Golden lifted HUNTR/X to number one on the UK Official Chart, marking a milestone for K-pop. The song’s global success proved that animated groups can shape real-world music trends. With strong production and fan support, HUNTR/X blurred the line between fiction and cultural reality.
Golden brings HUNTR/X to the top of UK charts
Netflix’s original animated film K-Pop Demon Hunters has created a global sensation with its breakout track, “Golden.” The song, performed by fictional girl group HUNTR/X, climbed to number one on the UK Official Singles Chart this week. This marks the first time in 13 years a K-pop song has topped the chart since PSY’s “Gangnam Style” in 2012. It’s a groundbreaking achievement that shows how far K-pop has come in global recognition and cultural reach. “Golden” stayed on the UK chart for six weeks before jumping from fourth place to the top in its latest update. This success isn’t limited to the UK—“Golden” also reached number two on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart. Together, these rankings confirm the song’s explosive popularity and the rising global impact of K-pop today.
HUNTR/X leads Golden to global recognition
The success of “Golden” is no accident. It reflects HUNTR/X’s unique appeal and the quality of music behind the project. The song was composed by EJAE, a former SM Entertainment trainee, and sung by Audrey Nuna and Rei Ami. Their voices blended powerfully to express the emotional and energetic tones that define the song’s atmosphere. In addition, world-renowned producers TEDDY and 24, known for working with BLACKPINK, also contributed to the composition. With this lineup, the track gained immediate attention from both fans and critics in Korea and abroad. Listeners around the world responded positively to its catchy beat, cinematic tone, and bold, stylish choreography. HUNTR/X became more than just animated characters—they evolved into icons of this new chapter in K-pop history.
Golden confirms HUNTR/X as a K-Pop powerhouse
Golden’s success has placed HUNTR/X at the heart of K-pop’s current global moment. They are now being discussed alongside legendary acts like BTS and BLACKPINK, despite being fictional characters. Unlike most K-pop acts, HUNTR/X was born through animation, yet fans embraced them as a real musical force. Their digital performances, visual storytelling, and complex personalities helped build a believable K-pop identity. Many now see HUNTR/X as a symbol of how Korean pop culture keeps evolving through unexpected forms and media. Their rise represents a rare case where virtual artistry competes directly with real-world musical talent. Golden’s chart-topping status confirms that great music and strong concept alone can break boundaries—fiction or not.
K-Pop Demon Hunters turns fiction into chart reality
K-Pop Demon Hunters tells the story of HUNTR/X, a glamorous girl group fighting demons disguised as rival boy band SAjA Boys. Set in a world of dazzling stages and dark secrets, the film combines thrilling music with supernatural adventure. The movie reflects various aspects of Korean culture while maintaining an accessible, international narrative. Since its release in late June, it has held the number one spot in Netflix’s “most watched global film” ranking. Songs from the film are also climbing real-world charts—SAjA Boys’ “Your Idol” ranked 10th and “Soda Pop” placed 11th. Another track, “Takedown,” sung by TWICE members Jeongyeon, Jihyo, and Chaeyoung, debuted at 63rd on the UK chart. The film blurred the line between fantasy and reality—its music became real hits in the global entertainment landscape.
Fans celebrate K-Pop’s rise across Europe
News of Golden’s number one ranking spread quickly across Korean communities, especially on MLBPARK, a popular forum. Reactions ranged from disbelief to celebration, with many users saying the song had now surpassed Frozen in cultural impact. They praised its bold style, addictive chorus, and cinematic energy as unmatched in recent memory. Some called this moment “historic” and said K-pop finally conquered Europe after years of steady growth. Golden is now enjoying major success in the UK, France, Germany, and Nordic countries, where fanbases are quickly expanding. The fact that a K-pop track from an animated movie reached such heights felt unimaginable even just a few years ago. It’s a clear sign that Korean music isn’t just trending—it’s shaping the sound of global pop culture in real time.
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Heard the story behind the song “Golden” being an autobiographical track by EJAE, Rumi’s vocalist and the song’s composer, and it hit me even harder… she was a trainee from a young age but never got to debut as an idol, while all the people she trained with became huge superstars… She picked herself up and became a producer, thinking she could finally chase her own dreams, but the sadness of not being able to claim her own melodies as a rookie producer, having to hide behind famous composers… The fact that after overcoming all that, she became a popular songwriter selling hit songs to the very agency that rejected her debut is a better story than any K-Pop Demon Hunters plot.