KPop Demon Hunters has taken the music world by storm, with its soundtrack rapidly climbing the charts and surpassing iconic groups BTS and Blackpink.
Fictional K-pop Bands Top Charts, Outselling BTS and Blackpink
Fictional K-pop Bands Top Charts, Outselling BTS and Blackpink
A new animated film showcases fictional K-pop bands dominating US music charts, leaving real-life giants behind.
In a surprising twist in the music industry, fictional K-pop bands from the animated film KPop Demon Hunters have outperformed legendary groups BTS and Blackpink on US music charts. The film, currently the most streamed movie on Netflix with over 33 million views in its first two weeks, features a captivating storyline about superstar bands battling supernatural forces.
The song "Your Idol" performed by the film's boy band, Saja Boys, recently claimed the top spot on the US Spotify chart, marking them as the highest-charting male K-pop group in US Spotify history, surpassing the global sensation BTS. Meanwhile, the girl group Huntr/x, another fictional band from the movie, saw their track "Golden" soar to number two on the chart, dethroning Blackpink as the highest-charting female K-pop group.
The film's soundtrack is also making waves, scoring a place in the top 10 of the Billboard 200, marking the highest debut for a soundtrack this year. Republic Records plans to release "Golden" as an official single and is even considering it for award nominations, as reported by Variety.
KPop Demon Hunters follows the adventures of the girl group Huntr/x, which comprises Rumi, Mira, and Zoey—three members who double as fierce demon hunters safeguarding their fans from otherworldly threats. Their rival band, the Saja Boys, disguised as charming musicians, have a sinister agenda orchestrated by their demon king Gwi-ma, hoping to corrupt Huntr/x's fanbase.
Produced by Sony Pictures Animation and helmed by directors Maggie Kang and Chris Appelhans, the film's success can be partly attributed to its stellar production team, which includes notable figures like Teddy Park and Lindgren—both of whom have impressive track records with real K-pop giants.
This unexpected entrance of fictional K-pop into the music scene happens as BTS prepares for a highly anticipated comeback, following their members' completion of mandatory military service, and as Blackpink gears up for its first all-stadium world tour starting July 5. The competition is evident, but for now, it seems the animated realm of K-pop has struck gold.
