Netflix’s Fictional K-pop Bands Overtake BTS and Blackpink on U.S. Charts

In a striking moment for the global music industry, two fictional K-pop bands from Netflix’s animated film KPop Demon Hunters have overtaken real-world superstars BTS and Blackpink on U.S. streaming charts.

The film, which blends anime-style action with K-pop spectacle, follows the girl group Huntr/x, secret demon hunters who protect fans during concerts, and their rivals, the Saja Boys, demons disguised as idols.

Within just two weeks of its release, KPop Demon Hunters became the most-streamed movie on Netflix globally, with its soundtrack climbing into the Billboard 200’s top 10, the highest debut for any soundtrack this year.

The Saja Boys’ song “Your Idol” reached #1 on U.S. Spotify, while Huntr/x’s “Golden” hit #2, surpassing the all-time records of BTS and Blackpink, respectively. With major producers like Teddy Park and Lindgren behind the music, and Republic Records submitting the tracks for awards, the film’s success blurs the line between fiction and cultural dominance.

As BTS prepares its post-military comeback and Blackpink gears up for a stadium tour, 2025 might be remembered as the year animated idols disrupted real-world music royalty.