If you’ve spent any time on TikTok or Netflix lately, you've definitely heard "Golden." It is everywhere. You know the one—that soaring chorus about "shining like I'm born to be" that seems to play in every gym, mall, and 10-year-old's birthday party right now. But honestly, most people don't realize just how much heavy lifting the KPop Demon Hunters songs are doing for the music industry in 2026.
This isn't just a "kids' movie soundtrack." It’s a Billboard-topping behemoth produced by Teddy Park (the genius behind BLACKPINK) that somehow managed to dethrone actual K-pop royalty. Whether you're a die-hard stan of the fictional group HUNTR/X or you're just wondering why your Spotify "New Music Friday" is suddenly full of demon-slaying anthems, there is a lot to unpack here.
The HUNTR/X Discography: More Than Just "Golden"
Most people start and end with "Golden." I get it. It’s the "Defying Gravity" of the 2020s. But if you actually listen to the full KPop Demon Hunters soundtrack, the depth is kind of wild. The fictional girl group at the center of the film, HUNTR/X (voiced by EJAE, Audrey Nuna, and REI AMI), actually has a pretty distinct "girl crush" sound that rivals real-world groups like aespa or ITZY.
1. How It’s Done
This is the track that kicks off the movie. It's loud, it's aggressive, and it perfectly sets the tone for a group that spends their nights roundhouse-kicking literal monsters. Produced by Teddy Park, it has that signature brassy, high-energy drop that you'd expect from The Black Label. It's essentially the "warrior's entry" for Rumi, Mira, and Zoey.
2. Takedown (The Diss Track)
If you missed the lore, "Takedown" is a direct shot at the Saja Boys—the rival boy band who (spoiler alert) are actually the demons the girls are hunting. It’s an explosive diss track. Interestingly, the soundtrack includes two versions: the "in-movie" version by HUNTR/X and a polished "pop" version featuring TWICE members Jeongyeon, Jihyo, and Chaeyoung. If you want to hear what the song sounds like with real-world K-pop idol production value, the TWICE version is the one to blast.
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3. What It Sounds Like
This one is for the "Real KPDH Heads." It’s more experimental, using vocoders and a heavier electronic influence. It actually evolved from an earlier, scrapped version of a song titled "Kaleidoscope." It’s messy and emotional, reflecting the characters' struggle with their secret identities. It’s less of a "radio hit" and more of a "fan favorite" for people who actually care about the story.
The Villains Stole the Show: Saja Boys and "Your Idol"
Let’s talk about the Saja Boys. It is rare for a "villain" song to actually outperform the hero's anthem, but "Your Idol" did exactly that on the Spotify charts. It rose to No. 1 on US Spotify, making these fictional demons the highest-charting K-pop boy band in history for a minute there.
The song is catchy in a dangerous way. It’s performed by a powerhouse lineup including Andrew Choi and Kevin Woo (formerly of U-KISS). It’s designed to be "irresistible"—the kind of song that lures fans in before the band reveals their true demonic nature.
Then there’s "Soda Pop." It’s a bit more bubblegum than "Your Idol," but it has this sinister undertone once you know the context. Fans have pointed out it sounds a bit like Astro’s "Candy Sugar Pop," but with a darker, more manufactured edge. It’s basically the sonic equivalent of a trap.
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The Hidden Gems: Ballads and Covers
You wouldn't expect a movie about killing monsters to have a tear-jerker, but "Free" is that song. It’s a duet between Rumi (the lead girl) and Jinu (her love interest/rival). It’s the closest thing to a traditional K-drama OST on the whole album.
Speaking of K-dramas, did you catch the "Love, Maybe" cameo? The song is originally by MeloMance and was a massive hit for the drama Business Proposal. They included it because Jinu’s voice actor is Ahn Hyo-seop, who actually starred in that drama. It’s a nice little "if you know, you know" moment for Hallyu fans.
Why the Covers Matter
The KPop Demon Hunters songs have become a rite of passage for real idols in 2026.
- IVE’s Yujin did a cover of "Golden" that went viral because of how she handled the high notes.
- NMIXX’s Lily tackled it too, basically proving why she’s one of the best vocalists of the 4th generation.
- Even Bada, a first-gen legend from S.E.S., released a version.
When you have first-generation legends and fourth-generation rookies both covering your movie's music, you’ve basically achieved "cultural phenomenon" status.
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What Most People Get Wrong: The Plagiarism Debates
There was a whole mess on Reddit (shoutout to r/kpop_uncensored) where people were accusing the film of "copying" real K-pop songs. People said "Golden" sounded like IVE's "I Am" and "How It's Done" sounded like "The Girls" by BLACKPINK.
Here’s the thing: they aren't plagiarized. They were made by the same people. When you hire Teddy Park and 24 to produce your movie's music, it’s going to sound like Teddy Park and 24. They use the same drum kits, the same chord progressions, and the same "girl crush" DNA that they use for real groups. It’s not a ripoff; it’s an authentic extension of the genre.
Actionable Insights for Your Playlist
If you’re looking to dive into the KPop Demon Hunters universe beyond just the hits, here is how you should approach the tracklist:
- For the Gym: Put "How It's Done" and "Takedown (HUNTR/X version)" on repeat. The energy is unmatched for a PR attempt.
- For the Vocals: Listen to the "Golden" live version by the voice cast (EJAE, Audrey Nuna, REI AMI). It’s actually more impressive than the studio recording.
- For the Vibes: Check out "Path (오솔길)" by Jokers. It’s an airy, indie-style track that feels like a total outlier on the soundtrack but is perfect for a rainy day.
- For the Deluxe Experience: Don't skip the "Score Suite" by Marcelo Zarvos. It’s instrumental, but it weaves together all the themes in a way that makes you feel like you're actually in the movie.
The KPop Demon Hunters sequel is already in the works for a 2029 release. Between now and then, expect these songs to stay in the rotation. They aren't just "movie music"—they are the current blueprint for how virtual and fictional artists can actually dominate the real-world music charts. If you haven't added the "Takedown" TWICE version to your playlist yet, you're missing the best part of the crossover.
Next Steps: Go ahead and check out the "Golden" Harmony Loop covers on YouTube if you want to see how the vocal layers were actually built; it's a masterclass in modern K-pop arrangement. Then, keep an eye on the 2026 award season—after that Golden Globe win for Best Original Song, an Oscar nomination for "Golden" is almost a certainty.