Full Breakdown
HUNTR/X's "Golden" Achieves Historic Third Week at No. 1 on Billboard Hot 100
9/3/2025, 2:23:04 AM
Historic Chart Performance
HUNTR/X's single "Golden," from the animated Netflix film *KPop Demon Hunters*, has secured its position at the top of the Billboard Hot 100 for a third non-consecutive week as of September 2, 2025. This achievement marks a significant milestone, as HUNTR/X—comprising EJAE, Audrey Nuna, and REI AMI—became the first female group associated with Korean pop to reach No. 1 on the Hot 100. Furthermore, they are the first all-woman collective of three or more members to lead the chart since Destiny’s Child with "Bootylicious" in August 2001.
The soundtrack for *KPop Demon Hunters* has made history by producing three songs in the Hot 100's top five simultaneously for two consecutive weeks, a feat last accomplished by the *Saturday Night Fever* soundtrack in 1978. Alongside "Golden," Saja Boys' tracks "Your Idol" and "Soda Pop" are positioned at Nos. 4 and 5, respectively, while HUNTR/X's "How It’s Done" has climbed to No. 9.
Streaming and Sales Data
"Golden" has also topped the Billboard Global 200 and Billboard Global Excl. U.S. charts for seven weeks, reflecting its widespread popularity. In the week ending August 28, the song garnered 120 million streams and 17,000 sales globally, with a notable increase of 6% in both metrics. The film's theatrical release on August 23-24 and its Netflix premiere on August 25 contributed to these gains.
Official Statements & Responses
Billboard's data provider, Luminate, conducts a thorough review of all data submissions for the charts, ensuring the authenticity of the rankings. The charts are updated weekly, with the latest rankings available on Billboard.com.
Criticism & Opposition
While the success of "Golden" has been celebrated, some critics argue that the prominence of fictional groups like HUNTR/X may overshadow real-life artists in the K-pop genre. This perspective raises questions about the impact of animated and fictional representations on the music industry.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Golden” continues its historic glow on the charts. — Billboard
- HUNTR/X is the first all-female group of three or more members to top the Hot 100 since Destiny’s Child. — Billboard
What's Next
As the charts are set to update on September 6, 2025, the continued performance of "Golden" and other tracks from *KPop Demon Hunters* will be closely monitored. The ongoing success of the soundtrack may influence future releases and collaborations within the K-pop industry.
