New Shocking “KPop Demon Hunters” Achievement Sparks Heavy Backlash And Major Concern

KPop Demon Hunters is once again at the center of intense online discussion after its fictional girl group, HUNTR/X, hit a major career milestone — one that even real-life top acts have yet to achieve.

Billboard recently confirmed that the movie’s hit track “GOLDEN” has taken the #1 spot on the prestigious “Billboard Hot 100” chart!

| Netflix

With this, “GOLDEN” has made history as the first song by a female K-Pop act to top the chart. The achievement is even more significant when viewed in a global context — HUNTR/X is now the first girl group of any genre to claim the #1 spot since Destiny’s Child, surpassing even well-known groups like Pussycat Dolls, Fifth Harmony, and Little Mix.

‘Golden’ by HUNTR/X from ‘KPOP DEMON HUNTERS’ has reached #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 charts

• First #1 for a female K-Pop artist ever
• First #1 for a girl group since Destiny’s Child
• Second song from an animated film to reach #1 this decade pic.twitter.com/juTON0rtpd

— DiscussingFilm (@DiscussingFilm) August 11, 2025

While the news has thrilled many fans of the movie and its music, the announcement has also sparked a wave of criticism. A large number of international fans expressed concerns over what this might mean for the music industry’s future, pointing to the fact that HUNTR/X is an animated, fictional group.

| Netflix

Some worry that this milestone could pave the way for more virtual acts to dominate, potentially reducing opportunities for human performers.

Y'all realize this is one step towards AI completely taking over the music industry as well right? https://t.co/WW1hZ2e3HS

— Sisa (@TheTitanBaddie) August 11, 2025

this really about to start having kpop companies debuting more virtual groups… i fear for the music industry fr https://t.co/ii57tDQb2T

— HERVÉッ (@imhrve) August 11, 2025

Others pointed out how real-life girl groups have spent decades chasing this exact achievement, only for an animated group to be the one to break the record.

The Pussycat Dolls couldn’t do it. Danity Kane couldn’t do it. 5th Harmony couldn’t do it. But an ANIMATED K-Pop group went to #1?! pic.twitter.com/P6AJH83fWf

— Coolness941 (@Coolness941) August 11, 2025

Fans of the movie have defended HUNTR/X from such accusations, claiming that real life people — including the voice actors, singers, and producers — have put in hard work and deserve to be rewarded for it.

As the debate continues, KPop Demon Hunters and its music arm remain firmly in the spotlight,  whether celebrated as a groundbreaking moment or criticized as a sign of troubling industry trends.