A Billboard Milestone for K-Pop and Animation
The fictional K-pop girl group HUNTR/X has shattered records with their powerhouse anthem “Golden” from the Netflix animated sensation KPop Demon Hunters, climbing to No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100. This achievement marks the first time a female-led K-pop track has reached the top spot on the all-genre U.S. chart—and the first No. 1 from a fictional act since Disney’s Encanto hit “We Don’t Talk About Bruno.”
From Debut to No. 1
“Golden” debuted at No. 81 on the Hot 100 after the film’s release and steadily rose to the summit, driven by 32 million streams, 7,000 sales, and 8.4 million radio airplay impressions in the U.S. during its first week at No. 1. The track features vocals from EJAE and REI AMI of Seoul, South Korea, and Audrey Nuna from New Jersey—blending authentic K-pop flair with cross-cultural appeal.
Saja Boys Also Make Waves
It wasn’t just HUNTR/X making chart history. The fictional rival boy band Saja Boys scored their own Billboard triumph with “Your Idol”, debuting at No. 8, further cementing the KPop Demon Hunters soundtrack’s influence across multiple genres and audiences.
Joining an Elite List of K-Pop No.1s
“Golden” joins a short list of K-pop tracks to top the Hot 100, following BTS and soloist Jimin. It stands apart as the first female K-pop group to claim the title and as a landmark for animated soundtracks, reinforcing K-pop’s unstoppable global expansion.
Soundtrack Success
The KPop Demon Hunters soundtrack sits at No. 2 on the Billboard 200 and has led the Soundtracks chart for seven consecutive weeks. Produced in collaboration with Korean hitmakers, the album captures the spirit of contemporary K-pop while enhancing the film’s dynamic storytelling.
More Than Just a Song
For U.S. listeners, “Golden” signals a groundbreaking moment—proof that animated musicals can create real-world music phenomena. It reflects the growing fusion of K-pop, animation, and fandom culture, showing how global music trends can emerge from unexpected places.
If you want to explore more about K-pop’s global milestones, don’t miss these articles:
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- BTS IS BACK: Global ARMYs Rejoice as the Real Deal Returns
- July 2025: The Ultimate K-pop Comeback War
- KPop Demon Hunters Sing-Along: A Two-Day K-Pop & Animation Spectacle Hits Theaters August 23–24, 2025
A Cultural Milestone
“Golden” is more than a chart-topping hit—it’s a cultural statement. As Netflix’s fourth most-watched English-language film, KPop Demon Hunters has already captured millions of viewers. This musical success adds fuel to speculation that the franchise could grow into a multi-hit powerhouse, uniting fans of music, animation, and K-pop around the world.