In a striking turn of events, fictional K-pop bands have surged to the top of US music charts, overtaking prominent real-life groups BTS and Blackpink. The animated film "KPop Demon Hunters" has quickly risen to popularity, becoming the most streamed movie on Netflix globally, with over 33 million views in just two weeks.
Friday saw the song "Your Idol," performed by the film's fictional boy band Saja Boys, clinch the top spot on the US Spotify chart, marking a historic achievement as the highest charting male K-pop group in the US Spotify history, surpassing the renowned BTS. Following closely, "Golden," a single from the film's fictional girl group Huntr/x, took the number two position, dethroning Blackpink as the top female K-pop act on the chart.
The film's soundtrack made a significant impact, entering the top 10 of the Billboard 200, achieving the highest debut for a soundtrack this year. "Golden" is set to be officially released by Republic Records, with Netflix pushing for awards consideration, according to reports from Variety.
"KPop Demon Hunters" follows the escapades of the all-female group Huntr/x, consisting of members Rumi, Mira, and Zoey, who double as demon hunters safeguarding their fans from ominous threats while performing at concerts. Their adversaries, the Saja Boys, are manipulative demons under the command of king Gwi-ma with the sinister mission to claim the souls of Huntr/x's followers.
Produced by Sony Pictures Animation, the film is directed by Maggie Kang and Chris Appelhans, based on Ms. Kang's original story. The involvement of notable producers, such as Teddy Park and BTS collaborator Lindgren, in the soundtrack may have played a role in its unprecedented success.
As KPop Demon Hunters resonates with audiences, BTS is poised to make a highly-anticipated comeback, announcing this week their upcoming music venture in the US after fulfilling mandatory military duties. Blackpink also prepares for its first all-stadium world tour, with fans eagerly awaiting new releases. The clash of these musical powerhouses highlights an exciting time for the K-pop genre while also embracing innovative storytelling in animated formats.
Friday saw the song "Your Idol," performed by the film's fictional boy band Saja Boys, clinch the top spot on the US Spotify chart, marking a historic achievement as the highest charting male K-pop group in the US Spotify history, surpassing the renowned BTS. Following closely, "Golden," a single from the film's fictional girl group Huntr/x, took the number two position, dethroning Blackpink as the top female K-pop act on the chart.
The film's soundtrack made a significant impact, entering the top 10 of the Billboard 200, achieving the highest debut for a soundtrack this year. "Golden" is set to be officially released by Republic Records, with Netflix pushing for awards consideration, according to reports from Variety.
"KPop Demon Hunters" follows the escapades of the all-female group Huntr/x, consisting of members Rumi, Mira, and Zoey, who double as demon hunters safeguarding their fans from ominous threats while performing at concerts. Their adversaries, the Saja Boys, are manipulative demons under the command of king Gwi-ma with the sinister mission to claim the souls of Huntr/x's followers.
Produced by Sony Pictures Animation, the film is directed by Maggie Kang and Chris Appelhans, based on Ms. Kang's original story. The involvement of notable producers, such as Teddy Park and BTS collaborator Lindgren, in the soundtrack may have played a role in its unprecedented success.
As KPop Demon Hunters resonates with audiences, BTS is poised to make a highly-anticipated comeback, announcing this week their upcoming music venture in the US after fulfilling mandatory military duties. Blackpink also prepares for its first all-stadium world tour, with fans eagerly awaiting new releases. The clash of these musical powerhouses highlights an exciting time for the K-pop genre while also embracing innovative storytelling in animated formats.
