HUNTR/X Makes History: ‘Golden’ Becomes First K-Pop Girl Group Song to Hit No. 1
SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA – In a groundbreaking moment for the global music industry, HUNTR/X, the fictional K-pop girl group from the movie KPop Demon Hunters, has become the first-ever women K-pop act to score a No. 1 hit on the Billboard Hot 100. Their song “Golden” dethroned Alex Warren’s long-reigning “Ordinary” after nine of the last 10 weeks on top.
A Historic Milestone for K-Pop
While K-pop has dominated international charts for years, the Hot 100’s No. 1 spot has remained elusive for female acts. Eight K-pop songs had previously topped the chart — all connected to BTS — making HUNTR/X’s success a landmark for representation and recognition.
The group’s track “Golden,” sung by real-life artists EJAE, Audrey Nuna, and REI AMI, surged thanks to massive streaming numbers and rising radio airplay. Airplay increased by more than 70% this week, indicating the single’s growing grip beyond streaming platforms.
This milestone follows last year’s duet “APT.” by BLACKPINK’s Rosé and Bruno Mars, which peaked at No. 3 but didn’t quite reach the top.
The Song That Broke Through
“Golden” isn’t just a soundtrack song—it’s a cultural wave. Boosted by the global popularity of KPop Demon Hunters, the track has reached listeners far beyond K-pop fandoms, resonating with pop and hip-hop audiences alike. The cinematic origin only fueled curiosity, and when paired with the artists’ unique vocal chemistry, it created a single that could stand shoulder to shoulder with mainstream chart-toppers.
While critics initially doubted the longevity of a movie-associated song, “Golden” has proven otherwise, establishing staying power thanks to repeat streaming and crossover appeal.
Chart Competition: From ‘Ordinary’ to ‘Golden’
The song’s climb to the top was no small feat. Alex Warren’s “Ordinary” had been an airplay juggernaut, ruling the Hot 100 for nearly 10 weeks. Yet, the dominance of “Golden” across streaming platforms created the perfect storm to dethrone Warren’s run.
At the same time, the Billboard 200 albums chart is experiencing upheaval. While Morgan Wallen’s I’m the Problem continues to dominate at No. 1, the KPop Demon Hunters soundtrack sits firmly at No. 2, poised to rise further when physical copies are released. This dual success underscores the cultural momentum surrounding the movie and its music.
Rising Artists and Industry Ripples
The success of HUNTR/X has had ripple effects across the charts. Newcomer Chappell Roan scored a career-best Hot 100 debut at No. 3 with “The Subway,” while artists like Reneé Rapp, $uicideBoy$, and Yeat also crashed into the top 10 with new releases.
Meanwhile, Taylor Swift quietly prepares for the release of her 12th studio album The Life of a Showgirl. Even without a major promotional push, Swift currently has eight albums on the Billboard 200, showing the kind of sustained dominance that has defined her career.
What This Means for the Future of K-Pop
The triumph of “Golden” represents a major shift for the K-pop industry, signaling that female-led acts can break through the highest barriers in Western markets. It also illustrates how cinematic storytelling, global fandoms, and pop culture synergy can create chart-topping phenomena.
For fans, it’s more than just a No. 1 ranking—it’s validation of the artistry and influence of K-pop women on the world stage. As “Golden” cements its place in Billboard history, the industry is now watching closely to see how long HUNTR/X can hold onto the throne.
With “Golden,” HUNTR/X has achieved what no K-pop girl group has before, redefining possibilities for female artists worldwide. Stay tuned with ChicagoMusicGuide.com for more updates on K-pop breakthroughs, global chart trends, and the evolving future of music.