HUNTR/X’s single “Golden” has made history by reaching the top position on Billboard’s Adult Pop Airplay chart, as reported in the chart dated January 31. This achievement marks the first time a song associated with Korean pop has secured the number one spot on this specific chart. Previously, the song “APT.” by ROSÉ and Bruno Mars had reached a high of number two in April 2022.
The animated film KPop Demon Hunters, from which “Golden” originates, has been pivotal in its success. The song had an impressive run, topping the Pop Airplay chart for three weeks starting in November and the all-format Radio Songs chart for one week in early January. Over its journey, “Golden” has dominated the Billboard Hot 100 for a total of eight weeks from mid-August to mid-October, spent 18 weeks at number one on the Billboard Global 200, and set a record with 20 weeks atop the Billboard Global Excl. U.S. chart.
Continuing Success for KPop Demon Hunters
In addition to “Golden,” the soundtrack for KPop Demon Hunters is making waves. The new radio single “How It’s Done” has climbed to number 37 on the Pop Airplay chart in its second week. Both tracks feature the vocal talents of EJAE, Audrey Nuna, and REI AMI, who portray the heroines Rumi, Mira, and Zoey in the film. The soundtrack has enjoyed significant commercial success, ruling the Billboard 200 for two weeks and maintaining a position in the top 10 for over 30 weeks. It has also led the Soundtracks chart for 28 weeks and is notable for generating four simultaneous top 10 hits on the Hot 100.
Alex Tear, Vice President of Music Programming for SiriusXM and Pandora, commented on the impact of “Golden,” stating, “It has truly become a defining pop moment, an instant lean-in, turn-it-up track.” He emphasized the song’s emotional resonance, attributing its success to the film’s broad reach.
REI AMI expressed her excitement upon learning of “Golden’s” ascent to number one on the Hot 100, exclaiming, “Up, up, up!”
Award Recognition and Future Prospects
“Golden” has received multiple accolades, including the Golden Globe for Best Original Song – Motion Picture on January 11. Furthermore, it is nominated for Song of the Year among four total nominations at the 68th Annual Grammy Awards taking place on February 1. The song is also in contention for Best Original Song at the 98th Academy Awards scheduled for March 15.
Billboard will update all charts dated January 31 on January 27, continuing to track the impressive performance of HUNTR/X and KPop Demon Hunters in the evolving landscape of global music.
