"I Never Imagined This! How K-Pop Demon Hunters Could Make History at the Grammys and Oscars"
It was February 2025 when Ian Eisendrath conducted an orchestra through the final flourishes for the KPop Demon Hunters soundtrack, with directors and producers visibly moved by the emotional impact. The film's release in June marked a remarkable success story - it became Netflix's most-watched title ever just weeks after its release.
The animated film tells the story of Korean girl band Huntr/x who battle soul-hungry demons through song. The soundtrack was crafted by real K-pop heavyweights, resulting in a platinum-rated phenomenon all its own. The film made history when four of its tracks hit the US Top 10 simultaneously, with soaring lead single Golden becoming the world's most-streamed new song last year.
The success of Huntr/x and their soundtrack is attributed to an unusually collaborative songwriting process, as well as K-pop's innate theatricality. "K-pop is larger than life, a whiplash in the best way possible," says Eisendrath. This led to thrilling, radio-friendly hits that pushed the story forward with every beat.
The film's success also led to Huntr/x gaining widespread recognition, including a Golden Globe win and multiple Grammy nominations. If Golden wins both awards at the Grammys, it would be the first original song from an animation ever to do so.
For Eisendrath, watching Huntr/x come to life from backstage was deeply emotional - "life imitating art" - and meaningful that they're being viewed as artists, rather than characters. Despite a sequel slated for 2029, fans are eager for more Huntr/x content.
Ejae, one of the lead vocalists on Golden, credits her own experiences with writing for others before finding success as a solo artist, saying she's "so grateful" and that her dream of releasing solo material is now open.
It was February 2025 when Ian Eisendrath conducted an orchestra through the final flourishes for the KPop Demon Hunters soundtrack, with directors and producers visibly moved by the emotional impact. The film's release in June marked a remarkable success story - it became Netflix's most-watched title ever just weeks after its release.
The animated film tells the story of Korean girl band Huntr/x who battle soul-hungry demons through song. The soundtrack was crafted by real K-pop heavyweights, resulting in a platinum-rated phenomenon all its own. The film made history when four of its tracks hit the US Top 10 simultaneously, with soaring lead single Golden becoming the world's most-streamed new song last year.
The success of Huntr/x and their soundtrack is attributed to an unusually collaborative songwriting process, as well as K-pop's innate theatricality. "K-pop is larger than life, a whiplash in the best way possible," says Eisendrath. This led to thrilling, radio-friendly hits that pushed the story forward with every beat.
The film's success also led to Huntr/x gaining widespread recognition, including a Golden Globe win and multiple Grammy nominations. If Golden wins both awards at the Grammys, it would be the first original song from an animation ever to do so.
For Eisendrath, watching Huntr/x come to life from backstage was deeply emotional - "life imitating art" - and meaningful that they're being viewed as artists, rather than characters. Despite a sequel slated for 2029, fans are eager for more Huntr/x content.
Ejae, one of the lead vocalists on Golden, credits her own experiences with writing for others before finding success as a solo artist, saying she's "so grateful" and that her dream of releasing solo material is now open.
but seriously, it's like the whole thing is a bit much sometimes. The orchestral accompaniment at that Grammy rehearsal was just...wow, I get why people would be moved 
. But what really gets me is how it's always the artists themselves who are getting all the attention - don't even get me started on Ejae and her solo aspirations 
. It feels like we're witnessing a whole different kind of 'life imitating art' here, where the artists themselves become the stars rather than the characters they play...and honestly, I'm both impressed and kinda lost in it all 
First off, let's give credit where it's due - Huntr/x did put out some incredible music, but I think the fact they're getting recognition for being "artists" rather than just characters in a movie is kinda weird. Like, shouldn't we be recognizing the talent behind the performance, not just the entertainment value? 
Still, it's awesome to see K-pop getting more mainstream love & Ejae's story is really inspiring - go girl! 
I mean, K-Pop Demon Hunters is literally making history at the Grammys and Oscars! 
I'm so stoked for Huntr/x and Ian Eisendrath - it's amazing to see how their collaborative songwriting process led to those platinum-rated hits. And the fact that Golden became the world's most-streamed new song last year?! 
Mind blown!
The way it combines catchy melodies with those epic, over-the-top music videos... it's just so addictive! I'm totally here for more Huntr/x content and a sequel in 2029 - let the magic continue! 
I mean, don't get me wrong, Huntr/x and their soundtrack are all that and more, but let's not forget there's actual music out there beyond the Grammys and Oscars 
I'm kinda excited for Ejae to release her solo stuff though, she seems legit talented 
, it's like a dream come true for fans. And can we talk about the writing process? Collaborative and fire 
. I'm rootin' for Huntr/x all the way 
. The fact that Huntr/x got to live out their dreams through this movie, and now fans are eagerly awaiting more content... it's just the sweetest thing 
!
.
And Ejae's story is just inspiring... I love how she credits her experiences with writing for others to her solo success. It's like, the power of believing in yourself and your art 
. I mean, I'm all for K-pop being recognized as an art form, but do we really need to make such a big deal about it?
. Newsflash: just because you have 10 million streams on Spotify doesn't mean you're a genius songwriter 
. I'd rather see some actual innovation and creativity in music, rather than just the same old formulas being rehashed over and over.