KPop Demon Hunters, the new feature from Sony Pictures Animation, has been taking the entertainment universe by storm. It’s even managed to outperform massive acts like BTS and Blackpink on US charts! Directed by Maggie Kang and Chris Appelhans, the film follows the adventures of the fictional K-pop band Huntr/x, which consists of three members: Rumi, Mira, and Zoey. These characters are not only pop stars but “badass demon hunters” dedicated to protecting their fans from supernatural threats.
Huntr/x is featured in an epic winner-takes-all matchup against Jinu, Abbs, Romance, Baby and Mystery. These soulless minions of the demon king Gwi-ma, dispatched by the forces of evil, seek to devour Huntr/x’s loyal fanbase™. It’s the combination of fantasy and music that truly captivates audiences, leading to the film’s unprecedented success.
KPop Demon Hunters has become the most streamed movie on Netflix globally, amassing over 33 million views within just two weeks of its release. This unprecedented level of attendance has launched the film into the stratosphere, securing its legendary status in popular culture.
Alongside its box office triumph, Huntr/x’s track “Golden” has shone brightly, bringing considerable success to their music career as well. The cut just shot up to #2 on the US Spotify chart — amazing! It overtook Blackpink to be the highest-charting song by a female K-pop group. This accomplishment marks the continued, undeniable impact that the genre of K-pop has made on American music charts.
On Friday, Republic Records will widely release the new song “Golden.” Its popularity and widespread impact have made it so that Netflix is nominating it for award consideration. Korean translations have allowed it to make a huge Korean splash into the top 10 on the Billboard 200. The performance marks yet another point of success for the film, dominating popular streaming sites and music charts.
The film wouldn’t have been such a success without largely unrecognized, brilliant producers at its helm. Teddy Park, known for his work with Blackpink, and Lindgren, who’s worked with BTS, were integral to its success. Their experience informed the process of creating the perfect soundtrack to underscore the fandom and excitement ICYMI fans have, as well as enhance the overall cinematic experience.