KPop Demon Hunters is making noise around the world. This animated musical fantasy film—directed by Maggie Kang and Chris Appelhans, and starring Arden Cho, Daniel Dae-kim, Ahn Hyo-seop, and Lee Byung-hun as part of a stellar voice cast—follows K-pop sensation Huntrix, featuring Rumi, Mira, and Zoey, who moonlight as demon hunters. But when demons disguised as the rival band, Saja Boys, start stealing Huntrix’s fans, the girls gear up for their biggest battle yet—on and off stage.
While KPop Demon Hunters is a visual feast, thanks to Sony Pictures Animation, the music takes it to a whole new level. The soundtrack keeps the energy high with an epic score by Marcelo Zarvos and K-pop tracks produced by the likes of Teddy Park, Lindgren, and Stephen Kirk. Ian Eisendrath, the executive music producer, told Tudum that he loves how theatrical K-pop is. By bringing in actual K-pop stars to work on the soundtrack, he said, “I just felt like everything was really set up to be a special musical and narrative experience.”
The soundtrack’s catchy hooks, emotional depth, and insightful lyrics have made it a worldwide success. The album scored the highest debut for a soundtrack in 2025 on the Billboard 200 chart, becoming its best-performing animated film soundtrack. It also peaked on Billboard’s Top Soundtracks list, becoming the first Netflix soundtrack to do so in a while. The popularity also skyrocketed on Spotify, with daily streams growing from 1.6 million to 19.9 million in just about a week. The tracks “Golden” and “Your Idol” by Huntrix and Saja Boys topped the US Spotify chart, over Blackpink and BTS. The soundtrack also entered the Billboard Hot 100 and the UK Official Singles Chart Top 100. It’s gotten so much hype that fans are now clamoring for the fictional bands to make a real-life debut. And building further on this momentum, Netflix has submitted “Golden” for awards consideration, including the Academy Awards and the Grammy Awards, as reported by Gazettely.
With all the buzz around the film, it’s time to break down what’s really driving the virality. Here’s our ranking of the hit signature tracks that are at the heart of KPop Demon Hunters’ success.
7. “How It’s Done” – Ejae, Audrey Nuna, Rei Ami
The film kicks off with this banger as the band members slay demons on a hijacked plane just before rocking out at their concert. Lyrics like “Knocking you out like a lullaby… I’m gonna show you how it’s done, done, done,” scream confidence. It’s no surprise, given the girls are total badasses on and off the stage. According to Netflix, the track was inspired by the “Jet Song” from the classic American film West Side Story (1961), packing a similar punch as it introduces the Huntrix members.
6. “Takedown” – Ejae, Audrey Nuna, Rei Ami
Rumi’s struggle to sing “Takedown” is palpable as she loses her voice. Mira and Zoey, two demons in disguise, stress on performing their version of it, exposing Rumi’s demon marks (for she’s a half-demon). There’s a marked ferocity in the tune revealing Huntrix’s fury against the Saja Boys, and unleashing it in lines like “Time to put you in your place ’cause you’re rotten within.” The anger keeps growing, culminating in a chorus that echoes their determination to take the demons down. The song also has a special rendition featuring Jeongyeon, Jihyo, and Chaeyoung of Twice.
5. “Soda Pop” – Andrew Choi, Neckwav, Danny Chung, Kevin Woo, Samuil Lee
“Soda Pop” is currently sweeping social media, with several users, including K-pop idols like Jay from Enhypen, making Instagram Reels and TikTok videos. This bubblegum-esque, catchy pop track has an old-school charm. It’s a fitting choice to introduce the Saja Boys, catching the crowd off guard when they appear out of nowhere in a marketplace and start performing the song. They wow the audience with their flower boy looks and cool moves, a clever façade that hides their dark secret.
4. “Free” – Ejae & Andrew Choi
Rumi and Jinu (of Saja Boys) sing this song together, marking a turning point in their relationship. “Free” shares the weight of the secrets and pain they are carrying; it becomes their moment of reckoning and a chance to break free from the expectations weighing them down. It represents the hope and understanding they’ve found in each other—and maybe, just maybe, something more.
3. “What It Sounds Like” – Ejae, Audrey Nuna, Rei Ami
This track is a soulful reflection of Rumi’s journey, and she eventually decides to destroy the Honmoon for good. “What It Sounds Like” is her song of self-discovery, a dreamy yet powerful one that heals and inspires you to accept and embrace who you are. It’s a rallying cry to unite and a promise of new beginnings.
2. “Your Idol” – Andrew Choi, Neckwav, Danny Chung, Kevin Woo, Samuil Lee
The Saja Boys’ debut performance takes a dark turn with “Your Idol.” In a surreal, hypnotic display, they manipulate the audience, a clear departure from the sugary vibes of “Soda Pop.” “Your Idol” is a jarring contrast to the earlier song, laying bare the Saja Boys’ true nature while cleverly critiquing the darker side of fame and obsessive fan culture.
1. “Golden” – Ejae, Audrey Nuna, Rei Ami
“Golden” is an infectious electropop track about the Golden Honmoon, where the heroes work to protect the world from demons. The song sings their purpose while also reflecting Rumi’s thoughts and the complexity of their role. Thematically, “Golden” portrays their growth as guardians of humanity. As Appelhans shared with Slate, the goal was to blend traditional musical elements with a great pop song that tells a story, and “Golden” does just that.
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