No. 1 on the UK Official Chart After 13 Years
"A Cross-Generational Hit" Takes the World by Storm
"'Golden' will be remembered as a cross-generational hit and the definitive song of this summer."
The song "Golden," featured in the Netflix animated film "K-pop Demon Hunters," has reached No. 1 on the UK Official Singles Chart. This marks the first time in 13 years that a K-pop song has topped this chart, following Psy's "Gangnam Style."
According to the latest chart released on August 1 (local time), "Golden" climbed three spots from the previous week to claim the No. 1 position, surpassing Justin Bieber's "Daisies." Since its debut at No. 93 five weeks ago, the song has steadily risen to No. 31, No. 20, No. 9, and No. 4. This is the first time in three years that an animated film OST has topped the Official Singles Chart, following Disney's "We Don't Talk About Bruno" from "Encanto" in 2022.
"Golden" features Korean American singer Ejae, Audrey Nuna, and Rei Ami as the vocalists of the in-film K-pop girl group Huntrix. The song was composed and arranged by Teddy, formerly of 1TYM, and producer 24 from The Black Label. Both have previously created signature tracks for YG groups such as Big Bang and Blackpink.
Ejae, who voiced Huntrix's main vocalist Lumi, said in an interview with the BBC, "The success of 'Golden' has been a surreal experience," adding, "This is an era when everyone needs hope, and this song delivered that message." She also said, "This song has the power to uplift people's voices. Perhaps that's why it resonated with so many."
Martin Talbot, CEO of the Official Charts Company, commented, "'Golden' reaching No. 1 is another milestone for the global expansion of K-pop," and added, "K-pop superstars now wield enough influence to even rival an Oasis reunion tour." Karl Smith, editor-in-chief of the Official Charts, also said, "'Golden' is a cross-generational hit and may be remembered as the anthem of this summer."
"K-pop Demon Hunters" is an action fantasy animation about the three-member K-pop girl group Huntrix, who battle evil spirits through the power of music. Produced by Sony Pictures in the United States, the film was released worldwide via Netflix. The OST album has held the No. 1 spot on the UK Official Compilation Albums Chart for six consecutive weeks.
Other tracks from the soundtrack, "Your Idol" and "Soda Pop," have also achieved success, ranking at No. 10 and No. 11, respectively. Additionally, Twice's "Takedown" (No. 63), Blackpink's "Ttwieo" (No. 36), Ros?'s solo track "APT." (No. 44), and Twice's "Strategy" (No. 85) have entered the chart, further highlighting K-pop's presence.
"Golden" has proven its global popularity by reaching No. 2 on the US Billboard Hot 100. It also topped the global charts on Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube Music, and ranked No. 1 on both the domestic Circle Chart Digital Chart and Melon Monthly Chart.
Ejae stated, "I originally preferred working behind the scenes, but now I'm getting used to the spotlight," adding, "My Instagram followers have increased by 100,000 in the past month."
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