The vocal talents behind the animated group Huntr/x from the Netflix movie "KPop Demon Hunters" recently made a notable appearance on "The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon." Singers Ejae, Audrey Nuna, and Rei Ami performed their hit song, "Golden," live for the first time together on television, marking a significant milestone for the track and the film's soundtrack.
Key Takeaways
- Ejae, Audrey Nuna, and Rei Ami performed "Golden" on "The Tonight Show."
- This was their first full live TV performance together.
- "Golden" is the first female K-pop song to reach No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100.
- The "KPop Demon Hunters" soundtrack has achieved platinum status.
- Singers shared surreal experiences regarding the song's popularity.
"Golden" Achieves Platinum Status and Chart Success
During their appearance on "The Tonight Show," host Jimmy Fallon announced that the "KPop Demon Hunters" soundtrack had officially gone platinum. This achievement follows the immense success of its signature song, "Golden." The track holds a historic position as the first No. 1 female K-pop song on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
The performance itself was a highly anticipated event. Fans and industry observers had not seen the trio perform the full song live together on stage before this broadcast. Fallon expressed his excitement about their performance, highlighting the song's cultural impact.
Song Milestones
- First No. 1: "Golden" is the first female K-pop song to top the Billboard Hot 100.
- Platinum Record: The "KPop Demon Hunters" soundtrack has achieved platinum certification.
- Live Debut: The Tonight Show performance marked the first full-length live TV performance by the trio.
Artists Reflect on Unexpected Popularity
When asked about the massive popularity surrounding "KPop Demon Hunters" and its music, the three singers shared their feelings. They used words like "surreal," "scrumptious," "delicious," "stunning," and "bonkers" to describe their experiences. Audrey Nuna, who provides the singing voice for Mira in the film, noted their effort to use new adjectives each time they discuss the phenomenon.
Their appearance on "The Tonight Show" followed a brief cameo on the Season 51 premiere of "Saturday Night Live." This indicates a growing presence in mainstream media for the animated film and its musical contributors.
Impactful Encounters with Fans
During their interview with Fallon, both Audrey Nuna and Rei Ami recounted personal experiences that illustrated the broad reach of "Golden." These moments helped them understand the true scale of the movie's impact.
"We try to come up with new adjectives every time," said Nuna, who provides the singing voice for Mira.
Nuna shared a story from a trip to Korea. She saw an elderly street performer playing "Golden" on a traditional Korean instrument. This surprised her, as she explained that in Korean culture, it is particularly difficult to impress elders with typical accomplishments like attending a top university. "It’s really hard [to impress them]. They have high standards. So for the older generation to embrace it, it’s something different," Nuna stated.
Rei Ami, the singing voice for Zoey, had a memorable encounter with a much younger fan. She recalled being at an H Mart grocery store and hearing a young boy singing "Golden" loudly while holding his mother's hand. Ami found this particularly moving.
"I think it’s one thing to hear our song on the radio, but to hear it come out of a child, live?" Ami said. "In H Mart, my favorite place? ... I just cried at HMart."
Auspicious Origins for "Golden"
Ejae, who co-wrote "Golden," shared an anecdote that suggests the song's success might have been predestined. Prompted by Fallon, she described a brief, unusual experience while recording her part of the song in the studio. She recalled seeing what she described as "a grunge ghost."
According to Ejae, this "tall dude with a flannel ... and blue jeans" appeared for a moment. Her mother later reminded her of a Korean myth in the music business: if one sees a ghost or experiences any paranormal activity while recording a song, it is believed to become a hit. This story adds a unique, almost mystical, layer to the song's journey to success.
"KPop Demon Hunters" Background
"KPop Demon Hunters" is an animated Netflix movie featuring the central girl group Huntr/x. The film has gained significant attention, particularly for its soundtrack. The movie became an unexpected summer blockbuster for Netflix, with its music resonating widely across different demographics. The success of the film and its music has sparked discussions about the future of theatrical releases for streaming content.
The Broader Impact of K-Pop on Global Charts
The success of "Golden" on the Billboard Hot 100 highlights the continued global expansion of K-pop music. Over recent years, K-pop acts have increasingly broken into Western music markets, achieving mainstream success and critical acclaim. This trend reflects a shift in global music consumption and the growing influence of non-English language music.
"Golden" stands out as a pioneering track for female K-pop artists, demonstrating the genre's ability to cross cultural and linguistic barriers. Its platinum certification further solidifies its commercial impact. The enthusiastic reception from diverse audiences, from elderly street performers in Korea to young children in grocery stores, underscores its widespread appeal.
The animated movie format also played a crucial role in introducing this music to a broad audience. Netflix's platform allowed for global reach, contributing to the soundtrack's rapid ascent. The unique blend of animation, K-pop music, and a compelling narrative has created a cultural phenomenon that continues to captivate viewers and listeners worldwide.