BREAKING: The original soundtrack “Golden” from Netflix’s blockbuster animated film KPop Demon Hunters has made history by soaring to No. 6 on the Billboard Hot 100. This landmark achievement marks the first time a virtual K-pop artist has reached the upper tier of the prestigious chart.
This rapid ascent comes as the song, performed by the in-movie fictional girl group Huntrix, jumped an impressive 17 spots just this week. The latest Billboard data reveals that “Golden” amassed 18.8 million streams, a staggering 39% increase from last week, alongside 950,000 airplay impressions and 3,000 digital downloads.
In an extraordinary feat, “Golden” not only reached the top 10 but also dominated the Billboard Global 200 and Global Excl. US charts simultaneously. This is the first time since these charts’ inception in 2020 that a virtual artist has achieved such a double victory.
While “Golden” steals the spotlight, the soundtrack’s success doesn’t end there. Another track, “Takedown,” featuring real-life K-pop sensations Jeongyeon, Jihyo, and Chaeyoung from the group Twice, has also made its mark by debuting at No. 86 on the Hot 100.
The animated musical KPop Demon Hunters, released by Netflix last month, follows Huntrix as they battle evil spirits threatening humanity. The plot delves into their rivalry with the demon-born boy group Saja Boys, revealing dark secrets along the way.
Experts attribute the soundtrack’s skyrocketing success to its heavyweight production team, which includes renowned producers like Teddy Park and Lindgren, known for their work with top K-pop acts. With contributions from industry veterans like Kush and Vince, the album is a powerhouse.
The film has not only ranked at the top of Netflix’s global film listings but has also gone viral on platforms like TikTok, where fans are actively recreating choreography and sharing reactions, garnering hundreds of millions of views.
In a move that could further elevate its status, Netflix plans to submit “Golden” for consideration in the Best Original Song category at the upcoming Academy Awards, as reported by Variety and Billboard.
With these developments unfolding, KPop Demon Hunters is set to make waves in both the music and film industries, captivating audiences worldwide and redefining what virtual artists can achieve in mainstream music charts. Fans and industry watchers alike are eager to see what comes next for this groundbreaking project.
