaborate with BTS and BLACKPINK’s Rosé when starting her activities in Korea. Having worked as a K-Pop trainee for over 10 years and composing songs for groups like aespa and Red Velvet, she shared, “I cried when I finished recording the demo for ‘Golden.’ I realized just how meaningful it was to me.” Her first solo single is set to be released on October 24. Rei Ame (real name: Sarah Lee) is from Montgomery County, Maryland, and is a 2018 graduate of the University of Maryland. She provided the voice for Joy, a member of the HUNTR/X team, in the series and appeared in a “KPop Demon Hunters” sketch on “Saturday Night Live.” She also received a platinum plaque for “Golden” on The Jimmy Fallon Show. She recalled crying when she accidentally overheard a fan singing “Golden” live at an H Mart store in Los Angeles, saying, “It was amazing to hear a child sing our song live in a mall.”