When EJAE, also known as Ejae Kim, stepped onto the stage at 30 Rockefeller Plaza, she was joined by fellow singers Audrey Nuna, whose full name is Audrey Nuna Kim, and Rei Ami (Rei Ami Johnson). The trio were there for a live performance of their record‑breaking single “Golden” on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, where host Jimmy Fallon, the 51‑year‑old NBC executive producer, surprised them by handing over an official platinum plaque from Billboard. The ceremony confirmed that the soundtrack for the Netflix animated series KPop Demon Hunters had crossed the one‑million‑unit mark in the United States.
Background: From Netflix Series to Global Charts
The animated series, produced by Netflix Animation Studios in Los Gatos, California, follows the fictional girl group Huntr\/x (styled as HUNTRX). EJAE provides the singing voice for Rumi, Audrey Nuna voices Mira, and Rei Ami delivers the vocals for Zoey. While the speaking parts are handled by Arden Cho, May Hong, and Ji‑Young Yoo, it’s the trio’s glossy pop tracks that have captured listeners worldwide.
“Golden” dropped on June 12, 2025, and within two months it vaulted to the top of the Billboard Hot 100, debuting at number one for the week ending August 17, 2025. It held that spot for seven straight weeks, making it the first number‑one female K‑Pop song in Hot 100 history and the longest‑running #1 girl‑group track of the 21st century—surpassing the previous record set by Destiny’s Child.
Tonight Show Performance and Platinum Surprise
At about 11:35 PM ET on Tuesday, October 8, 2025, the trio delivered a full‑length rendition of “Golden,” seamlessly blending English verses with Korean hooks like “Born to be, born to be glowin’.” The audience, a mix of late‑night fans and industry insiders, cheered as the trio hit the key chorus, “We’re goin’ up, up, up… Gonna be golden.”
Mid‑song, Fallon paused the band, walked over with a gleaming plaque, and announced, “I’m honored to be the first person—this is real—to tell you that KPop Demon Hunters, you’ve gone platinum, guys.” He then presented each artist with their own gold‑embossed record, a moment captured on NBC’s livestream and replayed across social media.
Chart Records and Historical Significance
The platinum certification, granted by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), means the soundtrack moved at least one million equivalent album units in the U.S.—a milestone that solidifies K‑Pop’s foothold in mainstream American pop culture. Analysts at Republic Records, the label distributing the soundtrack, noted that streaming accounted for 68 % of those units, with TikTok clips of the “Golden” choreography driving much of the surge.
Music historian Dr. Lena Cho of Columbia University remarked, “We’re witnessing a cultural pivot. A K‑Pop animated series achieving Platinum is unprecedented; it signals a shift from niche fandom to broad commercial viability.” The feat also boosts the profile of female‑led K‑Pop acts, which have traditionally faced barriers on Western charts.
Reactions from the Artists and Host
In the interview that followed, a visibly excited Rei Ami described the SNL cameo a year earlier as “a literal dream come true,” adding that “the 10‑year‑old in me just came to life being on set.” Audrey Nuna laughed that the public’s response is “bonkers,” admitting she’s run out of adjectives and now cycles through “surreal, scrumptious, delicious, stunning, and bonkers.”
When asked about a Korean industry myth that “seeing a ghost while recording means a hit,” Ami quipped, “My mom reminded me later that’s a thing—so maybe we’re haunted by success now.” Fallon, ever the late‑night cheerleader, confessed he’d re‑watched the series with his daughters, calling the music “phenomenal” and “something my kids and I can jam to together.”
Industry Impact and Future Outlook
Beyond the accolades, the platinum moment may open doors for more cross‑medium collaborations—think animated series spawning chart‑topping soundtracks. Netflix has already green‑lit a second season of “KPop Demon Hunters,” slated for early 2026, while Republic Records is planning a worldwide “Golden” tour that will blend live concert elements with animated backdrops.
Experts predict that if the momentum holds, more Korean‑language tracks could dominate U.S. radio playlists, further eroding the language barrier that once limited non‑English songs on mainstream stations.
Key Facts
- Platinum certification awarded on October 8, 2025 for the “KPop Demon Hunters” soundtrack.
- “Golden” held #1 on Billboard Hot 100 for seven weeks (Aug 17 – Oct 8, 2025).
- First female K‑Pop song to top the Hot 100.
- Streaming made up 68 % of the soundtrack’s million‑unit sales.
- Performance filmed at 30 Rockefeller Plaza, New York City.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the platinum certification affect the trio’s careers?
The platinum badge cements EJAE, Audrey Nuna and Rei Ami as major players in both the K‑Pop and Western pop markets. It opens doors to larger concert venues, higher‑profile collaborations, and greater negotiating power with record labels like Republic Records.
What made “Golden” stand out on the Billboard Hot 100?
The track blended catchy English hooks with Korean verses, a sleek production from Republic Records, and a viral TikTok dance challenge. Its cross‑cultural appeal resonated with both K‑Pop fans and mainstream listeners, driving massive streaming numbers.
Who are the characters behind Huntr\/x and who voices them?
In the animated series, EJAE sings as Rumi, Audrey Nuna as Mira, and Rei Ami as Zoey. The speaking parts are delivered by Arden Cho (Rumi), May Hong (Mira) and Ji‑Young Yoo (Zoey), adding depth to the on‑screen personalities.
What does this milestone mean for other K‑Pop acts?
It signals that K‑Pop can thrive beyond niche platforms and achieve mainstream chart success in the U.S. More Korean groups may now aim for English‑language releases and collaborations with American producers.
When is the next season of “KPop Demon Hunters” expected?
Netflix has slated the second season for a early‑2026 release, promising new songs, deeper story arcs for Huntr\/x, and a continuation of the platinum‑certified soundtrack’s promotion.
