‘Golden’ From ‘KPop Demon Hunters’ Shines as First K-Pop No. 1 in U.K. in 13 Years

The U.K. Singles Chart has its first K-pop No. 1 in 13 years as KPop Demon Hunters’ “Golden” hits the top spot on Friday (Aug. 1). The song features on Netflix’s animated musical and is credited to the group HUNTR/X, and is sung by EJAE, Audrey Nuna and Rei Ami. 

“Golden” also becomes only the second K-pop single ever to hit No. 1 on the Official Singles Chart following PSY’s 2012 mega-smash “Gangnam Style.” The former has risen rapidly on the U.K. charts, and jumps eight places week over week from No. 9; “Golden” currently sits at No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100.

A number of singles from K-pop artists have come close to hitting the top spot on the U.K. chart in recent years. Two of BTS’ singles have hit No. 3 (“Dynamite” in 2020 and “Butter” in 2021), and BLACKPINK’s Rosé’s “APT.” (2024) peaked at No. 2 to become the highest charting K-pop solo female artist on the list.

The last time a track from an animated film or television reached the top spot was in 2022 with “We Don’t Talk About Bruno” from Disney’s Encanto. Other animated characters to hit the top spot in the U.K. include The Simpsons (“Do the Bartman,” 1991), Mr Blobby (“Mr Blobby,” 1993), Bob the Builder (“Can We Fix It,” 1999 and “Mambo No. 5,” 2000), Crazy Frog (“Axel F,” 2005) and Gorillaz (“DARE,” 2005).

Two additional tracks from Kpop Demon Hunters make the top 20 of the U.K. Singles Chart: Saja Boys’ (Andrew Choi, Neckwav, Danny Chung, Kevin Woo and samUIL Lee) “Your Idol” lands at No. 10 and “Soda Pop” places at No. 11.

After giving the Canadian his eighth No. 1 single, Justin Bieber’s “Daisies” falls to No. 2 and MK and Chrystal’s “Dior” finishes at No. 3 following its recent two-week stint at the summit. Drake and Central Cee’s “Which One?” is the week’s highest new entry at No. 4, and Sabrina Carpenter’s “Manchild” closes at No. 5.

Following a rocking tribute to Ozzy Osbourne in Birmingham, England, on Wednesday (July 30), the late musician’s presence is still felt on the charts as Black Sabbath’s “Paranoid” rises 12 places (No. 20), and his solo song “Crazy Train” earns a new peak (25).