The original soundtrack “Golden” from Netflix’s animated film KPop Demon Hunters has made headlines by reaching No. 6 on the Billboard Hot 100. This milestone marks the first time a track by a virtual K-pop artist has entered the upper echelon of this prestigious chart. Released by Sony Pictures Animation, the film has quickly gained popularity since its debut last month.
According to Billboard’s preview of the chart results published on Monday, “Golden,” performed by the fictional girl group Huntrix, jumped a remarkable 17 spots from the previous week. The song has amassed approximately 18.8 million streams, reflecting a significant 39% increase from the prior week. It also garnered 950,000 in airplay audience impressions and 3,000 digital downloads.
Virtual Artist Breaks Records
In addition to its success on the Hot 100, “Golden” has topped both the Billboard Global 200 and Global Excl. U.S. charts. Notably, this achievement marks the first time a virtual artist has simultaneously led both global charts since their establishment in 2020. Another track from the soundtrack, “Takedown,” also made its debut at No. 86 on the Hot 100, featuring real-life K-pop stars Jeongyeon, Jihyo, and Chaeyoung from the popular group Twice.
“KPop Demon Hunters” tells the story of Huntrix, a top girl group that secretly battles evil spirits threatening humanity. The plot unfolds around their rivalry with the demon-born boy group Saja Boys, exploring the dark origins that connect both groups.
The film’s soundtrack success can be credited to the talented production team behind it. Esteemed producers like Teddy Park, known for his work with Blackpink and Bigbang, and Lindgren, a collaborator with BTS, contributed to the album. Other notable composers from The Black Label, including Kush and Vince, also played significant roles in the project’s creation.
Recognition and Future Prospects
As the film continues to gain traction, it has topped Netflix’s global film rankings and has gone viral on platforms like TikTok, where fans recreate choreography and share reactions to pivotal scenes.
According to reports from Variety and Billboard, Netflix plans to submit “Golden” for consideration in the Best Original Song category at the next Academy Awards. This recognition would further elevate the profile of the film and its soundtrack, which has resonated with audiences worldwide.
The remarkable success of “Golden” and its accompanying tracks illustrates the growing influence of virtual artists in the music industry, particularly within the K-pop genre. As the landscape of entertainment evolves, the achievements of Huntrix and the creative team behind them pave the way for future innovations in music and film.
