The original soundtrack (OST) "Golden" from the Netflix animated film K-pop Demon Hunters has reached No. 1 on the US Billboard Hot 100, the main singles chart. 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 on the UK's Official Singles Chart Top 100 on August 1 (local time).

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

Composer Lee Jae, a former SM Entertainment trainee (from left), singers Audrey Nuna and Ray Amie took on the vocals of "Golden." All three are Korean-American. Instagram capture

원본보기 아이콘

"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, the song 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. Composer Lee Jae, a former SM Entertainment trainee, and singers Audrey Nuna and Ray Amie provided the vocals. All three are Korean-American; Lee Jae and Ray Amie were born in Seoul, while Audrey Nuna was born in New Jersey, USA. The production team included Teddy, IDO, TwoFour, and Vince from THEBLACKLABEL, who have produced numerous hits for BLACKPINK and BIGBANG.

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

원본보기 아이콘

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

This is only the fourth time in history that a song based on animation or virtual characters 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, many artists-including Bada (formerly of S.E.S.), Lee Haeri of Davichi, Solar of Mamamoo, Lily of NMIXX, and Ahn Yujin of IVE-are participating in the "Golden Challenge," further fueling the song's popularity.