The animated film, "KPop Demon Hunters," has captivated audiences worldwide, leading to its fictional bands achieving unprecedented success in the US music scene.
Fictional K-Pop Bands Top US Charts, Outshining BTS and Blackpink
Fictional K-Pop Bands Top US Charts, Outshining BTS and Blackpink
A new animated musical, "KPop Demon Hunters," has taken the US music charts by storm, surpassing global K-pop icons.
"KPop Demon Hunters," a recent addition to Netflix's lineup, is becoming a cultural phenomenon, amassing over 33 million views within its first two weeks. This animated musical has introduced audiences to the captivating world of fictional K-pop groups, significantly impacting the music charts. The film's boy band, Saja Boys, achieved a remarkable milestone by hitting the top spot on the US Spotify chart with their song "Your Idol," marking them as the highest-charting male K-pop group in the history of the platform, consequently surpassing real-life superstars BTS.
In a similar vein, the fictional girl group Huntr/x secured the number two spot with their track "Golden," outpacing the iconic Blackpink to become the highest-charting female K-pop group. The film's soundtrack has also broken into the top 10 of the Billboard 200 chart, achieving the highest debut for a soundtrack this year. Notably, "Golden" is set for release as an official single by Republic Records, with Netflix considering it for potential awards, as reported by Variety.
"KPop Demon Hunters" follows the exhilarating journey of the girl group Huntr/x, who lead double lives as demon hunters safeguarding their fans from supernatural threats. Their concerts are not just performances; they serve a crucial role in defending humanity against dark forces. The Saja Boys, their adversaries, are portrayed as demons in disguise, sent by the demon king Gwi-ma to claim the souls of their fans.
The film was brought to life by Sony Pictures Animation, directed by Maggie Kang and Chris Appelhans, based on a captivating story from Kang. The remarkable success of "KPop Demon Hunters" can be attributed to the collaborative efforts of renowned producers, including Teddy Park, known for his work with Blackpink, and Lindgren, a collaborator of BTS, who contributed to the film's dynamic soundtrack.
This surge in fictional K-pop popularity comes as real-life mega-band BTS gears up for a comeback, with plans to release new music and embark on a tour, following the completion of their mandatory military service. Meanwhile, Blackpink is preparing for its first all-stadium world tour, set to kick off on July 5, raising anticipation for new music since their last album together, "Born Pink," was released in 2022.
