#SHOWBIZ: 'KPop Demon Hunters' soundtrack No.2 on Billboard 200, scores record-high streaming week
The album earned 75,000 equivalent album units in the US during the week ending July 10, a 21 per cent increase, according to Luminate.
Of this total, 70,000 units were from streaming, marking a 24 per cent rise and equivalent to 96.33 million on-demand official streams.
Album sales accounted for 4,000 units (down 6 per cent), while track sales contributed 1,000 units (up 6 per cent).
Currently, the soundtrack is only available as a digital download, with CD and vinyl releases planned for August and October, respectively.
'KPop Demon Hunters' now boasts the biggest streaming week for a soundtrack in over three years, surpassing all others since 'Encanto' recorded 101.16 million streams in March 2022.
It is also the first soundtrack since 'Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2' (2017) to debut in the top 10 and then gain ground in both its second and third weeks.
In the 2020s, only four soundtracks have reached the top two: 'KPop Demon Hunters', 'Wicked' (number two in 2024), 'Barbie' (number two in 2023), and 'Encanto' (number one for nine weeks in 2022).
The animated musical fantasy film premiered on June 20 in select US cinemas and on Netflix.
It held steady at number two on Netflix's US Top 10 Movies chart in its third week, through July 6.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Hype Malaysia
11 hours ago
- Hype Malaysia
'No Live Action!': Fans Opposed To Possible Future 'K-pop Demon Hunters' Project
When a film receives overwhelmingly positive reviews and achieves global success, it's not uncommon for studios to propose a sequel. 'K-pop Demon Hunters' is one such film, with fans calling for a second instalment or even a series to continue the story from where it left off. Due to the overwhelming response, reports now suggest that Netflix may be pushing for both a sequel and a live-action adaptation. While fans have expressed excitement about a potential follow-up, they appear less enthusiastic about the prospect of a live-action version. Here's what they had to say: According to a report by TheWrap, Netflix is seriously considering two sequels to 'K-pop Demon Hunter', along with a live-action adaptation. The report suggests that the streaming platform may be planning to expand the original animated film into a full trilogy. While fans were initially excited about the possibility of sequels, many have voiced opposition to the live-action adaptation. A common sentiment is that animated works do not require live-action remakes, as much of their charm and expressiveness cannot be replicated by real-life actors. Others suggested that a live-action remake could potentially do more harm than good, citing the mixed reception of some of Disney's recent projects. Some also pointed out that the film is only a few months old, making a live-action retelling feel entirely unnecessary. Fans have even speculated that Hollywood is so resistant to the success of animation that it feels compelled to replace it with live-action adaptations. Personally, we'd love to see the sequels come to life, but we believe animated works should be allowed to remain as they are, without the need for live-action reinterpretations. Sources: TheWrap, Twitter (1)(2)
The Star
14 hours ago
- The Star
The cultural lore and hidden gems in 'KPop Demon Hunters'
"Listen 'cause I'm preachin' to the choir. Can I get the mic a little higher? Gimme your desire, I can be the star you can rely on." Yes, what is easier than stealing the souls of K-pop fans already under a spell? Many of you might have fallen head over heels for the Saja Boys – the Korean grim reapers who also top charts – like Abby, whose muscles pop shirt buttons, and Jinu with his charming smile. The group is a five-member fictional boy group created for the Netflix animated film KPop Demon Hunters , and they're not just taking the fictional world by storm – they're stealing the hearts of real-life K-pop fans, too. But behind the animation's glittering visuals and K-pop flair, the film packs something even more powerful: a rich blend of Korean culture, age-old traditions and shamanistic elements woven into the story and characters. It is not just eye candy; it's a cultural deep dive wrapped in pop perfection. Although produced overseas, these hidden cultural elements reflect director Maggie Kang's desire for the film to be as Korean as possible, as she said in a Q&A video released to the press on June 26 – a vision that comes to life in every frame. Each of the weapons that the members of Huntri/x uses has its roots in Korean mythology. The term Saja translates to lion, so people