Billboard reveals the KPop Demon Hunters cast at number 6
Billboard revealed the KPop Demon Hunters cast as the number six greatest pop star of 2025 on January 23, 2026. The recognition came as part of Billboard’s ongoing Greatest Pop Star by Year project, which ranks the most important pop acts of last year. The choice brought a new twist to the list, because KPop Demon Hunters is an animated Netflix musical film, rather than a traditional pop act. Still, the movie’s cast t generated a massive cultural impact, producing seven major chart hits and becoming a defining pop juggernaut during 2025.
KPop Demon Hunters Cast has been named the 6th 'Greatest Pop Star' of 2025 by Billboard. pic.twitter.com/xp80cXiMIL
— chart data (@chartdata) January 23, 2026
The film and soundtrack dominate charts in 2025
The first trailer for KPop Demon Hunters was released in May 2025, and the film premiered on Netflix in June 2025. Over time, it became Netflix’s most-streamed title ever, and its soundtrack followed a similar path. After debuting at number eight on the Billboard 200 in July 2025, it steadily climbed for 12 weeks before reaching number one on the chart by September 20, 2025. The soundtrack also made history on the Billboard Hot 100 by becoming the first soundtrack to place four songs in the top ten at the same time, effectively earning 4 hits with “Your Idol,” “Soda Pop,” “How It’s Done,” and most importantly, “Golden.”
Hit songs and awards show their impact
The KPop Demon Hunters movie has two fictional animated groups, HUNTR/X and the Saja Boys, who found real-world success thanks to their songs. Still, the clear standout from the whole soundtrack has been “Golden,” which went on to rule the Hot 100 for eight weeks and the Billboard Global 200 for 18 weeks, remaining in the top five at the start of 2026. Meanwhile, both the movie and “Golden” have collected major wins at the 2026 Golden Globes and the 2026 Critics’ Choice Awards. They’re expected to continue their winning streak as the best animated film and best original song from a movie at the Grammys and at the Oscars.
