K-pop Demon Hunters' "Golden" Tops Billboard Hot 100... First-Ever No. 1 for a K-pop Female Vocalist

Tops Both UK and US Charts in Just Seven Weeks After Release

A scene where the girl group Huntrix sings "Golden" in "K-Pop Demon Hunters." Netflix

The original soundtrack (OST) "Golden" from the Netflix animated film "K-pop Demon Hunters" has reached No. 1 on the main U.S. Billboard singles chart, the Hot 100. This marks the first time in K-pop history that a song has topped both of the world’s two major pop music charts, following its No. 1 ranking on the UK’s Official Singles Chart Top 100 on the 1st of this month.

On August 11 (local time), Billboard announced, "'Golden' is the ninth K-pop-related song to conquer the Hot 100, and the first K-pop track performed by a female vocalist to reach No. 1." Until now, the only K-pop artists to top this chart were the group BTS (with six songs) and members Jimin and Jungkook.

"Golden" debuted at No. 81 in early July, then climbed to No. 23, No. 6, No. 4, and No. 2, finally reaching No. 1 in its seventh week. During the tracking period, it recorded 31.7 million streams (up 9% from the previous week), 8.4 million radio airplay impressions (up 71%), and 7,000 sales (up 35%).

This song serves as the official promotional track for the fictional K-pop girl group "Huntrix" in the film. It was performed by composer Lee Jae, who is a former SM Entertainment trainee, singer Audrey Nuna, and Ray Ami. All three are Korean American; Lee Jae and Ray Ami were born in Seoul, while Audrey Nuna was born in New Jersey, USA. The production team included Teddy and IDO of The Black Label, as well as Two4 and Vince, all of whom have produced numerous hits for acts such as BLACKPINK and BIGBANG.

"Golden," a dance-pop track, is characterized by powerful high notes and an addictive melody, with lyrics that tell a positive story of growth. Billboard noted, "This is the first time in 24 years that a song performed by a female vocal group of three or more members has topped the Hot 100, following Destiny's Child."

This is only the fourth time that a song based on an animated or virtual character has reached No. 1 on the Hot 100, following "The Chipmunk Song" in 1958, "A Whole New World" in 1993, and "We Don't Talk About Bruno" in 2022.

In Korea, the "Golden Challenge" continues to gain popularity, with many singers participating, including Bada (formerly of S.E.S.), Lee Haeri of Davichi, Solar of Mamamoo, Lily of NMIXX, and Ahn Yujin of IVE.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.