The original soundtrack “Golden” from Netflix’s animated film “KPop Demon Hunters” has made a remarkable impact by reaching No. 6 on the Billboard Hot 100. This achievement marks the first time a track by a virtual K-pop artist has entered the upper echelon of this influential chart.
The song, performed by the fictional girl group Huntrix, surged **17 spots** from the previous week, according to Billboard’s chart preview released on **October 2, 2023**. “Golden” garnered **18.8 million streams**, reflecting a **39% increase** from the prior week, alongside **950,000 airplay audience impressions** and **3,000 digital downloads**. Notably, “Golden” has also claimed the top positions on the Billboard Global 200 and Global Excl. US charts, becoming the first virtual artist track to achieve this dual success since the charts’ inception in 2020.
Soundtrack Success and Future Prospects
The success of “Golden” extends beyond its chart position. Another song from the soundtrack, titled “Takedown,” debuted at No. 86 on the Hot 100. “Takedown” features members Jeongyeon, Jihyo, and Chaeyoung from the popular K-pop group Twice, further boosting the soundtrack’s visibility.
“KPop Demon Hunters” tells the story of Huntrix, a girl group that secretly battles evil spirits threatening humanity. The narrative unfolds their rivalry with the demon-born boy group Saja Boys, delving into their dark origins. Released by Netflix in **September 2023**, the film quickly became a global phenomenon, topping Netflix’s film rankings and gaining viral traction on TikTok, where fans share choreography recreations and reactions to key scenes.
Industry insiders attribute the soundtrack’s success to its stellar production team. Renowned producers including **Teddy Park**, known for his work with Blackpink and Bigbang, along with **Lindgren**, a collaborator with BTS, contributed to the album’s creation. Composers from The Black Label, such as Kush and Vince, also played significant roles in crafting the soundtrack.
Looking ahead, Netflix aims to submit “Golden” for consideration in the **Best Original Song** category at the **95th Academy Awards**, according to reports from **Variety** and **Billboard**. This potential nomination further highlights the cultural impact of the film and its music.
The fusion of animation, music, and digital artistry in “KPop Demon Hunters” has resonated with audiences worldwide, setting new benchmarks for virtual artists in the music industry. As the soundtrack continues to gain traction, it exemplifies the evolving landscape of entertainment and the growing influence of K-pop in global media.