The soundtrack for Netflix’s animated film KPop Demon Hunters has climbed to No. 2 on the Billboard 200 chart, marking its highest position yet. In its third week, the album earned 75,000 equivalent album units, doubling its previous record. This makes it the biggest streaming week for any soundtrack in over three years.
The album’s success comes from 96.33 million on-demand streams in just one week, nearly matching the record set by Disney’s Encanto in 2022. The soundtrack features songs performed by fictional K-pop groups HUNTR/X and Saja Boys, with contributions from real K-pop artists like members of TWICE.
How KPop Demon Hunters Broke Records
The KPop Demon Hunters soundtrack is now the fourth soundtrack this decade to reach the top 2 on the Billboard 200. It follows Wicked (2024), Barbie (2023), and Encanto (2022). The album’s streaming numbers are the highest for any soundtrack since Encanto had 101.16 million streams in a single week.
“We go through, like, crying and happy and laughing,” said director Maggie Kang. “This whole last couple of weeks have just been like an emotional roller coaster, but in the best way.”
The film, which blends K-pop with demon-hunting action, has been a hit on Netflix, staying in the platform’s Top 10 Movies list for three weeks. Fans have embraced the music, with tracks like “Golden” and “Your Idol“ gaining popularity on streaming platforms.
Why Fans Love the Soundtrack
The KPop Demon Hunters soundtrack stands out because it mixes K-pop energy with story-driven lyrics. Songs like “Soda Pop” by the villainous Saja Boys have a fun, bubblegum-pop style, while HUNTR/X’s tracks are more emotional and powerful. The music was created with help from top K-pop producers, including Teddy Park (known for his work with BLACKPINK).
“It felt extra special because it brings together K-pop and animation,” said TWICE members Jeongyeon, Jihyo, and Chaeyoung, who contributed to the soundtrack. “Two very creative worlds!”
The album’s success is also due to strong fan engagement. Social media platforms like TikTok and Reddit are filled with fan covers, dance challenges, and theories about the movie. The fictional groups HUNTR/X and Saja Boys have even gained their own fan bases, with Wiki pages and fan art spreading online.
How It Compares to Other Soundtracks
The last soundtrack to have a bigger streaming week was Encanto, which dominated charts in early 2022. That album spent eight weeks at No. 1 thanks to hits like “We Don’t Talk About Bruno.” The KPop Demon Hunters soundtrack is now following a similar path, with its streaming numbers growing each week.
Other recent successful soundtracks include:
- Barbie (2023) – Peaked at No. 2
- Wicked (2024) – Also peaked at No. 2
- Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 (2017) – Last soundtrack to see unit increases in its second and third weeks
The KPop Demon Hunters album is unique because it doesn’t have a physical release yet—all sales come from digital downloads and streaming. Despite this, it has outperformed many major releases.
What’s Next for KPop Demon Hunters?
With the soundtrack still rising, there’s talk of a possible sequel. Fans are hoping for more music and deeper exploration of the characters. The film’s directors have hinted that they’re open to continuing the story if the demand stays high.
The movie’s success proves that K-pop and animation can create a powerful combination. As streaming numbers keep growing, KPop Demon Hunters could soon challenge Encanto’s records and become one of the most streamed soundtracks of the decade.
Also Read: Taeyeon’s Honest Review of “KPop Demon Hunters” Sparks Debate Among Fans and Netizens
Credits: Data sourced from Billboard, Netflix reports.
