K-Pop Demon Hunters VMA Nomination Caps Historic Netflix Domination

The animated film became Netflix's most-viewed title ever, surpassing Squid Game.
Its lead single "Golden" earned a VMA nomination for Song of The Summer.
The real singers behind the movie will present at the VMA ceremony.

Netflix's "KPop Demon Hunters" isn't just a hit, it's a full-blown global phenomenon that has completely redefined what success looks like for an animated film. Since its explosive release June 2025, the animated musical has shattered records, most notably becoming Netflix's biggest animated original feature ever and dethroning "Red Notice" to become the most-watched movie on the platform with a staggering 236 million views.

But the accolades for this story about the girl group HUNTR/X (Huntrix)—who are idols by day and demon hunters by night—extend far beyond streaming numbers. The film's electrifying lead single, "Golden," has become a cultural force in its own right, dominating global charts and making history by surpassing 900 Perfect All-Kills (PAKs). It even secured the #1 spot on the Billboard Hot 100, a feat not achieved by a female girl group since Destiny's Child in 2000.

"Golden" Bags a Surprising VMA Nomination

The world-conquering journey of "Golden" has now reached one of music's biggest stages which is the MTV Video Music Awards. In a move that highlights the song's undeniable impact, it was officially nominated for the coveted Song of the Summer 2025 award.

The track, performed by the fictional group HUNTR/X but brought to life by the very real vocal talents of EJAE, Audrey Nuna, and REI AMI, finds itself in competition with major hits from artists like Tate McRae, Justin Bieber, and Sabrina Carpenter. Furthermore, the stars behind the voices, Audrey Nuna, EJAE and Rei Ami, are set to appear at the ceremony itself as presenters, solidifying the project's unique position between animation and reality.

The song itself is a powerhouse collaboration, having been "written by EJAE and Mark Sonnenblick, and produced by well-known names such as 24, Ido, Teddy Park, and Ian Eisendrath." It was released as an official single by Republic Records on July 4 as a three-track bundle, proving its merit as a standalone musical success.

What a VMA Win Could Mean for the Future of Virtual Acts

The nomination of a fictional group from an animated film might seem unusual, but it's not without precedent. Virtual bands like Gorillaz have previously performed and won awards, even delivering animated acceptance speeches. This VMA nod is more than just a novelty, it's a significant cultural indicator. It validates that a project like "KPop Demon Hunters" and its music has achieved a level of popularity and quality that resonates deeply with the mainstream audience, standing shoulder-to-shoulder with the industry's biggest names. This recognition serves as a powerful launchpad.

With Netflix and Sony already in early talks for a sequel, a strong showing at the VMAs could be the catalyst that allows HUNTR/X to fully cross over into the real world. Whether through a groundbreaking virtual performance using holograms or a montage of film clips, the VMAs offer the perfect platform. This could be the defining moment that proves the group's world-dominating popularity can extend beyond streaming and merchandise into the next logical frontier, a live, experiential event, conquering yet another aspect of the entertainment industry while their popularity is at its absolute peak.

K-pop Demon Hunters Smashes Records, Becoming Netflix's All-Time Most-Viewed Title

Meanwhile, ‘K-Pop Demon Hunters’ has officially dethroned the global sensation ‘Squid Game’ to become the most-viewed piece of content of all time on Netflix.

According to data released on Netflix’s official site, Tudum, the film has achieved a staggering 266 million views and accumulated 443.4 million hours watched. This monumental achievement places it at the number one spot across all Netflix movies and series, a title previously held by ‘Squid Game Season 1’ with 265.2 million views. The film’s ascent has been meteoric; just two weeks prior, it was in third place, but its rapid rise in popularity allowed it to overtake both ‘Squid Game’ and ‘Wednesday’ in record time. With approximately two weeks still remaining in its official 91-day tracking window, experts predict its lead will only grow, solidifying its place in streaming history.

This record-shattering success is not limited to streaming. The film’s explosive popularity has reverberated through the music industry, with its lead single "Golden" maintaining the No. 1 spot on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 for three consecutive weeks. This places it in an elite echelon of K-pop hits, a feat only previously accomplished by BTS's "Butter" and "Dynamite." This cultural dominance is now being recognized by the music industry's most glamorous night. The voices behind the fictional group HUNTR/X—artists EJAE, Audrey Nuna, and REI AMI—are set to cross over from the animated world to the real one as they are confirmed to be presenters at the 2025 MTV VMAs. They join a star-studded list including Ashlee Simpson Ross, Jessica Simpson, Ice Spice, Ciara, Latto, Paris Hilton, and Drew Barrymore.

This invitation to present is a significant honor that underscores the project's massive impact. It’s no longer just a popular film; it's a bona fide music industry player. The VMAs have always been a reflection of the current cultural moment, and the presence of HUNTR/X signifies a blurring of lines between animation and reality, between streaming success and musical acclaim. Their appearance on stage is poised to be more than just an award handout; it will be a celebration of a record-breaking phenomenon and a testament to how a fresh concept—blending K-pop, fantasy, and demon-slaying—has utterly captivated a global audience.

Source: alkpop, news18, Forbes, The Hollywood Reporter