The soundtrack to Netflix’s empowering, action-packed series KPop Demon Hunters has made a significant impact on the music charts, as HUNTR/X’s “How It’s Done” leaps from 14 to 10, marking the act’s second entry into the Hot 100 top 10. This follows their successful track “Golden.” The song “How It’s Done” achieved an impressive 17.2 million streams, reflecting a 2% increase during the tracking week, solidifying its position within the competitive music landscape.
In a fascinating twist, both HUNTR/X and their on-screen rivals, the Saja Boys, find themselves tied with two entries each in the Hot 100 top 10. The Saja Boys’ hit “Your Idol” holds firm at its No. 4 peak, while their track “Soda Pop” has surged from 10 to 5. With a nearly 1% increase to 20.4 million streams for “Your Idol” and a remarkable 4% rise to 18.4 million for “Soda Pop,” it's clear that both groups are resonating with audiences. Interestingly, HUNTR/X’s Rumi has humorously acknowledged the catchiness of “Soda Pop,” contributing to its popularity in the film.
Despite their fierce competition in the film, HUNTR/X and Saja Boys are collectively making history. Together, they have propelled the KPop Demon Hunters soundtrack to become the first ever to generate four simultaneous entries in the Hot 100 top 10. This remarkable feat also marks the first occasion since the iconic Waiting To Exhale soundtrack produced four top 10 hits from 1995-96. The only other soundtracks that have achieved this milestone include classics like Saturday Night Fever (1977-78), Grease (1978), and Purple Rain by Prince and the Revolution (1984-85).
Looking back, the last time a soundtrack featured three songs in the Hot 100’s top five simultaneously was on April 15, 1978, when three songs from Saturday Night Fever dominated the charts. This included the Bee Gees' “Night Fever” at No. 1, “Stayin’ Alive” at No. 2, and Yvonne Elliman’s “If I Can’t Have You” at No. 5. The current success of KPop Demon Hunters with tracks like “Golden,” “Your Idol,” and “Soda Pop” is a testament to the enduring appeal of soundtracks in the music industry.
Ian Eisendrath, the executive music producer for KPop Demon Hunters, shared his excitement about the soundtrack's popularity. He remarked, “It’s so thrilling that people are hearing the songs in two ways. Some are loving the film, and the film is making the songs hits … and then some people are just encountering the songs, and the songs are making the film a hit.” This dual engagement has contributed significantly to the soundtrack's success.
The profile of KPop Demon Hunters is set to rise even further with upcoming sing-along theater screenings on August 23-24. Any related increases in streaming numbers for its songs will be reflected in next week’s Billboard charts dated September 6, which encompass streaming, airplay, and sales data from August 22 to 28.
In other music chart news, Alex Warren’s “Ordinary” has dropped to No. 2 on the Hot 100 after an impressive 10-week stint at No. 1, beginning in June. The track continues to reign on the Radio Songs chart with 73.8 million plays, maintaining a steady position. Morgan Wallen’s collaboration with Tate McRae, “What I Want,” remains stable at No. 3, having debuted as Wallen’s fourth No. 1 and McRae’s first. This song continues to dominate the multimetric Hot Country Songs chart, securing its 14th week at No. 1.
Ravyn Lenae’s “Love Me Not” has slipped to No. 6 from its previous high of No. 5 on the Hot 100, while Teddy Swims’ “Lose Control” remains at No. 7. This track previously topped the Hot 100 for a week in March 2024 and has now extended its record to 105 weeks on the chart, with an impressive 75 weeks in the top 10. Meanwhile, Justin Bieber’s “Daisies” has dropped from 6 to 8, and Wallen’s “Just in Case” descends from 8 to 9 after both previously reaching No. 2.
