[OSENWORLD] One animated film is shaking up both the streaming and music industries—and it’s rooted in K-pop.
Netflix’s original animated movie K-Pop Demon Hunters has officially become the fourth most-watched English-language film in the platform’s history, amassing 158.8 million viewing hours globally as of August 6. The film has now overtaken The Adam Project and is inching closer to Don’t Look Up, starring Leonardo DiCaprio, which holds third place with 171.4 million views.
What’s more surprising is its trajectory. While most titles peak within the first two weeks, K-Pop Demon Hunters is defying the curve. In its sixth week post-release, viewership continues to grow, making the film a word-of-mouth sensation.
The soundtrack is rewriting chart rules, too. According to the latest Billboard rankings, the main theme “Golden” by fictional girl group HUNTRIX has soared to No. 2 on the Hot 100 for two consecutive weeks. The track debuted at No. 81 and steadily climbed: 23 → 6 → 4 → 2—now on the verge of claiming the top spot.
Even the film’s villain group, fictional boy band SAZABOYZ, is making waves. Their tracks “Your Idol” and “Soda Pop” have entered the Hot 100 at No. 9 and No. 16, respectively. Other entries include HUNTRIX’s “How It’s Done” (No. 19), the duet “Free” by LUMI and Jinwoo (No. 28), “What It Sounds Like” (No. 29), and “Takedown” in two versions: HUNTRIX (No. 33) and TWICE (No. 67). In total, eight songs from the film have charted simultaneously.
The K-Pop Demon Hunters OST album has also soared to No. 2 on the Billboard 200.
The film’s premise is as wild as its success: an all-female K-pop group uses music and performance to exorcise evil spirits and save the world. Rich in Korean cultural references—from gimbap and ramen to traditional clinics and iconic Seoul landmarks like Namsan Tower—the movie also features appearances and contributions from real K-pop stars, including TWICE, BLACKPINK’s Rosé, and producer Teddy. A “gimbap mukbang challenge” inspired by one of the scenes has gone viral on social media.
According to The Wrap, Netflix is actively developing a sequel, a live-action remake, and a stage musical version, positioning K-Pop Demon Hunters as a potential global franchise.
The film features voice performances by Lee Byung-hun and Ahn Hyo-seop, music from TWICE and Teddy, and was co-directed by Maggie Kang and Chris Appelhans.
/k_inside@osen.co.kr
[PHOTO] Courtesy of Netflix
