Although we’ve only just entered the second half of the year, it’s already evident that Netflix has unveiled its biggest phenomenon yet. “Kpop Demon Hunters,” released on June 20, quickly took the world by storm and hasn’t slowed down since. Its overwhelming popularity is reflected in the global rankings, where it has consistently held top positions, according to Flix Patrol.
As often happens when the streamer delivers a project infused with heart and energy, audiences have grown deeply connected to both the characters and the storyline—almost as if the animated K-pop idols were real. Each new milestone is met with infinite excitement, and now, fans have yet another reason to celebrate.
‘Golden’ Could Be Netflix’s Next Musical Contender
Netflix is officially campaigning “Golden,” the standout original song from “Kpop Demon Hunters,” for awards consideration, according to Variety. The track will also get a full single release through Republic Records on Friday as part of a three-track bundle that includes the original version, an instrumental, and an a cappella.
Source: Netflix
It’s no wonder that the streaming platform is capitalizing on the phenomenon. In the U.S., the “Kpop Demon Hunters” soundtrack holds the highest debut for any 2025 soundtrack on the Billboard 200 and is the first of the year to crack the top ten. It also became the highest-charting animated film soundtrack since “Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse” and earned Netflix its first number-one spot on the Top Soundtracks chart in nearly two years.
Furthermore, The BBC reported that Huntr/x and the Saja Boys made Spotify history in the U.S. with their respective hits. “Golden” reached number two on the chart, making Huntr/x the highest-charting female K-pop group in U.S. Spotify history, surpassing Blackpink. Meanwhile, the Saja Boys’ “Your Idol” became the top-performing male K-pop group entry ever, overtaking BTS.
While the project clearly rides the wave of K-pop’s global appeal, reducing its success to trend-following would be a disservice. Directors Maggie Kang and Chris Appelhans built the film with sincerity and cultural precision, infusing the story with everything from South Korean mythology to the intricate dynamics of K-pop concert performances. That careful attention to detail has resonated with audiences, helping “Kpop Demon Hunters” become more than a hit—it’s become a moment.
