The hunt for the 2025 song of the summer may be over at last, and its origin is as unexpected as it is indelible.
Skip the silly holiday jingles or surprise hit singles – the song everyone’s discussing is straight from Netflix’s international animated hit KPop Demon Hunters. The film’s breakout single, “Golden”, not only dominated the charts but also solidified itself as the go-to summer soundtrack of this year.
The song, performed by fictional girl group HUNTR/X, has become an unstoppable cultural phenomenon. It is the heart of the movie and, much like its role on screen, has cast a spell on audiences worldwide. Whether you’re a diehard K-pop fan, a casual listener, or someone who claims not to enjoy pop at all, “Golden” is proving irresistible. Its catchy energy, magnificent vocals, and uplifting lyrics of acceptance make it a special song that crosses genres and generations.
A Record-Breaking Feat
KPop Demon Hunters has become Netflix’s highest-grossing animated film of all time and is now the service’s second-highest-streamed film of all time. Riding on the coattails of that success, “Golden” topped the Billboard Hot 100 for seven straight weeks before finally reaching No. 1. The feat was a record-breaker: it was the first time a girl group had reached No. 1 on the Hot 100 since Destiny’s Child’s “Bootylicious” back in 2001 – almost 25 years ago.
The rise of the track isn’t just statistical. “Golden” fits every definition of a song of the summer. It’s the background for sneaking out of the office on a warm Friday afternoon. It’s ideal to blast in your car with the windows down, for road trip sing-a-longs, and for headphone retreats that provide immediate serotonin. Even more revealing: it has drawn in listeners from every demographic, from kids to adults, from die-hard K-pop fans to those who avoid the genre in general.
Fictional Band, Real Voices
Though the on-screen formation HUNTR/X consisting of cartoon demon-fighting heroines Rumi, Mira, and Zoey doesn’t actually exist, the voices that bring them to life are all too real. The powerhouse vocals belong to EJAE (also co-writer of the song and allegedly the blubbering mess when it reached No. 1), Audrey Nuna, and REI AMI. Their combined skill has imbued the song with authenticity and longevity.
The rest of the soundtrack is just as addictive. Tracks such as “Soda Pop” by competitor boyband Saja Boys tip into cheeky bubblegum pop, and “How It’s Done” delivers frantic rap verses and glossy production. There’s also “Idol,” the entrancing anthem used to entice both characters and audience, and “Takedown,” which sees collaborations with K-pop titans Twice, with multiple members even creating their own version. The eclectic mix of the album has resulted in an unexpectedly diverse fan base, garnering attention from celebs and casual fans alike.
From Screen to Pop Culture Phenomenon
The spell of “Golden” carries over into real life. Fans say they played the song constantly – during commutes, in showers, and at parties. Even those who were initially wary of the animated movie have been won over after listening to music. Comedian Andy Samberg recently let it be known that he and his Lonely Island co-writers are planning to remix another soundtrack tune, “Free,” to further show the scope of the project.
Netflix and director Maggie Kang are already reported to be in the process of creating two sequels, leaving hopes high for just as engaging plots and, hopefully, two more such soundtracks with instant classics.
For the time being, however, the cultural moment is “Golden’s.” It’s not just another infectious summer jam – it’s an indication that music that emerges from left field can still bring people around the globe together. In a summer when the audience was looking for that one anthem, KPop Demon Hunters gave them what they had been lacking.
Jamie Wells has a knack for getting the inside scoop on Hollywood’s biggest stars and up-and-coming talent. With a sharp eye for industry trends and an ear for viral moments, Jamie covers everything from red-carpet events to behind-the-scenes drama in movies, TV, and celebrity culture.
