Netflix's animated sensation, Kpop Demon Hunters, isn't just a hit movie; its soundtrack, especially the smash single "Golden," is absolutely dominating global music charts and setting new records left and right. Get ready to dive into how this movie and its unforgettable tunes are captivating audiences worldwide!

TL;DR: Quick Bites of KPop Demon Hunters' Massive Success
  • "Golden" is a Global Chart Monster: The HUNTR/X track has shattered records, claiming multiple weeks at No. 1 on the UK Official Singles Chart (a 56-year first for an animated act!) and battling Taylor Swift on the Billboard Hot 100.
  • Beyond the Lead Single: While "Golden" gets the spotlight, deeper cuts like "What It Sounds Like" are resonating deeply with fans, revealing the true emotional core of the film's heroines.
  • Cultural Phenomenon Expanding: From sold-out sing-along screenings and top Halloween costumes to upcoming merchandise with Mattel and Hasbro, KPop Demon Hunters is cementing its legacy in pop culture.

HUNTR/X's "Golden" Takes Over the World, One Chart at a Time

If you haven't heard "Golden" yet, you're probably living under a rock – or maybe you're just not scrolling TikTok enough! This track from Netflix's animated blockbuster, KPop Demon Hunters, has officially become a worldwide anthem. Sung by the fictional girl group HUNTR/X, voiced by the incredibly talented EJAE, Audrey Nuna, and Rei Ami, "Golden" has been on an absolute tear across the music industry since the movie's release on June 20, 2025.

Let's talk numbers, because they're seriously impressive. "Golden" previously soared to the top of the Billboard Global 200, cementing its initial global appeal. But it didn't stop there. More recently, it climbed back to a phenomenal No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 in late October 2025, giving none other than Taylor Swift and her track "The Fate of Ophelia" a run for their money. Remember, "Golden" had already reigned atop the Hot 100 for a whopping eight weeks (seven of them consecutive!) before dipping and then making its epic comeback.

Smashing Records on the UK Charts and US Pop Radio

Over in the United Kingdom, "Golden" is making history. As of early November 2025, it dramatically reclaimed the No. 1 spot on the British Official Singles Chart, marking its ninth non-consecutive week at the summit. This achievement isn't just big; it's record-breaking! "Golden" has now officially claimed the title for the longest-running No. 1 single by an animated act, shattering a 56-year record previously held by The Archies' iconic 1969 hit, "Sugar, Sugar." Talk about a legacy!

The success isn't just on the big global charts either. "Golden" also snagged the No. 1 spot on the Mediabase US pop radio airplay chart during the week of October 26-November 1, 2025, racking up nearly 17,000 spins. It truly shows the track's universal appeal, captivating listeners whether they're streaming, buying, or just tuning into the radio.

"Golden" Joins Elite Company in Global Chart History

Beyond its recent No. 1 stints, "Golden" has demonstrated incredible staying power, spending an astounding 13 weeks at No. 1 on both the Billboard Global 200 and the Billboard Global Excl. U.S. charts. This makes it one of the most successful songs of the last five years! On the Global 200, "Golden" ties with Miley Cyrus's "Flowers" for the fourth-longest reign ever. And on the Global Excl. U.S. chart, it stands alongside both "Flowers" and Harry Styles' "As It Was," all with 13 weeks at the top. It's clear that HUNTR/X and "Golden" are not just a flash in the pan; they're here to stay, etching their names into music history alongside pop titans.

The True Heart of the Story: "What It Sounds Like"

While "Golden" is undeniably the pop anthem, fans who've watched KPop Demon Hunters know that another track truly captures the movie's soul: "What It Sounds Like." This song isn't as commercial as "Golden" or even the super-catchy "Soda Pop," but its power lies in its deep connection to the story.

In the film, "Golden" represents Rumi's journey to carve her own path and rise above her past, but it also carried the weight of perfection, an expectation influenced by the character Celine. It was about becoming the girl everyone saw, not necessarily the girl she truly was. "What It Sounds Like," however, is where the HUNTR/X members – Rumi, Mira, and Zoey – finally find their authentic voices. It's a cathartic experience where Rumi embraces her flaws, seeing "the beauty in the broken glass." Mira and Zoey, too, come to terms with their true selves, free from the need to be perfect.

This emotional depth makes "What It Sounds Like" resonate profoundly within the movie's context. Moments like the group hug and Jinu's sacrifice are intricately woven into the song's fabric, giving it an impact that goes beyond a standalone hit. It's the song they couldn't write until they truly understood themselves.

Other Fan Favorites and Soundtrack Success

The KPop Demon Hunters soundtrack is a treasure trove of bops beyond "Golden" and "What It Sounds Like." Fans are still screaming "Fit check for my Napalm era" during "How It's Done," which impressively landed at No. 10 on the UK Official Singles Chart, showing the album's broad appeal. Even "Soda Pop" has audiences moving their shoulders every time it plays. The soundtrack album itself is also a force, holding strong at No. 2 on the Billboard 200 for a third consecutive week, marking its 18th straight week on the chart!

And let's not forget the cameo from K-pop royalty! TWICE's version of "Takedown" also made its way onto the UK Official Singles Chart, climbing to No. 92, further solidifying the film's connection to the real K-pop world.

"'Golden' is special and personal to her."

— EJAE (singing voice of Rumi), on her connection to the song

Beyond the Music: KPop Demon Hunters Becomes a Cultural Phenomenon

The impact of KPop Demon Hunters isn't confined to the music charts. The film has truly become a cultural sensation. Netflix even brought the movie back to theaters for Halloween, leading to sold-out sing-along screenings where fans knew every lyric by heart. Speaking of Halloween, costumes inspired by Rumi, Mira, and Zoey became top picks across North America, proving just how much these characters have captured imaginations.

And there's more to come! Netflix is expanding the KPop Demon Hunters universe by teaming up with global toy giants Mattel and Hasbro. Get ready to see your favorite HUNTR/X characters brought to life through dolls, games, and more. This move signals a massive vote of confidence in the franchise's longevity and its potential to connect with an even wider audience.

Much like "Let It Go" became synonymous with Frozen, "Golden" has become the unforgettable anthem of KPop Demon Hunters. But as we've seen, this movie's heart beats just as strongly in its more introspective tracks and its broader cultural footprint. It's a testament to great storytelling, catchy music, and characters that genuinely resonate with people of all ages.

Frequently Asked Questions About KPop Demon Hunters

When was KPop Demon Hunters released? The animated film was released on June 20, 2025. Where can I watch KPop Demon Hunters? KPop Demon Hunters is available on Netflix. It also had an initial theatrical run and was brought back to theaters for special Halloween screenings. Who sings the songs for the fictional group HUNTR/X in the movie? The singing voices for HUNTR/X are provided by Korean American artists EJAE (who voices Rumi), Audrey Nuna, and Rei Ami. What is the runtime of KPop Demon Hunters? The movie has a runtime of 96 minutes.

Sources

  • ScreenRant Articles (context provided)
  • Billboard News (context provided)
  • Yonhap News Agency (context provided)
  • Official Charts (context provided)
  • Headline Planet (context provided)
  • Forbes (context provided)