A wildly popular K-pop animated musical is making waves, with songs from its fictional bands topping U.S. music charts and surpassing real-life K-pop groups in popularity.
KPop Demon Hunters is currently the most-streamed film on Netflix globally, having garnered over 33 million views in just two weeks.
On Friday, “Your Idol,” a song by the film’s fictional boy band, Saja Boys, reached the top spot on the U.S. Spotify chart. This achievement positions them as the highest-charting male K-pop group in U.S. Spotify history, exceeding the success of K-pop icons BTS.
“Golden,” a track by Huntr/x, the film’s fictional girl group, climbed to number two on the chart, surpassing Blackpink as the highest-charting female K-pop group.
The film’s soundtrack has also soared into the top 10 of the Billboard 200 in the U.S., marking the highest debut for a soundtrack this year.
“Golden” is slated for release as an official single by Republic Records, and Netflix is reportedly submitting it for awards consideration, according to Variety.
KPop Demon Hunters follows the captivating story of superstar band Huntr/x.
The three members of the all-female group—Rumi, Mira, and Zoey—lead a double life as “badass demon hunters,” protecting their devoted fan base from supernatural threats.
During Huntr/x concerts, their music serves as a shield, safeguarding the human world from the encroaching forces of darkness.
However, their arch-rivals, the Saja Boys, who are demons in disguise, pose a constant threat.
Jinu, Abbs, Romance, Baby, and Mystery have been dispatched by the demon king Gwi-ma to steal the souls of Huntr/x’s fans.
KPop Demon Hunters, produced by Sony Pictures Animation, was directed by Maggie Kang and Chris Appelhans, based on a story by Kang.
The film’s success may be attributed, in part, to the involvement of top producers such as Teddy Park, known for his work with Blackpink, and BTS collaborator Lindgren, who contributed to the creation of the album.
The rising popularity of KPop Demon Hunters coincides with the anticipation surrounding the comeback of South Korean mega-stars BTS.
The seven-member group recently announced plans to travel to the U.S. this month to commence work on new music.
The band is scheduled to release a new album and embark on a tour next year, following the completion of mandatory military service by all members.
Meanwhile, Blackpink is gearing up to launch its first all-stadium world tour on July 5.
The band, which has not released a full album since 2022’s Born Pink, is expected to unveil a new song at the commencement of the Deadline World Tour.
The boat was carrying 53 passengers and 12 crew when it sank while on its way to Bali from Java island.
Former president Yoon Suk Yeol tried to impose martial law in December, triggering a crisis and impeachment.
“Everyone’s exhausted. We just want it to stop,” says one resident of the Tokara islands.
The BBC speaks to Tibetans as their spiritual exiled leader the Dalai Lama turns 90.
The Dalai Lama, now 90, remains at the centre of China’s complicated relationship with Tibet.