Fictional K-pop bands beat BTS and Blackpink in US charts

KPop Demon Hunters, a new animated film on Netflix, has taken the world by storm, especially among K-pop fans. The movie has quickly become the most streamed film on Netflix globally, with over 33 million views in just two weeks. What makes this film unique is that its fictional K-pop bands have managed to outperform real-life superstars like BTS and Blackpink on major US music charts.

The movie features two main fictional groups: the Saja Boys, a boy band, and Huntr/x, a girl group. The Saja Boys' song Your Idol recently reached the top spot on the US Spotify chart, making them the highest-charting male K-pop group in US Spotify history, even surpassing BTS. Meanwhile, Huntr/x's track Golden climbed to number two, beating Blackpink's previous record for a female K-pop group. The film's entire soundtrack has also entered the top 10 of the Billboard 200 in the US, marking the highest debut for a soundtrack this year. Golden is being released as an official single by Republic Records, and Netflix is pushing for it to be considered for awards.

KPop Demon Hunters tells the story of Huntr/x, an all-female K-pop group made up of Rumi, Mira, and Zoey. These three are not just pop stars; they are also secret demon hunters who use their music to protect their fans from supernatural threats. Their concerts are more than just performances—they are battles against dark forces. Their main rivals are the Saja Boys, who are actually demons in disguise. The Saja Boys, led by Jinu, Abbs, Romance, Baby, and Mystery, have been sent by their demon king, Gwi-ma, to steal the souls of Huntr/x's fans.

The film was produced by Sony Pictures Animation and directed by Maggie Kang and Chris Appelhans, based on a story by Kang. The soundtrack's success is not surprising, given that top K-pop producers like Teddy Park, who has worked with Blackpink, and Lindgren, a BTS collaborator, contributed to the album. Their expertise helped create catchy and high-quality songs that appeal to both K-pop fans and general audiences.

The Saja Boys are depicted as demons sent by their king to capture the souls of music fans, adding a supernatural twist to the typical K-pop story. The film's popularity shows how animated stories and music can blend to create something that resonates with a global audience. The fact that songs from fictional bands are topping real-world charts highlights the power of storytelling and music combined.

While KPop Demon Hunters is making headlines, real K-pop stars are also in the news. BTS, the world-famous boy band, announced they will travel to the US soon to work on new music. They plan to release a new album and go on tour next year, now that all members have completed their mandatory military service. Blackpink, the top girl group, is preparing for their first all-stadium world tour, which starts on July 5. They are also set to release a new song at the beginning of their tour, their first group release since their 2022 album Born Pink.

The success of KPop Demon Hunters demonstrates the global influence of K-pop, showing that even fictional bands can capture the hearts of millions. The film's achievements on streaming platforms and music charts prove that the combination of animation, storytelling, and catchy music can be just as powerful as real-life performances. As K-pop continues to grow worldwide, both real and fictional groups are setting new records and reaching new audiences.