KPop Demon Hunters Sensation Huntr/x Shines Bright with Golden Debut on The Tonight Show

Get ready for some serious pop-music magic! The singing superstars of Netflix’s monster hit, Kpop Demon Hunters, just made their grand entrance onto late-night television. Huntr/x took over Jimmy Fallon’s The Tonight Show, delivering their first full live performance of the chart-topping single, “Golden,” on Tuesday night. And let me tell you, it was everything fans hoped for and more!

If you're anything like me, you've probably had “Golden” stuck in your head for months. This animated film about a K-pop supergroup secretly fighting demons has become a global obsession. And its music has exploded across the charts. EJAE, Audrey Nuna, and Rei Ami, the incredible voices behind Huntr/x, brought that magic right to our screens, proving why this movie and its soundtrack are breaking every record in sight.

The KPop Demon Hunters Phenomenon: How a Netflix Film Struck Gold with Fans

Let's rewind a bit, because the story of KPop Demon Hunters is genuinely wild. The animated film launched on June 20, and by late August, it had already conquered Netflix as the streamer's most-watched movie ever. It racked up an astounding 236 million views, easily outperforming the previous title holder, Red Notice. Talk about an unexpected win!

Directed by Chris Appelhans and Maggie Kang, the movie tells the story of a K-pop supergroup balancing their lives as world-famous pop stars with their hidden role as demon slayers. The premise alone sounds like a comic book come to life, packed with action, heart, and catchy tunes. It's the kind of premise that hooks you right away, especially if you're a fan of heroes and epic battles, even animated ones.

From Streaming Screens to Chart-Topping Sounds with Huntr/x

The film's success isn't just about its awesome story; it's also about the incredible vocal talents bringing the characters to life. EJAE sings for Rumi, Audrey Nuna is the voice of Mira, and Rei Ami takes on the role of Zoey. (For those curious, Arden Cho, May Hong, and Ji-young Yoo handle the spoken lines for these characters). This vocal trio, known as Huntr/x, has managed to create a sound that feels completely real, making us forget these are animated heroes.

The soundtrack itself has become a force of nature. Jimmy Fallon dropped the fantastic news to the singers during their interview: the KPop Demon Hunters soundtrack officially went platinum! That's a huge achievement, reflecting its massive popularity and listener engagement. The album also spent a second non-consecutive week at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 albums chart, pulling in 102,000 equivalent album units and an incredible 117 million on-demand official streams in its latest tracking week. Those numbers don't lie; people are streaming this music constantly.

The Golden Reign: Breaking Music Records Everywhere You Look

At the center of this musical storm is the song “Golden.” This track has not only topped the charts but has also made history. In September, “Golden” led the Hot 100 for an astounding five consecutive weeks, making it the longest-running No. 1 song by an animated act in the chart's long history. Other reports even put its reign at seven weeks! It is also the first No. 1 female K-pop song in the history of the Billboard Hot 100, which is a major win for the genre.

But the album's success doesn't stop with “Golden.” The KPop Demon Hunters soundtrack has notched four tracks total in the Hot 100's top ten. Beyond “Golden,” fan favorites “Your Idol,” “Soda Pop,” and “How It’s Done” hit No. 4, No. 5, and No. 8 respectively. Other tracks like “What It Sounds Like” and “Takedown” also climbed into the top 40. This entire soundtrack became the first to top the U.S. albums chart since Disney’s Encanto back in 2022. It's clear that this isn't just a popular movie; it's a musical powerhouse in its own right.

Huntr/x Takes the Stage: From SNL Sketch to Tonight Show Spotlight

Before their big moment on Fallon, the Huntr/x trio gave fans a taste of their live power on another late-night institution: Saturday Night Live. On October 4, Huntr/x made a brief cameo during the Season 51 premiere. They appeared as themselves alongside host and musical guest Bad Bunny, who hilariously played a dorky superfan of the fictional girl group in a sketch called “KPop Demon Hunters.” It was a fun moment, featuring an abbreviated version of “Golden” and setting the stage for bigger things.

That SNL appearance marked the first time the song was performed live on TV, albeit in a shortened form. It was a tease, a hint of the energy these singers could bring. And it left everyone wanting more. Fortunately, "more" arrived quickly, in spectacular fashion.

The Full Golden Experience on The Tonight Show Stage

Fast forward to October 7, and Huntr/x delivered the goods on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon. This was the moment fans had been waiting for: their first full-length live performance of “Golden.” The vibrant show started with an animated intro, perfectly blending the film’s visual style with the live energy of the singers. EJAE, Audrey Nuna, and Rei Ami took the stage and absolutely crushed it, showcasing their powerful vocals and seamless teamwork.

