When EJAE and Mark Sonnenblick penned the upbeat anthem “Golden,” they probably didn’t picture it blasting from American car radios. Yet, on July 4, 2025, the track dropped through Republic Records as part of the Netflix‑Sony Pictures Animation film KPop Demon Hunters, and within weeks it was climbing US airplay charts – a feat few K‑pop songs have ever managed.
From Animated Fantasy to Radio Staple
The movie, released on July 4, 2025, follows three fictional idols – Rumi, Mira and Zoey – who double as demon hunters. Their on‑screen group, Huntr/x, delivers “Golden” alongside vocal powerhouses Audrey Nuna and REI AMI. The lyric video premiered on Netflix Family’s YouTube channel on June 21, 2025, and the song instantly became a meme magnet on TikTok and Instagram, thanks to its catchy chorus and kinetic dance breaks.
Critical Acclaim and Industry Praise
Critics soon caught up. The Washington Post’s Anne Branigin noted a "more than 70 percent surge in radio airplay audience impressions" during the week of August 1‑7, 2025, calling the rise “a rare feat for a K‑pop song.” Meanwhile, Rolling Stone India’s Debashree Dutta described the single as "an infectious electropop track" that mirrors the protagonists’ dual lives.
SLUG Magazine’s Angela Garcia highlighted the song’s “infectious melodies,” and That Hashtag Show’s Sarah Carey said listeners turn to it "when they need to remind themselves who they are." Such praise helped push “Golden” beyond the film’s fanbase and into mainstream playlists.
Live Performances, Awards and the AGT Moment
Visibility skyrocketed when America's Got Talent 2025 FinalLos Angeles contestant Jourdan Blue delivered a choreography‑laden cover of “Golden.” The performance earned a standing ovation and flooded social media with replay clips.
Later that month, EJAE, Audrey Nuna, and REI AMI took the stage on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, billed as the “number‑one hit from the Netflix film.” The appearance cemented the track’s credibility on U.S. television.
At the 2025 K‑World Dream Awards, “Golden” snagged Best OST. It also earned a nomination for Song of Summer at the 2025 MTV Video Music Awards, putting it shoulder‑to‑shoulder with mainstream pop juggernauts.
Why American Radio Is Listening
Radio programmers have historically shied away from non‑English tracks, fearing listener fatigue. “Golden” sidesteps that bias with a bilingual structure: Korean verses mingle with a hook that’s unmistakably pop‑radio ready – think bright synths, a four‑on‑the‑floor beat, and a lyrical refrain that’s easy to chant in cars.
Data from Nielsen shows the song amassed 12 million audience impressions in the first week of August 2025, a jump that dwarfed the average K‑pop crossover at the time. The surge coincided with strategic pushes from Republic Records, which secured placement on flagship stations like KIIS‑FM Los Angeles and Z100 New York.
Impact on K‑Pop’s U.S. Trajectory
Industry analysts see “Golden” as a bellwether. If a fictional group can break into terrestrial radio, real‑world acts may follow suit. The track’s success has already prompted labels to surface more bilingual releases, betting that the American market is finally primed for K‑pop’s melodic sensibilities.
Moreover, the song’s viral TikTok dances have created a feedback loop: club DJs spin the track, fans record their moves, and stations report increased listener requests. It’s a modern version of word‑of‑mouth, powered by algorithmic amplification.
What’s Next for the “Golden” Phenomenon?
Looking ahead, Republic Records plans a limited‑edition vinyl of the single, set to drop in early 2026. Meanwhile, Netflix is teasing a second season of the film’s universe, hinting at a new anthem that could replicate or even eclipse “Golden’s” success.
For now, the track continues to dominate streaming charts, radio playlists, and fan‑made covers – a testament to a song that managed to be both a narrative device in an animated fantasy and a genuine crossover hit.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did “Golden” manage to get so much U.S. radio play?
The song blends Korean verses with an English‑language hook that fits the pop‑radio format, plus Republic Records secured strategic placements on major stations like KIIS‑FM. Its viral TikTok dance also forced programmers to notice the buzz, resulting in a 70 percent jump in audience impressions during early August 2025.
Who were the real artists behind the fictional group Huntr/x?
The vocals were provided by EJAE, Audrey Nuna and REI AMI. The track was co‑written by EJAE and Mark Sonnenblick, with production from IDO, 24, TEDDY and Ian Eisendrath.
What awards has “Golden” received so far?
It won Best OST at the 2025 K‑World Dream Awards and earned a nomination for Song of Summer at the 2025 MTV Video Music Awards.
Will the success of “Golden” affect future K‑pop releases in the U.S.?
Industry insiders say labels are already green‑lighting more bilingual tracks. The song’s crossover could open doors for other K‑pop acts to secure radio slots, not just streaming playlist placements.
What’s next for the “KPop Demon Hunters” franchise?
Netflix has hinted at a second season featuring a new soundtrack. A limited‑edition vinyl of “Golden” is slated for early 2026, keeping the momentum alive while fans await the next musical showdown.
