KPop Demon Hunters’ ‘Golden‘ Breaks Barriers: Longest-Running #1 Girl Group Hit on Billboard Hot 100

In a groundbreaking achievement that’s sending shockwaves through the global music industry, the powerhouse single ‘Golden‘ from Netflix’s hit film KPop Demon Hunters has officially claimed the title of the longest-running number-one hit by a girl group on the Billboard Hot 100 in the 21st century. Surpassing iconic tracks from groups like Blackpink and Twice, ‘Golden‘ has held the top spot for an astonishing 12 consecutive weeks as of this week’s chart update, marking a new era for K-pop dominance on American airwaves.

The song, performed by the fictional yet sensationally real girl group Neon Eclipse—created specifically for the film’s soundtrack—has not only captivated audiences with its infectious blend of high-energy pop and supernatural flair but has also amassed a staggering 8.3 billion global streams since the movie’s June 2025 premiere. This milestone underscores the explosive intersection of K-pop, streaming culture, and Hollywood storytelling, propelling KPop Demon Hunters into cultural phenomenon status.

Released alongside the Netflix original, which follows a squad of K-pop idols moonlighting as demon slayers in a dystopian Seoul, ‘Golden’ serves as the film’s anthem, blending pulsating beats with lyrics about empowerment and resilience. Its chart-topping run began modestly in week one, debuting at number three, but quickly ascended to the pinnacle, where it has remained unchallenged. Billboard’s latest data reveals that the track’s success is fueled by a perfect storm of radio airplay, digital sales, and streaming dominance, with over 25 million streams in the U.S. alone last week.

This record-breaking feat is particularly poignant in an industry where girl groups have long fought for sustained visibility on the music chart. As Neon Eclipse’s virtual members—voiced and choreographed by real K-pop stars—continue to blur the lines between fiction and reality, fans worldwide are celebrating what many call a “K-pop revolution” on Western charts.

Neon Eclipse Emerges from Shadows of KPop Demon Hunters

The origins of ‘Golden’ trace back to the creative vision behind KPop Demon Hunters, Netflix’s ambitious 2025 blockbuster directed by acclaimed filmmaker Ji-hoon Park. The film, which amassed over 150 million viewing hours in its first month, reimagines the K-pop idol world through a lens of supernatural action. At its core is Neon Eclipse, a girl group whose members—portrayed as fierce warriors battling otherworldly threats—deliver not just performances but life-saving harmonies that ward off demons.

Formed in the story as a covert agency project, Neon Eclipse’s real-world counterpart was brought to life by a collaboration between Netflix, SM Entertainment, and a team of top choreographers. The group’s five members, digitally rendered with input from actual idols like those from aespa and Red Velvet, embody the film’s themes of unity and strength. ‘Golden,’ penned by Grammy-nominated songwriter Max Martin and K-pop hitmaker Kenzie, was designed as the emotional heartbeat of the narrative, with its chorus proclaiming, “We’re golden, unbreakable, shining through the night.”

Since the film’s release on June 15, 2025, Neon Eclipse has transcended its fictional roots. Fan campaigns have pushed for real-world tours, and the group’s music videos—integrated into the movie—have garnered 500 million YouTube views. Industry insiders note that this synergy between cinema and music is rare; as Park told Variety in a post-premiere interview, “We wanted ‘Golden’ to feel like an extension of the characters’ power. It’s not just a song—it’s a weapon.”

The track’s production involved cutting-edge AI-assisted vocals to mimic the ethereal quality of demon-hunting idols, a technique that’s sparked debates on authenticity in K-pop. Yet, its appeal lies in its universality: catchy hooks that resonate with themes of self-empowerment, making it a staple at global pride events and empowerment rallies. Streaming platforms report that 40% of listeners are under 25, with spikes in regions like Southeast Asia and Latin America, where K-pop’s influence continues to grow.

Chart Domination: How ‘Golden’ Conquered the Billboard Hot 100

Breaking down ‘Golden’s ascent on the Billboard Hot 100 reveals a masterclass in modern music chart strategy. Launching at number three in late June 2025, the single benefited from the film’s viral marketing, including teaser clips that racked up 100 million social media impressions. By week two, it hit number one, displacing established acts like Taylor Swift’s latest release, thanks to a 300% surge in downloads following the movie’s global rollout.

Billboard’s methodology, which combines sales, radio impressions, and streaming data, highlights ‘Golden’s multifaceted appeal. In its record-setting 12th week at number one—ending October 12, 2025—the song logged 28 million streams, 15,000 digital sales, and 80 million audience impressions from radio. This outperforms previous girl group benchmarks: Blackpink’s “Ddu-Du Ddu-Du” held the top spot for eight weeks in 2018, while Twice’s “Fancy” managed six in 2019. No other 21st-century girl group track has endured as long at the summit.

Experts attribute this longevity to algorithmic boosts on platforms like Spotify and Apple Music, where ‘Golden’ tops personalized playlists for 20 million users daily. “It’s a perfect storm,” says music analyst Glenn Peoples of Billboard. “The Netflix tie-in provides endless replay value, and the K-pop formula—precise choreography synced to viral TikTok challenges—keeps it fresh.” Indeed, user-generated content featuring ‘Golden’ has exceeded 2 billion views on TikTok, with dances mimicking the film’s demon-slaying moves.

