Netflix's "K-Pop Demon Hunters" Makes History: Virtual Group HUNTRIX Tops Global Charts with "Golden"
Netflix's animated hit "K-Pop Demon Hunters" has shattered chart records worldwide, with fictional girl group HUNTRIX's breakout single "Golden" becoming the first virtual artist track to simultaneously top both Billboard Global 200 and Global Excl. U.S. charts.
"Golden" peaked at No. 4 on the Billboard Hot 100 in its fourth consecutive week on the chart, marking an unprecedented achievement for an animated soundtrack. The track climbed from its debut at No. 81, showing remarkable staying power that earned it a spot in the Streaming Songs top 10-the first fictional act to achieve this in the chart's 12-year history.
"Golden" currently holds the No. 1 position on Billboard Global 200 as of August 2, 2025, demonstrating the song's massive international appeal beyond the U.S. market.
The "K-Pop Demon Hunters" soundtrack has achieved multiple milestones:
- Eight songs simultaneously entered the Billboard Hot 100
- Reached No. 2 on Billboard 200 with the biggest streaming week for a soundtrack in over three years
- Became the highest-charting soundtrack of 2025 and first Netflix soundtrack to top the Soundtracks chart in over two years
Other standout tracks include Saja Boys' "Your Idol" and "Soda Pop," which landed four songs total in the top 40.
The soundtrack features top-tier producers including Teddy Park (BLACKPINK, BIGBANG) and BTS collaborator Lindgren, with contributions from The Black Label composers. Real vocalists behind the fictional characters include EJAE, Audrey Nuna, and REI AMI as HUNTRIX, with Andrew Choi and others voicing rival group Saja Boys.
Netflix plans to submit "Golden" for Oscar consideration in the Best Original Song category, underscoring the track's artistic merit alongside its commercial success.
The animated film, directed by Maggie Kang and Chris Appelhans, follows HUNTRIX as they balance K-pop stardom with secret demon-hunting duties. The movie returned to Netflix's U.S. top 10, while its soundtrack continues breaking barriers for virtual artists in mainstream music.
This unprecedented success proves that exceptional music transcends the boundaries between real and fictional artists, setting a new standard for animated film soundtracks in the streaming era.
"K-Pop Demon Hunters" is streaming exclusively on Netflix.
