A Global Sensation: “Golden” and “KPop Demon Hunters”
The entertainment world has been taken by storm by “KPop Demon Hunters,” which premiered on Netflix in June and quickly became the platform’s most successful movie release. The film’s soundtrack boasts four songs in the top 10 on the Billboard charts, and it achieved a remarkable milestone by securing the number one spot in the domestic box office, a first for any Netflix release.
The track “Golden” performed by the fictional K-Pop girl group Huntr/X, has emerged as the definitive summer anthem, dominating the Billboard Top 10. It has captivated audiences of all ages, with countless videos circulating on social media of both children and adults joyously singing along.
Widespread Popularity
The song “Golden” is truly inescapable this season. The movie “KPop Demon Hunters” features the adventures of Huntr/X, a K-Pop girl group that doubles as demon hunters. Apart from their musical performances, they engage in epic battles against their archenemies, the Saja Boys, a demon boy band intent on usurping Huntr/X’s fanbase and their souls. Amidst these battles, the character Rumi, who is half-demon, grapples with her personal journey towards self-acceptance. The characters Rumi, Mira, and Zoey are voiced by Arden Cho, May Hong, and Ji-young Yoo, respectively, with their singing voices provided by EJAE, Rei Ami, and Audrey Nuna.
EJAE, known for her work in K-Pop, expressed how surreal it feels to hear her voice and songs being played ubiquitously, even in unexpected places like H Mart. “It’s weird,” she remarked, indicating the vast reach of the movie’s soundtrack.
For Cho, the film’s widespread appeal still feels surreal. At a recent screening, she had a waiting list for her nieces and nephews eager to watch the movie. She acknowledged the universal appeal of the film, noting, “It allows any human or person to feel like they can relate. It’s like they feel seen.”
The song “Golden” was crafted by a talented team including EJAE, Mark Sonnenblick, IDO, 24, and TEDDY, with IDO, 24, TEDDY, and Ian Eisendrath handling the production. In the narrative of the film, “Golden” symbolizes the protagonists’ mission to protect the world from demons and maintain the honmoon, a barrier that keeps demons from entering the real world.
An interesting feature of “Golden” is its seamless incorporation of both English and Korean lyrics, enhancing its global appeal. EJAE, speaking to The Bangin Beats, highlighted the importance of including Korean in the song, a decision supported by co-director Maggie Kang. She emphasized how integral being bilingual was to the songwriting process, ensuring the film’s cultural authenticity was preserved in the music.
EJAE also shared insights into the creative process behind the song. The scene required a specific mood, encapsulating the word ‘gold’ and reflecting the protagonist Rumi’s emotional state. It was designed to be a motivational anthem that encouraged unity and resilience among the characters. “It needed a pep talk and the idea that we can do this together,” she explained.
The theme of empowerment and overcoming outsider status permeates the song. EJAE revealed that the melody, which she thought of on her way to the dentist, was one of the first components she developed. The phrase “gonna be Golden” quickly followed, which she shared with Sonnenblick during their initial discussions, leading to a swift and inspired writing session.
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Reflecting on her own experiences as a K-Pop trainee, EJAE found that these personal challenges enriched the song’s bridge, enabling a deeper emotional connection to the lyrics and melody. “Going through that experience helped a lot in writing and emoting the melody and lyrics,” she concluded.
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With a knack for uncovering hidden gems, Blake dives deep into the world of indie films and underground cinema.