In brief
In a remarkable achievement, the animated film 'Kpop Demon Hunters' has officially become Netflix's most viewed movie ever, amassing over 236 million views since its release. This film has outperformed previous record-holder 'Red Notice' and has gained immense popularity worldwide, thanks to its engaging story, catchy K-pop soundtrack, and vibrant animation. Produced by Sony Pictures Animation, the movie has also led to a successful sing-along version in theaters and on Netflix that capitalizes on its hit songs, which have topped charts both on Spotify and Billboard. Rumors about a potential sequel are already generating excitement within the K-pop community and beyond.
The animated musical KPop Demon Hunters has climbed 'up, up, up' Netflix's charts to become its most viewed movie ever, the streaming platform says. Since its release in June, the film has been watched more than 236 million times, overtaking the action comedy Red Notice to take the top spot.It is the latest in a series of chart-topping achievements by the film which has become a surprise global hit. Songs from the movie have also been some of the most streamed online on Spotify, while the track Golden hit number one on the Billboard Hot 100 earlier this month.Produced by Sony Pictures Animation, Kpop Demon Hunters follows the adventures of fictional K-pop girl band Huntr/x as its three members use their music and fighting skills to protect humans from demons. It was launched in June with a relatively low-key premiere at Netflix's Tudum theatre in Los Angeles. However, over the summer the film gained momentum through word of mouth, boosted by viral videos and memes on social media.Many have praised it for its eye-catching animation and its depiction of both traditional and modern Korean culture. The biggest attraction for many has been the movie's catchy K-pop songs, produced by veterans who have worked with groups such as BTS and Twice.Maggie Kang, the Korean-Canadian co-director of the film, previously stated wanting the music to resonate deeply with K-pop fans. Capitalising on the songs' popularity, Netflix released a sing-along version in cinemas in various regions, which netted its first number one film at the US box office. The sing-along version has since been made available globally.Tracks from the soundtrack have entered the top 10 of Spotify's global chart, with Golden currently at number one. This has made Huntr/x and Saja Boys the highest charting female and male K-pop groups in US Spotify history, surpassing real-life K-pop juggernauts BTS and Blackpink. Notably, the Kpop Demon Hunters soundtrack became the first to have four simultaneous Top 10 hits on the Billboard Hot 100.As excitement builds, preliminary talks about a potential sequel to the animated feature are reportedly in the works.
