Radio Revolution: How “KPop Demon Hunters” Conquered the Adult Pop Airplay Chart

Something unusual is happening on U.S. radio, and it’s coming from an animated film soundtrack. Golden, a song from KPop Demon Hunters, has climbed to No. 1 on Billboard’s Adult Pop Airplay chart. No K pop release has ever reached the top of that ranking before. Adult Pop Airplay tracks spins on radio stations that typically favor mainstream, English language pop aimed at older listeners. That’s what makes this moment notable. Golden didn’t rely on a novelty spike or a short promotional push. Instead, it gained airplay gradually, suggesting sustained interest from programmers and listeners alike. The chart milestone follows a broader breakout for the KPop Demon Hunters soundtrack. Multiple songs tied to the film have appeared on U.S. charts, signaling that the project has connected beyond its original audience. Golden has emerged as the clear standout, translating streaming success into traditional radio support. For K pop, the achievement represents more than a single win. It highlights how music linked to film and global pop culture can cross into formats that once seemed largely out of reach.