Inside the “wild and weird” rise of the KPop Demon Hunters phenoms Huntr/x
The fictional K-pop girl group Huntr/x, born within the animated Netflix film KPop Demon Hunters, has become a genuine global phenomenon, surprising even its creators.
From animation to pop-culture takeover
Though conceived as part of a high-concept animated musical fantasy, Huntr/x’s reach has quickly spilled into real-world music charts and mainstream appearances. The trio’s signature track “Golden” and the film’s soundtrack shot to the top of multiple charts and earned platinum status.
Members of Huntr/x include:
Ejae (vocalist and co-writer)
Despite their characters being animated, the vocal talents behind Huntr/x recorded separately and did not meet until the film’s premiere.
A non-traditional K-pop trajectory
Unlike the typical K-pop training system, where groups are built over years, Huntr/x came together by design for the film yet immediately achieved K-pop-style success. “We were all individually our own person… to come together like this is incredibly rare,” says Ejae.
Their surprise rise reflects two trends: the growing power of cross-media franchises (film + music + animation) and the global appetite for K-pop infused content.
Awards buzz and mainstream breakthroughs
Huntr/x’s “Golden” has not only become a chart-smash but also an awards contender. The group has appeared on major U.S. platforms, performing on shows like The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon and making cameo appearances on Saturday Night Live.
According to the film’s music director, the goal was always for the songs to stand as genuine pop hits, not merely soundtrack filler.
What it means for pop culture
Huntr/x’s success illustrates that fictional groups, when backed by real industry talent, savvy marketing, and multimedia platforms, can cross over into real-world chart success. Their story also highlights how K-pop aesthetics and production values are increasingly becoming part of global entertainment beyond South Korea.
What’s next?
While Huntr/x are busy with interviews, rehearsals and media appearances, much remains under wraps about their next steps. A live performance at major awards shows, such as the Grammy Awards or Academy Awards (Oscars) is not yet scheduled, but the trio says those appear in their personal “bucket lists.”