UPDATE: The soundtrack “Golden” from Netflix’s blockbuster animated film KPop Demon Hunters has made history by soaring to No. 6 on the Billboard Hot 100, marking a significant milestone as the first track by a virtual K-pop artist to reach this level. The news broke earlier today, confirming the song’s meteoric rise after jumping 17 spots from last week.
“Golden,” performed by the fictional girl group Huntrix, achieved a staggering 18.8 million streams, reflecting a remarkable 39% increase from the previous week. Additionally, it garnered 950,000 in airplay audience impressions and 3,000 digital downloads, solidifying its place in the top tier of the music charts.
This extraordinary achievement is not just limited to the U.S. The song has also topped the Billboard Global 200 and Global Excl. US charts, making it the first time a virtual artist has claimed the top spot on both global charts since their inception in 2020.
In a further testament to the soundtrack’s popularity, another track titled “Takedown,” featuring members Jeongyeon, Jihyo, and Chaeyoung from real-life K-pop sensation Twice, debuted at No. 86 on the Hot 100.
The animated musical KPop Demon Hunters follows Huntrix, a popular girl group who battles evil spirits threatening humanity, and explores their intense rivalry with the demon-born group Saja Boys. Since its release last month, the film has become a global sensation, topping Netflix’s film rankings and going viral on platforms like TikTok, where fans recreate choreography and share reactions, amassing hundreds of millions of views.
Industry experts credit the soundtrack’s success to its heavyweight production team, which includes top producers like Teddy Park, known for his work with Blackpink and Bigbang, as well as Lindgren, a collaborator with BTS. Other contributors include Kush, Vince, and several composers from The Black Label.
In an exciting move, Netflix has announced plans to submit “Golden” for consideration in the Best Original Song category at next year’s Academy Awards. This ambitious step highlights the film’s cultural impact and the rising prominence of virtual artists in the music industry.
As the world tunes in to the latest developments surrounding KPop Demon Hunters, fans and industry insiders alike eagerly await what comes next for Huntrix and their chart-topping hit “Golden.” Stay tuned for updates on this unfolding story.