Virtual idols “K-Pop Demon Hunters” are taking over the Billboard Charts and the world.
(Photo: Netflix)
Netflix’s animated series “K-Pop Demon Hunters” is turning heads, not just for its stunning visuals and surprisingly deep dive into K-pop culture, but for its music — and it’s making real waves in the real world.
On July 15 (local time), Billboard confirmed that eight tracks from the K-Pop Demon Hunters original soundtrack (OST) have stormed the Hot 100 chart. And yes — they’re all bangers.
Meet the Stars: Huntrix and Lion Boys
The chart-topping tracks are performed by the show’s two fictional idol groups — Huntrix, the fierce, demon-slaying girl group rooted in traditional Korean shamanism, and Lion Boys, the smooth but sinister boy group modeled after the grim reaper.
Huntrix’s empowering anthem “Golden” shot up 17 spots to No. 6, while Lion Boys’ catchy track “Your Idol” leaped to No. 16. Other songs from the show also climbed the charts:
- Huntrix – “How It’s Done” (No. 29)
- Lion Boys – “Soda Pop” (No. 35)
- Huntrix Lumi – “Free” (No. 41)
- Huntrix – “What It Sounds Like” (No. 43)
- Huntrix – “Takedown” (No. 51)
And just when you thought it couldn’t get better — Takedown got an extra boost with a new version sung by TWICE members Jeongyeon, Jihyo, and Chaeyoung, debuting at No. 86. That’s right — every version of the song made it onto the Hot 100.
(Photo: Netflix)
Breaking Records & Global Boundaries
This isn’t just a fluke. The entire KDH OST has become a pop culture force. The full album climbed to No. 2 on Billboard’s 200, the highest-ever spot for a soundtrack from an animated series.
Meanwhile, Huntrix’s “Golden” is not just dominating locally — it’s ruling globally. The track is now No. 1 on Billboard’s Global 200 and Global (Excl. U.S.) charts. That’s a first for any virtual artist since those charts were introduced in 2020.
And here’s a cool twist: the real voices behind Huntrix? All Korean American singers — bridging global K-pop love with authentic Korean American talent.
K-Pop Meets Korean Mythology
But KDH isn’t just about idol magic — it’s soaked in rich Korean culture. The series centers on Huntrix, a girl group/exorcist team drawing from the tradition of mudang (shamans), who must battle Lion Boys, a ghostly boy band infused with the lore of jeoseung saja (grim reapers). It’s K-pop meets Korean mythology, and fans can’t get enough.
Whether you’re here for the music, the mythology, or the sheer madness of a K-pop girl group fighting supernatural evil, one thing’s clear: K-Pop Demon Hunters is the animation hit we didn’t know we needed — and the soundtrack that’s taking over the world. (worldpopkorea@gmail.com)
Want more K-pop crossover updates like this?
Follow us at worldpop.co.kr and stay tuned to the global pulse of pop culture.