Even Jimmy Fallon couldn't hold back his excitement. During their sit-down interview, he personally shared the news that the soundtrack had gone platinum, referencing its chart performance on the Billboard 200. The atmosphere was celebratory, a true recognition of the immense impact this animated film and its music have had on pop culture. It was a performance that perfectly captured the spirit of KPop Demon Hunters, full of energy and undeniable talent.

Behind the Voices: The Singers React to Their Unexpected Stardom

The success of KPop Demon Hunters and its music has been a whirlwind for the singers. When asked to describe the experience, EJAE, Audrey Nuna, and Rei Ami used words like “surreal,” “scrumptious,” “delicious,” “stunning,” and “bonkers.” Nuna even joked, “We try to come up with new adjectives every time.” It's clear they're still processing just how big this phenomenon has become.

Surreal Moments and Everyday Encounters with the Music

The singers shared some personal anecdotes that really highlight the movie's reach. Audrey Nuna recalled a trip to Korea where she saw an elderly street performer playing “Golden” on a traditional Korean instrument. She was particularly struck by this, explaining that it's rare to impress Korean elders with typical accomplishments. "For the older generation to embrace it, it’s something different," she noted. Seeing the song played on a Beats pill from a street food stall was another eye-opening moment, confirming the song's deep cultural penetration.

Rei Ami had her own heartwarming encounter at an H Mart. She saw a young boy singing “Golden” at the top of his lungs while holding his mother’s hand. “I think it’s one thing to hear our song on the radio, but to hear it come out of a child, live? In H Mart, my favorite place? ... I just cried at HMart,” she recounted. These are the kinds of stories that show music truly connects with people, regardless of age or background.

Whispers of Fortune and Recording Studio Burpees for Perfect Sound

EJAE, a co-writer on “Golden,” even shared an anecdote that suggests the song's success might have been destined. While recording her part, she briefly glimpsed what she described as a “grunge ghost” – “a tall dude with a flannel ... and blue jeans.” Her mom later reminded her of a Korean music business myth: if you see a ghost or paranormal activity while recording a song, it’s a guaranteed hit. Seems like the universe was on their side!

The recording process wasn't always ethereal, though. The singers confirmed that bringing the fight choreography energy to their vocal performances was important. Ian Eisendrath, a music producer, directed some intense moments. EJAE even revealed she had to do burpees during a "dancing practice scene" to sound authentically out of breath for a perfect take. That's dedication to the craft, and it certainly paid off in the final product.

The emotional connection also runs deep. EJAE admitted she cried while singing the demo for “Golden” because the song resonated with her own experiences in the K-pop world. Audrey Nuna also cried at the movie premiere, surprisingly, when she saw kimbap, a Korean rice roll, animated on screen. These personal touches and raw emotions are clearly felt by audiences, making the music even more powerful.

Embracing Anonymity with Global Reach in the Music World

One interesting aspect the singers discussed is their enjoyment of being primarily the voices of the characters, not always in the full glare of celebrity. Audrey Nuna called it "clutch." EJAE shared, "Love going to H Mart, hearing my songs in there, but just picking out the right kimchi ... in my pajamas. Great." Rei Ami added, "No makeup." This ability to experience the widespread impact of their work while maintaining a degree of personal freedom is something they clearly appreciate.

Ultimately, they believe in the unifying power of music. EJAE stated, “Pop music is a universal language. I think power of everyone singing the melodies, uniting everyone from different races, different cultures together.” This message of unity, wrapped in a fun, action-packed story and incredible songs, is a major reason for the film's global connection.

What's Next for the KPop Demon Hunters Universe and Huntr/x

The success of KPop Demon Hunters is far from over. With such a massive following, it’s no surprise that Netflix and Sony Animation are already in talks for a sequel. We can only imagine what new demons Huntr/x will face and what incredible music will accompany their next adventures.

Sequel Talks and Las Vegas Stage Dreams for the Future

Beyond films, the possibility of a live stage show has also come up. Entertainment correspondent Rachel Smith even asked the trio about bringing the craze to a Las Vegas stage. While no concrete plans were revealed, the idea of Huntr/x performing live in such an iconic entertainment hub is certainly exciting to consider. Given their strong performance history and stage presence, it feels like a natural progression.

Even the film's theatrical presence has been notable. A sing-along version of KPop Demon Hunters was released two months after its Netflix debut and managed to gross $19 million at the box office. This made it the first Netflix film ever to finish in first place over a weekend box office not for its opening weekend. This just goes to show the lasting appeal and engagement the film has generated.

The journey of KPop Demon Hunters and Huntr/x has been a thrilling ride, full of unexpected successes and record-breaking achievements. From animated screens to platinum records, and now to live television stages, their impact is undeniable. The future looks incredibly bright for this demon-slaying K-pop sensation, and fans everywhere are surely ready for more.