KPop Demon Hunters Soundtrack Dominates Charts Amidst Oscar Buzz

12:50, 22 November

Edited by: Inna Horoshkina One

HUNTR/X (Huntrix) - ‘Golden’ Music Video | KPop Demon Hunters | Netflix Philippines

The animated feature KPop Demon Hunters, a major production from Netflix, has transcended its streaming origins to become a genuine global music phenomenon. According to platform data, the film has secured its place as the most-watched movie in Netflix history, accumulating an astonishing 541+ million hours viewed.

This release is far more than just a title; it represents a significant cultural surge, effectively merging cinema, music, and the worldwide K-pop movement into one powerful entity.

The Soundtrack That Rocked the Charts

The film has achieved a truly remarkable feat in the music industry: eight of its tracks simultaneously landed on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.

Central to this success is the lead single, “Golden.” This track is a powerhouse collaboration featuring EJAE, Audrey Nuna, and Rei Ami, performed from the perspective of the fictional group Huntr/x. Its chart performance has been exceptional:

It reached position №2 on the Hot 100 as of mid-November 2025.

It previously held the №1 spot for eight consecutive weeks.

It marked the first K-pop track ever to simultaneously top both the Hot 100 and the UK Singles Chart.

It commanded the top position on the Billboard Global 200.

It was certified Platinum by the RIAA on October 8, 2025.

Further cementing the album’s success, companion tracks like “Soda Pop” (peaking at №15) and “Your Idol” (reaching №24) ensured broad chart penetration. Moreover, the complete soundtrack album has maintained a presence on the Billboard 200 for 20 weeks, including two weeks spent at the number two position.

From Streaming Success to Academy Consideration

To qualify for Academy consideration, KPop Demon Hunters underwent a limited theatrical run in key markets, specifically New York City, Los Angeles, and San Francisco. This run positions the film to compete for the 2026 Oscar in the category of Best Animated Feature.

The film now stands alongside major contenders, including Disney’s “Elio” and “Zootopia 2,” as well as highly anticipated Japanese features such as “Demon Slayer: Mugen Train” and “Chainsaw Man: Reze Arc.” Furthermore, the single “Golden” is being seriously considered as a potential nominee for Best Original Song.

The official list of nominees is scheduled for announcement on January 22, 2026, with the awards ceremony itself set for March 15.

This narrative extends beyond a simple movie release or a hit soundtrack; it signals a fundamental shift in global cultural dynamics. The success illustrates several key trends:

The traditional separation between Asian and Western cultural spheres is dissolving, creating a unified soundscape.

Music is increasingly breaking free from screen limitations to become a primary driver of global influence.

Animation is proving itself as an effective medium for bridging generational gaps.

K-pop is solidifying its status not merely as a fleeting trend, but as an established language for international exchange.

This entire venture serves as a clear demonstration of how the world sounds in the current era—rapid, vibrant, interconnected, and unified. KPop Demon Hunters has evolved past being just a Netflix project; it has become the very epicenter of a global rhythm, successfully uniting the distinct worlds of film, music, and the cultural momentum of the new generation.

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