Korean Insights

A Netflix animation, 'K-Pop Demon Hunters,' has topped the music charts. Its track "Golden" hit No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, which is considered the most prestigious music chart in the world, just six weeks after its debut. Billboard, the U.S. music chart company, announced in a chart preview article on the 11th (local time), "Golden climbed one spot from the previous week to take the top position." The Hot 100 is a key indicator of U.S. music trends, reflecting not only streaming and download numbers but also radio airplay. "Golden" is a track from 'K-Pop Demon Hunters,' which was released on Netflix on June 20th, and is performed by the fictional three-member female group, Huntrix.

After its entry into the Hot 100, "Golden" consistently climbed the ranks. It first entered the chart at No. 81 during the week of June 20-26, then rose to No. 23, No. 6, No. 4, and No. 2 in subsequent weeks. In the week it reached No. 1 (August 1-7), its key performance indicators all surged. U.S. streaming numbers increased by 9% from the previous week to 31.7 million, while radio audience impressions (8.4 million) and sales both jumped by 71% and 35%, respectively. With no major artist debuts scheduled for the next week, some in the music industry are anticipating it could hold the No. 1 spot for a second consecutive week.

"Golden" reaching No. 1 also set new records. It is the first time in 24 years, since Destiny's Child's "Bootylicious" in August 2001, that a female group of three or more members has topped the Hot 100. It is also the first time in three years that a virtual character has reached No. 1, following "We Don't Talk About Bruno" from Disney's animated film 'Encanto,' which held the top spot for five weeks in February-March 2022. For K-pop, it marks the ninth time an act has topped the Hot 100 and the first time for a female artist. BTS has had six songs reach the top, and members Jimin and Jungkook have each had one. Psy's "Gangnam Style" peaked at No. 2.

Huntrix has also topped other major music charts. On the Spotify streaming data website Kworb, "Golden" reached No. 1 globally on the 10th. "Your Idol," sung by Huntrix's fictional rivals, the Sazaboyz, was at No. 3. In the U.S., "Golden" and "Your Idol" held the top two spots, replicating their on-screen rivalry in the world's largest market. Six songs from 'K-Pop Demon Hunters,' including "Soda Pop" (No. 4) and "How It's Done" (No. 5), were in the top 10. On the Apple Music Global Chart as of the 11th, "Golden" and the Sazaboyz's "Soda Pop" were competing at No. 1 and No. 2, respectively.