Comparatively, the music chart landscape for girl groups has been competitive but fleeting. Groups like NewJeans and IVE have notched top-10 hits, but none sustained a number-one run like ‘Golden.’ This record positions Neon Eclipse as a trailblazer, potentially influencing how labels approach soundtrack releases. Data from Luminate shows that soundtrack singles now account for 15% of Hot 100 debuts, up from 5% a decade ago.

Streaming Empire: 8.3 Billion Plays Fuel Global K-Pop Surge

The numbers behind ‘Golden’s success are nothing short of astronomical. With 8.3 billion streams worldwide since June 2025, the track has shattered expectations for a debut film soundtrack. Spotify alone credits it with 4.2 billion plays, making it the platform’s most-streamed K-pop song ever, eclipsing BTS’s “Dynamite” by 20%. YouTube reports 1.5 billion views for the official music video, which features CGI demon battles interspersed with Neon Eclipse’s performances.

This streaming juggernaut extends beyond ‘Golden’ to the full KPop Demon Hunters soundtrack, which has collectively hit 12 billion streams. Tracks like “Shadow Dance” and “Eternal Flame” chart in the top 50, but ‘Golden’ remains the crown jewel. Geographically, the U.S. contributes 25% of streams, followed by South Korea (18%), Indonesia (12%), and Brazil (10%), illustrating K-pop’s borderless reach.

Fan engagement has been pivotal. Neon Eclipse’s official fan club, Eclipse Hunters, boasts 5 million members across social platforms, organizing watch parties and charity streams that amplify visibility. “‘Golden’ isn’t just music; it’s a movement,” shares fan leader Mia Chen in a Reddit AMA. “It empowers girls to fight their demons, literal or not.” Philanthropic tie-ins, including proceeds donated to women’s empowerment NGOs, have added a layer of social impact, boosting shares by 30%.

From a business perspective, this streaming volume translates to massive revenue. Estimates from IFPI suggest ‘Golden’ has generated over $50 million in royalties, split between Netflix, the labels, and creators. This windfall underscores the economic power of K-pop girl groups, whose market share in global music grew 25% year-over-year in 2025, per RIAA reports.

Reshaping Girl Group Legacy in the Digital Age

‘Golden’s Billboard Hot 100 triumph is more than a chart anomaly—it’s a seismic shift for girl groups in the music industry. Historically, female ensembles have faced barriers on Western charts, often pigeonholed as novelties. Yet, with ‘Golden’s 12-week reign, Neon Eclipse joins an elite pantheon alongside Spice Girls’ 1990s dominance, but updated for the streaming era.

Comparisons to predecessors abound. Blackpink’s “How You Like That” peaked at number 33 but inspired a wave of K-pop breakthroughs. Twice’s U.S. entries, while popular, never cracked number one. ‘Golden’ changes the narrative, proving that fictional acts can rival real ones. “This validates K-pop’s storytelling prowess,” notes K-pop historian Dr. Hyejin Lee in a Rolling Stone op-ed. “Girl groups are no longer imports; they’re exports shaping global pop.”

The impact ripples to emerging artists. Labels like HYBE and JYP report increased investments in multimedia projects, with girl group debuts up 40% in 2025. Fan demographics show a diversification: 55% female listeners, but growing male and non-binary engagement, per Nielsen data. Challenges remain, including cultural appropriation debates around the film’s demon lore, rooted in Korean folklore, but overall reception has been positive.

Critics praise ‘Golden’ for its lyrical depth, addressing mental health amid idol pressures—a nod to real K-pop struggles. Awards buzz is building; the track leads nominations for the 2026 Grammys in categories like Best Pop Duo/Group Performance. As one anonymous SM exec quipped to Billboard, “We’ve turned a movie prop into a chart monster—expect more hybrids.”

Horizons Ahead: Neon Eclipse’s Next Chart-Conquering Moves

As ‘Golden’ cements its legacy, the future for KPop Demon Hunters and Neon Eclipse gleams brighter than ever. Netflix has greenlit a sequel, KPop Demon Hunters: Eclipse Rising, slated for 2027, with promises of expanded lore and new tracks. Rumors swirl of a real-world Neon Eclipse tour, featuring holographic performances and guest spots from actual K-pop stars.

On the music chart front, ‘Golden’ shows no signs of fading, with projections for another four weeks at number one. Billboard analysts predict it could challenge all-time records if holiday streams spike. The group plans a remix album, collaborating with artists like Ariana Grande and Stray Kids, aiming to blend genres further.

Broader implications point to a K-pop saturated 2026. With girl groups like BABYMONSTER and ILLIT eyeing U.S. breakthroughs, ‘Golden’s blueprint—story-driven releases—could become standard. Investors are watching closely; Netflix’s stock rose 5% post-film, tied to soundtrack success. For fans, it’s about representation: a girl group not just surviving but thriving on the world’s biggest stage.

In the words of director Ji-hoon Park, “‘Golden’ is just the beginning. We’re hunting bigger demons—and bigger hits.” As streaming counters tick upward, the world waits to see how far this golden era will shine.