How “Golden” Turned KPop Demon Hunters Into a Global Success
- Cindy Claros
- 21 hours ago
- 2 min read
KPop Demon Hunters emerged as one of 2025’s most unexpected hits, with its standout track “Golden” breaking into the top 20 of the Billboard Hot 100 and pushing the animated film into the global spotlight.
The feel-good Netflix release debuted June 20, 2025, and centers on a group of K-pop idols balancing fame with secret lives as demon hunters. The film embodies strong themes of friendship and overcoming insecurities and appeals to audiences of all ages. Drawing from South Korean pop culture and shamanism, the film quickly gained traction worldwide, surpassing 500 million views and securing a lengthy run in Netflix’s Top 10.
Much of the movie’s musical momentum has been tied to the success of “Golden,” performed in the film by the fictional girl group HUNTR/X. While EJAE serves as the song’s lead vocalist, the track also features vocals from artists Audrey Nuna and Rei Ami, who collectively bring the group’s sound to life.
"Golden" delivers a message of self-belief and resilience that aligns with the film's themes. The song reflects the characters' journey as they face insecurity and self-doubt before embracing their inner strength. Its empowering lyrics and uplifting tone emphasize that confidence comes through perseverance, serving as both a narrative turning point and an anthem for audiences.
From its earliest stages, EJAE believed the song had hit potential.
“When we finished the whole song and the lyrics, we just looked at ourselves and we're like, ‘Wow, I think this is a smash,’” EJAE said in an interview with WIRED.
She later shared a personal moment behind the track during an appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, describing an unusual experience while recording in the studio.
“There was a moment when the volume knob suddenly fixed itself, and for a second I saw what looked like a tall figure walking toward me,” EJAE said. “My mom later reminded me that in Korean culture, seeing a ghost or something unusual while recording is believed to be a sign of good luck.”
At the 2026 Critics Choice Awards, "Golden" was named Best Song. Following this, the song won Best Original Song at the 83rd Annual Golden Globes, marking a strong start to the awards season thus far.
KPop Demon Hunters has since become one of Netflix’s longest-running animated titles in the Top 10. The film, along with "Golden," have both been nominated for the Best Animated Feature and Best Original Song categories at the 2026 Academy Awards. A sequel to KPop Demon Hunters is planned for release in 2029.
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Edited by Michelle Leung
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