might assume the boy band chose the name to symbolize strength and power, like the lion itself. But there's a twist: The boys aren't just charming idols. "Jeoseung-saja" also refers to a grim reaper-like mythical figure who guides souls to the afterlife. In this case, the boys are demons sent to the human world to steal their fans' souls. Huntr/x and their weapons The blending of spiritual tradition with pop spectacle is also reflected in the trio girl group Huntrix, comprising Rumi, Mira and Zoey, who are demon hunters sworn to protect their fans from supernatural threats. Each Huntrix member carries a weapon with deep cultural roots, as each blade is inspired by traditional Korean weaponry and shamanic instruments. Rumi's sword, known as the Quadruple Tiger's Evil Slayer, or the Four Tiger Sword, is a ritual blade dating back to the Joseon era (1392–1910). In Korean cosmology, each of the four cardinal directions is guarded by a mythical tiger, believed to protect the world from harm. Similarly, Rumi uses the sword to shield human souls from the demons, embodying the same protective spirit. Huntrix's performances help to seal the Honmoon, a mystical gate or barrier that separates the human world from the demon realm. Initially mistaken for a Chinese guandao – a type of Chinese pole arm – Mira's sword, known as gokdo, is also inspired by the Cheolyeomchu, a curved pole arm from Goguryeo Kingdom (37 BC-668 AD), which gives the weapon a distinctly Korean identity. The spirit knife wielded by Zoey is the shinkal, which is used during the gut ritual to fight evil spirits. Her blade is adorned with a norigae, a traditional Korean pendant accessory worn by women, rich in both aesthetic beauty and emotional symbolism, reflecting the grace and spirit of women from the Joseon era. Huntrix's performances help to seal the Honmoon, a mystical gate or barrier that separates the human world from the demon realm. The word is a combination of hon, meaning soul, and moon, meaning door, which is a traditional Korean shamanic gut ritual reinterpreted in a flashy way. The film also does an excellent job of portraying modern-day Korea. In real life, such Korean rituals are performed by shamans, or mudang, to drive away evil spirits, bring good fortune, resolve misfortune and foster harmony between the human and spirit worlds. The rituals combine music, dance, costume and spoken incantations. So when Huntrix begins using its music to seal off the demon realm, its ruler Gwi-ma strikes back by sending the Saja Boys to weaken the Honmoon by dominating music charts. But the animation is not only about mythical themes and traditional Korean elements. The film also does an excellent job of portraying modern-day Korea. For example, in a scene where the members of Huntrix eat gukbap – a bowl of rice and boiling soup – tissues are placed under their spoons, reflecting Korea's dining etiquette. As the film and its spotlight on Korean culture continue to captivate audiences worldwide, pop culture critic Jung Duk-hyun noted that Korean culture is now seen as hip on the global stage, adding that it is one of the key reasons it resonates so strongly with international viewers. "The success of KPop Demon Hunters serves as clear evidence that stories rooted in Korean traditions, music and lifestyle can capture global attention and serve as the core of a compelling film," Jung told The Korea Herald on July 15. "It highlights the strong potential of Korean culture to inspire and shape not only movies but a wide range of creative content in the future." Yoo Seung-chul, a professor of media convergence at Ewha Womans University, echoed the sentiment, saying that the incorporation of Korean elements adds depth and richness to the film's details. "The film takes elements audiences already recognise from K-pop, along with familiar storytelling techniques, and creatively blends them," he explained. – The Korea Herald/Asia News Network
Malay Mail
14 hours ago
- Malay Mail
Malay Mail's Top 10 Picks: Marvel's first family the Fantastic Four headlines blockbuster end to July
KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 1 — The Fantastic Four: First Steps proudly takes the No. 1 spot at the local box office, closing the month of July with a big bang. After a decade since its bombed 2015 solo film adaptation, Marvel's First Family returns to the big screen as part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), praised for its visuals and improved adaptation over its predecessors, ending the MCU's film slate this year on a high note. There are plenty to catch in cinemas—including Jurassic World: Rebirth and Superman, but if films aren't the only thing you're after to keep your weekend entertained, there are also trending series on Netflix, Viu, and Disney+ Hotstar—along with hit songs and best-selling books—something for everyone to explore. Malay Mail has curated a list of entertainment picks for you to check out! Top 10 films in local cinemas (Domestic & International) (July 24 to July 27) 1. The Fantastic Four: First Steps 2. Jurassic World Rebirth 3. Superman 4. Thalaivan Thalaivii 5. F1: The Movie 6. Impak Maksima 2 7. Jalan Pulang 8. Smurfs 9. I Know What You Did Last Summer 10. Gundik Source: and GSC Top 10 streaming on Netflix and Viu (July 21 to July 27) Netflix (Top 10 TV) TV Series 1. My Melody & Kuromi: Season 1 2. UNTAMED: Season 1 3. Kaiju No. 8: Season 2 4. Trigger: Limited Series 5. Wind Breaker: Season 2 6. DAN DA DAN: Season 2 7. Squid Game: Season 3 8. Tougen Anki: Season 1 9. Delightfully Deceitful: Season 1 10. Mandala Murders: Season 1 Source: Netflix Top 10 Viu (Top 10 shows) 1. Running Man (2025) 2. The First Night with the Duke 3. Mitos Cinta Akira 4. Abang Imam Minah Skuter 5. Bitch x Rich 2 6. Bitch x Rich 7. Our Generation 樱桃琥珀 8. My Girlfriend is the Man! 9. Taxi Driver 2 10. Revenged Love 逆爱 Source: Viu Frontpage Disney+ Hotstar (Top 10 shows) 1. Our Movie: Season 1 2. The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder 3. Low Life: Season 1 4. Big City Greens: Season 4 5. Marvel's Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur | Season 2 6. The Nice Guy 7. Washington Black: Season 1 8. Law and the City: Season 1 9. Kaiju No.8: Season 2 10. The Nice Guy: Season 1 Source: Disney+ Hotstar Top 10 songs of the week (Spotify) (July 23 to July 30) 1. HUNTR/X - Golden (w/ Ejae, AUDREY NUNA, REI AMI, KPop Demon Hunters Cast) 2. Jin - Don't Say You Love Me 3. Tenxi - mejikuhibiniu (w/ Suisei, Jemsii) 4. Fourtwnty - Mangu (w/ Charita Utami) 5. BLACKPINK - JUMP 6. Sombr - back to friends 7. Saja Boys - Your Idol (w/ Andrew Choi, Neckwav, Danny Chung, KEVIN WOO, samUIL Lee, KPop Demon Hunters Cast) 8. Saja Boys - Soda Pop (w/ Andrew Choi, Neckwav, Danny Chung, KEVIN WOO, samUIL Lee, KPop Demon Hunters Cast) 9. RUMI - Free (w/ Jinu, Ejae, Andrew Choi, KPop Demon Hunters Cast) 10. HUNTR/X - What It Sounds Like (w/ Ejae, AUDREY NUNA, REI AMI, KPop Demon Hunters Cast) Top 10 Malay songs of the week (Spotify) (July 23 to July 30) 1. Adrianna Cinta, Farouk Roman - Dalam Sujudku (Acoustic version) - From 'Dia Bukan Syurga' 2. Naim Daniel, Adnin Roslan - Seni Berdamai Dengan Takdir 3. Rombongan Bodonk Koplo, Ncum - Calon Mantu Idaman 4. Tenxi, Suisei, Jemsii - mejikuhibiniu 5. Batas Senja - Kita Usahakan Lagi 6. Ara Johari - Menjaga Jodoh Orang Lain 7. Noh Salleh - Rahsia Tuhan 8. Alpha - P Ramlee Saloma 9. El Riss - Lukisan 10. Nadeera - Bukan Lagi Kita Source: and Spotify Top 10 books of the week (July 18 to July 24) Fiction 1. Maybe This Is Love by Maria Mahat (Rumaa Books imprint IMAN Publication) 2. Strange Houses by Uketsu (HarperVia) 3. Five Survive by Holly Jackson (Electric Monkey) 4. A Little Life by Hanya Yanagihara (Picador) 5. Library of Lost Hearts by N.F. Afrina (N.F. Afrina) 6. Welcome to the Hyunam-dong Bookshop by Hwang Bo-reum (Bloomsbury Publishing) 7. Days at the Morisaki Bookshop by Satoshi Yagisawa (Harper Perennial) 8. The Convenience Store by the Sea by Sonoko Machida (Orion) 9. The Love Hypothesis by Ali Hazelwood (A Jove Book, Berkley) 10. As Long as the Lemon Trees Grow by Zoulfa Katouh (Little, Brown Books for Young Readers) Non-Fiction 1. Surrounded by Idiots by Thomas Erikson (St. Martin's Essentials) 2. Atomic Habits by James Clear (Penguin Books) 3. A Doctor in the House by Mahathir Mohamad (MPH Group Publishing Sdn Bhd) 4. Once Upon a Miao 3 by Jian Goh (Space Voyager Log PLT) 5. Once Upon a Miao (Remastered): I Love My Hometown by Jian Goh (Space Voyager Log PLT) 6. How Was Your Day by Cheeming Boey (Grey pigeon) 7. The Let Them Theory by Mel Robbins & Sawyer Robbins (Hay House LLC) 8. I'm Not Lazy, I'm on Energy Saving Mode by Dancing Snail (Apop books) 9. I Want to Die but I Want to Eat Tteokbokki by Baek Sehee (Penerbit Haru) 10. The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck by Mark Manson (Harper) Mutiara Minda (Malay Novels) 1. Kaisar by Jiwa (Nukilan Biruni) 2. Thariq Ridzuwan Commando's: His Treasure by Hudanajwa (Idea Kreatif) 3. Qaid: The Unknown by Effalee (Manes Wordworks) 4. Rahsia Danny by Teme Abdullah (Iman Publication) 5. Mi Carino by Hudanajwa (Idea Kreatif) 6. Mi Linda by Hudanajwa (Idea Kreatif) 7. Mi Veneno 1 by Hudanajwa (Idea Kreatif) 8. Dirty Little Secret by Elvroseth (Idea Kreatif) 9. Mi Veneno 2 by Hudanajwa (Idea Kreatif) 10. Mi Diosa by Hudanajwa (Idea Kreatif) Source: MPH
