Demon Slayers to Chart-Toppers, Golden by HUNTR/X Scores Historic PAK After BTS & NewJeans

HUNTR/X's "Golden" achieves PAK with 477 hours, ranking as the third-longest in history after BTS's "Dynamite" and NewJeans's "Ditto".
The song also topped the UK Official Charts - the first K-pop track to do so since PSY's "Gangnam Style" (2012) - with 96 million streams in just 3 weeks.
HUNTR/X's success proves fictional K-pop can rival real groups, blending music, mythology, and premium animation into a global phenomenon.

In the ever-evolving world of K-pop, a new phenomenon has emerged—HUNTR/X, the fictional three-member girl group from Netflix’s animated film K-Pop Demon Hunters. Comprising Rumi, Mira, and Zoey, these idols aren’t just global superstars by day—they’re also demon hunters by night, battling supernatural forces while maintaining their glamorous K-pop careers.

The group’s unique concept blends Korean mythology, high-energy pop music, and supernatural fantasy, creating a narrative that has captivated audiences worldwide. Rumi, the lead vocalist and leader, wields a saingeom sword and harbors demonic heritage. Mira, the visual and main dancer, fights with a gokdo polearm, while Zoey, the maknae and main rapper, specializes in shinkal throwing knives. Their rival? The Saja Boys, a demonic boy band disguised as idols, adding a thrilling layer of conflict to their story.

Who and Why K-Pop Demon Hunters Went Viral

Since its release on June 20, 2025, K-Pop Demon Hunters has shattered records, becoming Netflix’s most-watched original animated film with over 106 million views in just five weeks. Its success can be attributed to several factors:

• A Fresh, Genre-Blending Concept – The film merges K-pop, fantasy, and action, offering something new for both music lovers and animation fans.

• Catchy, Chart-Topping Music – The soundtrack, performed by HUNTR/X, features infectious tracks like "Golden," "What It Sounds Like," and "Takedown," which quickly went viral.

• Striking Animation & Relatable Characters – The exaggerated, expressive animation style and the girls’ double lives as idols and warriors made them instantly memorable.

• Strong Emotional Themes – Beyond the glitz and battles, the story explores identity, empowerment, and sacrifice, resonating deeply with viewers.

Netflix’s strategic promotion and the involvement of Sony Pictures Animation—along with directors Maggie Kang and Chris Appelhans—ensured high production quality, further cementing its appeal.

What separates K-Pop Demon Hunters from other animated films is how real the characters feel—and that authenticity comes from the actors behind them. Arden Cho, May Hong, and Ji-young Yoo didn’t just voice Rumi, Mira, and Zoey; they infused them with personality, vulnerability, and raw emotion, making their struggles and triumphs resonate with audiences worldwide.

Arden Cho's portrayal of Rumi masterfully balances the character's dual nature - the polished K-pop leader and the demon-blooded warrior. Her vocal performance captures Rumi's commanding stage presence while revealing subtle cracks in her confident facade when her heritage threatens to surface.

"There is so much happening for Rumi. She's relatable—a sister, a leader, someone battling identity issues while trying to do amazing things., Cho explained to Netflix, highlighting the complexity she brings to the role.

Cho's emotional range shines in pivotal scenes where Rumi must choose between her human connections and her growing demonic powers, making her journey the emotional core of the story.

May Hong injects Mira with an electrifying mix of rebellious energy and hidden vulnerability. Her voice work perfectly complements Mira's character arc - from aloof skeptic to fiercely loyal teammate. Hong's delivery of Mira's sarcastic one-liners provides much of the film's humor, while her more subdued moments reveal the character's protective instincts.

"Mira is a burning fire," Hong says, encapsulating how she voices the character with simmering intensity that occasionally erupts into passionate outbursts.

The actress particularly excels in action sequences, where Mira's battle cries and combat banter showcase Hong's ability to balance toughness with emotional authenticity.

Ji-young Yoo makes Zoey instantly endearing, capturing the maknae's infectious enthusiasm and underlying insecurities with remarkable nuance. Her vocal performance beautifully conveys Zoey's journey from eager-to-please rookie to confident team player.

"She's figuring out her identity," Yoo explains, emphasizing how she uses vocal inflections to show Zoey's cultural duality and growing self-assurance.

Yoo's rapping scenes are particularly impressive, demonstrating her ability to switch seamlessly between Zoey's playful idol persona and her intense demon-hunting focus. The warmth and vulnerability she brings to the role make Zoey's moments of triumph especially rewarding for audiences.

"Golden" Makes History: Topping Charts Worldwide

The breakout single "Golden" has become a global sensation, achieving what few K-pop songs have before. Most notably, it topped the UK Official Singles Chart, marking the first time a K-pop song has reached #1 in 13 years since PSY’s "Gangnam Style" (2012).

The UK Official Charts are among the most prestigious globally, alongside the Billboard Hot 100. Before "Golden," only a handful of K-pop acts—like BTS ("Dynamite," "Butter," "My Universe") and BLACKPINK’s Rosé ("On The Ground")—had cracked the top five. "Golden" entered the chart at #93 in late June, steadily climbing to #4 before finally claiming the #1 spot.

But the UK wasn’t the only milestone. The song also achieved a Perfect All-Kill (PAK) in South Korea—a rare feat where a track simultaneously tops all major Korean music charts, including Melon, Genie, Bugs, FLO, VIBE, and YouTube Music. As of August 4, 2025, "Golden" has 477 PAK hours, making it the third most successful song in PAK history, trailing only BTS’s "Dynamite" (610 hours) and NewJeans’ "Ditto" (655 hours).

• Breaking Records Beyond Charts
• Most-streamed fictional K-pop group song on Spotify U.S.
• Over 96 million streams in its third week
• Multiple soundtrack entries on the UK charts, including "Your Idol" (#10) and "Soda Pop" (#11) by rival group Saja Boys

HUNTR/X’s success isn’t just a fleeting trend—it’s a testament to how K-pop continues to evolve, blending music, storytelling, and cultural elements in innovative ways. "Golden" isn’t just a hit; it’s a historic moment for K-pop, proving that even fictional idols can leave a real-world impact.

As K-Pop Demon Hunters dominates Netflix and its soundtrack conquers charts worldwide, one thing is clear: HUNTR/X isn’t just fighting demons—they’re slaying the music industry, too.

With records still being broken and fans clamoring for more, HUNTR/X’s reign is far from over. Whether on stage or in battle, these demon-hunting idols have cemented their place in K-pop history.

Source: Netflix, AllKpop, Chosun