“Golden,” from KPop Demon Hunters hits No. 1 on Billboard’s Pop Airplay chart for the first time, becoming the second K-pop song ever to lead, joining Rose’s “Apt.” NEW YORK, NEW YORK – AUGUST 23: Cast and filmmakers hop on the KPop Demon Hunters-Sing Along Experience at Paris Theater on August 23, 2025 in New York City. (Photo by Roy Rochlin/Getty Images for Netflix)
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“Golden” has already conquered a number of Billboard’s most important charts, and it will be remembered as one of the defining releases of 2025. The song, which easily stands out as the biggest from Netflix’s most-watched film of all time, KPop Demon Hunters, has proved to be not just a commercial success, but a major pop culture moment and a historic smash. For months now, countless millions of people all around the world have been buying and streaming “Golden,” listening to the upbeat pop tune any way they can. Its success on specific tallies shows that the track is not just a streaming win or a bestseller, but an all-around blockbuster.
Radio is slower to pick up on what’s happening, and songs usually need several weeks, if not months, to climb the ranks of airplay lists published by Billboard. While immediate purchases or plays on platforms like Spotify and Apple Music can send a tune right to No. 1 out of the gate, “Golden” continues to improve the Pop Airplay chart, one of the most competitive radio rosters in the U.S. As it does so again, the cut makes history.
“Golden” Hits No. 1 on the Pop Airplay Chart
“Golden” steps up once more on the Pop Airplay list, which details the most successful songs across top 40-leaning pop stations in America. Tracks are ranked based on total audience impressions, and this frame, “Golden” is the most successful in that space. The KPop Demon Hunters behemoth reaches the summit for the first time, 15 weeks into its life on the roster.
“Golden” Joins Blackpink Star Rosé
“Golden” is just the second K-pop song to rule the Pop Airplay chart. It joins “Apt.” by Blackpink star Rosé and her collaboration partner Bruno Mars, which shattered a ceiling when it reached the throne less than a year ago.
Women in K-Pop Rule
It’s worth noting that while they don’t sound alike, “Golden” and “Apt.” share something in common. The only tracks to hit No. 1 on the Pop Airplay chart that credit any musician typically associated with K-pop are both led by solo females. “Golden” is attributed to three vocalists — Audrey Nuna, Rei Ami and Ejae – as well as the fictional girl group Huntr/x, which was created for KPop Demon Hunters.
Where Did “Golden” Peak on Billboard’s Radio Charts?
“Golden” is on the rise across all three of Billboard’s pop radio rankings, hitting a new high point on each of them. As the tune commands the Pop Airplay tally, it lifts one spot to No. 5 on the Adult Pop Airplay list and four spaces to No. 15 on the Adult Contemporary chart. While the song has nowhere left to go on the Pop Airplay ladder, it could continue to improve its standing on the other two rosters, potentially making history in other ways.
“Golden” and Taylor Swift Continue Their Global Battle
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 02: Taylor Swift attends the 67th Annual GRAMMY Awards on February 02, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images for The Recording Academy)
Getty Images for The Recording Academy
Last frame, “Golden” returned to No. 1 on both of Billboard’s global charts after stepping aside to make room for Taylor Swift’s “The Fate of Ophelia,” the lead single from her massive album The Life of a Showgirl. “Golden” has since reclaimed its place in the spotlight, and has now commanded the two tallies for 14 weeks – one of the most impressive runs of all time.
How is “Golden” from KPop Demon Hunters Performing on the Billboard Charts?
Looking at American-based rankings, the reverse is true. “The Fate of Ophelia” continues to dominate the Hot 100, as well as both the Streaming Songs and Digital Song Sales charts. “Golden,” which has already led the charge on all three of those lists, is steady at No. 2.
Swift outpaced “Golden” once more by releasing new versions of “The Fate of Ophelia” in the most recent tracking period, which encouraged additional sales.