From the hit Netflix film, HUNTR/X. Credit to Netflix.
Los Angeles, California (August 11, 2025)- HUNTR/X’s aspirational track “Golden” has soared to the top of the Billboard Hot 100 chart, marking a historic achievement as the first No. 1 for the act and a landmark moment for K-pop and animated film music. The song, from the soundtrack to the smash animated Netflix film KPop Demon Hunters, is voiced by artists EJAE, Audrey Nuna, and REI AMI, and it has ruled the Billboard Soundtracks chart for a seventh consecutive week.
The success of “Golden” is a significant milestone for K-pop, as it becomes the eighth song associated with the genre to conquer the Hot 100—and the first by female vocalists. It joins a prestigious list of chart-toppers from Jimin of BTS and BTS themselves. Notably, “Golden” is also the first No. 1 on the Hot 100 by any act with a fictional background since “We Don’t Talk About Bruno” from Disney’s Encanto in 2022, drawing a clear parallel between the two hit animated film soundtracks.
In its triumphant week at No. 1, “Golden” saw a surge in engagement, tallying 31.7 million official U.S. streams (up 9%), 8.4 million radio airplay audience impressions (up 71%), and 7,000 in sales (up 35%). The track also made history as the greatest gainer in streaming for a record-breaking sixth straight week, surpassing the previous record set by Migos.
The current chart also features another major debut, as Chappell Roan’s new single “The Subway” pulls into the Hot 100 at No. 3, marking her highest debut and rank to date. The song is her fourth top 10 hit, showcasing her continued rise in the music world.
With its monumental success, “Golden” is only the fourth Hot 100 No. 1 to include “gold” or “golden” in its title, joining the ranks of songs like Kanye West’s “Gold Digger” and Neil Young’s “Heart of Gold.” The full chart (dated August 16, 2025) will update on Billboard.com on Tuesday, August 12.
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