Netflix’s animated musical KPop Demon Hunters has taken both the streaming and music charts by storm — with fictional bands Saja Boys and Huntr/x outperforming real-world K-pop giants BTS and Blackpink on US charts.
Fictional Bands Break Streaming Records and Chart History
The Netflix original film KPop Demon Hunters has become the most-watched movie on the platform globally, racking up over 33 million views in just two weeks. The film’s viral success has fueled unprecedented popularity for its soundtrack, with fictional K-pop groups topping US streaming charts.
On Friday, “Your Idol” by in-film boy band Saja Boys reached #1 on the US Spotify chart, making them the highest-charting male K-pop group in Spotify US history, overtaking none other than BTS.
Meanwhile, “Golden” by the film’s fictional girl group Huntr/x climbed to #2, surpassing Blackpink as the top-charting female K-pop act on the platform.
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Fictional K-pop bands beat BTS and Blackpink in US charts
Billboard Debut and Awards Campaign Underway
The KPop Demon Hunters soundtrack debuted in the top 10 on the Billboard 200, marking the highest debut for any soundtrack in 2025 so far.
In response to its explosive popularity, Republic Records has announced an official single release for “Golden,” and Netflix is submitting the track for awards consideration, according to Variety.
KPop Demon Hunters: Superstars by Day, Demon Hunters by Night
The animated film centers on Huntr/x, an all-girl superstar group made up of Rumi, Mira, and Zoey. Behind their global stardom lies a secret identity — they’re demon hunters defending their fans from supernatural threats.
Their concerts aren’t just shows; their music is a protective force against evil. But standing in their way is rival band Saja Boys, whose five members — Jinu, Abbs, Romance, Baby, and Mystery — are undercover demons sent by Gwi-ma, the demon king, to steal the souls of Huntr/x’s fanbase.
The film was directed by Maggie Kang and Chris Appelhans and produced by Sony Pictures Animation. It’s based on a story by Maggie Kang, with a powerhouse production team including Teddy Park (Blackpink) and Lindgren (BTS), adding real-world musical weight to the fictional universe.
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BTS and Blackpink Respond With Comebacks
The viral success of KPop Demon Hunters comes as BTS prepares for a highly anticipated comeback, marking their return after completing mandatory military service. The group will begin working on new music in the US this month, with a full album and world tour planned for next year.
Blackpink, meanwhile, is gearing up for its first-ever all-stadium world tour, beginning 5 July. The group, which hasn’t released a new album since Born Pink in 2022, is expected to debut a new single at the start of the Deadline World Tour.
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