I remember scrolling through my “For You Page” (FYP) in June, when I kept seeing edits for “KPop Demon Hunters.” At the time, it was fully taking over my social media. I was studying in Korea at the time, so I assumed this film just fit in with the rest of the Korean content that my “FYP” had adjusted to. In the following weeks, I realized that this film was not just popular in Korea; it had also reached a global audience.
I was immediately hooked after watching this film. The film follows the story of HUNTR/X (Ejae, Audrey Nuna, and Rei Ami), a Korean girl group using their music to fight off demons that threaten humanity. Their villain; Gwi-ma (Lee Byung-hun) and his demonic boy group, the Saja Boys (Andrew Choi, Neckwav, SamUIL Lee, and Danny Chung). This movie has reached huge success thanks to the animators at Sony Animation as well as its wide array of Asian singers, actors, and producers.
Every broken music record (so far)
This soundtrack has taken Billboard charts by storm. Billboard announced that “Golden,” by HUNTR/X had reached No. 1 on the Hot 100 singles chart. This is following the two weeks that “Golden” spent at No. 2. EJAE, Audrey Nuna, and REI AMI are now the first female K-pop artists to ever hit No. 1. To follow, they are the first girl group since Destiny’s Child to top the Hot 100 chart (2001). The soundtrack also debuted on the 200 albums chart at No. 8; now sitting at No. 2.
“KPop Demon Hunters” is the highest charting soundtrack of 2025. So far the original soundtrack has received over 77 million streams. The last time an OST reached this height of success was with Disney’s “Encanto.” It has out-streamed popular soundtracks like “Wicked Pt. 1” and “Barbie.“
As fictional bands, HUNTR/X and Saja Boys have outstreamed K-pop Giants. HUNTR/X beat Blackpink and now holds the record for the highest charting K-pop girl group. Just like their female counterparts, Saja Boys are also making waves in the music industry. Saja Boys is now the highest charting K-pop group on Spotify. “Your Idol” by the Saja Boys beat BTS and now holds the record for the highest charting K-pop song by a boy group in the US (previously “Dynamite”).
K-pop on a global scale
This movie has introduced K-pop to many people. I have so many friends who have never listened to K-pop before, but love this soundtrack. I interviewed some students here at the U asking about their thoughts on the movie.
Adriel: “Why do you think KPop Demon Hunters was such a huge success?”
Hazel: “Well I think one thing that it does really well is its appeal to all age demographics. I mean it looks like a kids show, but I know so many teenagers and adults who also love it!”
Adriel: “Has KPop Demon Hunters opened the door to some new artists for you?”
Sam: “Definitely! I love the soundtrack, but it also had me looking up some new people. I know Twice is featured on the soundtrack and I checked out some of their music too.”
Adriel: “So do you think K-pop is something you might listen to more now?”
Sam: “Maybe… I’m loving KPop Demon Hunters, but we will just have to see how much K-pop makes it into my Spotify Wrapped at the end of the year.”
Adriel: “How much K-pop do you listen to now?”
Carter: “The movie was just so fun, but I have also been listening to KATSEYE recently. I know they are not fully K-pop, but maybe I’m getting into it!”
I won’t discredit K-pop at all. It has already been receiving international attention, but it is so cool to see this soundtrack opening the door for many people. There are many people who only know of “Gangnam Style” or BTS; while there are so many other amazing talents in the Korean Music Industry.
Watch “KPop Demon Hunters” on Netflix now. It’s filled with amazing music, story telling and animation. Anyone can find something that they enjoy in this film. These fictional bands are taking over streaming charts worldwide, so why not see what all the fuss is about?