When K-Pop Demon Hunters Steal the Spotlight: How 'Golden' Conquered Global Music Charts
Released on June 20, 2025,
K-Pop Demon Hunters
follows Huntr/x, a fictional girl group battling dark forces through fierce performances. Its unique mix of fantasy, high-energy choreography, and addictive K-pop beats has made it a talking point in over 90 countries.
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According to Global Viewing Insights, global interest spiked in early July, with online searches and video views nearly quadrupling within three weeks. Related hashtags have surpassed 1.3 billion views-a rare feat for an animated title this year.
'Golden' Tops Global Rankings
The soundtrack's flagship song Golden, performed by Huntr/x, entered the UK music charts at number 93 and climbed to number one in its sixth week-making it the first K-pop track in over a decade to do so.
Data from the Official Charts Company (UK) shows Golden stayed in the top three for three straight weeks before settling in the top five. It also reached number one in South Korea's Top 100 Domestic Singles Chart and number two on the Global Popular Songs Weekly List spanning 64 markets.
Mixing Korean and English lyrics, its message of resilience resonated with listeners of all ages. Global Radio Metrics recorded a 240% jump in airplay within two weeks, especially in Europe and Southeast Asia.
Viral Dance Challenges and Cultural Reach
The so-called "Golden Challenge" has dominated short-video platforms, with fans worldwide recreating the song's energetic choreography. Another track, Soda Pop, became a playground dance craze, while Your Idol grew popular for university talent shows and online covers.
Critics note the film's blend of modern K-pop drive and motifs from traditional Korean legends as a key factor in its cross-cultural appeal.
This balance has turned the title into a 2025 standout in global music-driven storytelling.
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