The stars behind the hit animated movie KPop Demon Hunters couldn’t hold back their emotions after receiving incredible news on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.
EJAE, Audrey Nuna, and Rei Ami — who perform as Rumi, Mira, and Zoey in the film — took the stage on 7 October for their first live performance of the viral track Golden. The single has dominated streaming charts for weeks, and their performance was as electric as fans had hoped.
But the biggest moment came after the song. Jimmy Fallon surprised the trio with the announcement that the KPop Demon Hunters soundtrack had officially gone platinum, according to the latest Billboard 200 chart update. The news left the singers in tears as the audience erupted in cheers.
Variety confirmed that the soundtrack had returned to the top of the chart for a second non-consecutive week, cementing its place as one of the year’s biggest releases.
For anyone who hasn’t seen it, KPop Demon Hunters was released on 20 June and quickly became a record-breaker. By the end of August, it was the most-watched film ever on its streaming platform, overtaking Red Notice with a massive 236 million views.
The animated film, directed by Chris Appelhans and Maggie Kang, follows a K-pop supergroup living a double life. By day, they’re global pop icons adored by millions. By night, they secretly fight demons threatening the world.
Fans have praised the film for blending fantasy, music, and Korean pop culture in a fresh way that appeals far beyond the usual anime audience. Its soundtrack, led by Golden, has become a cultural phenomenon, with fans sharing dance challenges and cover versions across social media.
“Being part of something that means so much to so many people is unreal,” EJAE said in a backstage clip after the show. “We poured everything into this soundtrack, and to see it go platinum is beyond anything we imagined.”
Audrey Nuna added, “It still doesn’t feel real. We were just trying to make something honest and fun, and now people all over the world are connecting with it.”
Rei Ami was just as emotional, thanking fans for their support. “We couldn’t have done any of this without them. Every stream, every message, every dance video — it all matters.”
Since its release, Golden has made history by topping the Billboard Hot 100 for five consecutive weeks, a rare feat for a song tied to an animated film.
As Fallon wrapped up the segment, he congratulated the singers once more, saying, “You’re not just making music — you’re making history.”
With record-breaking numbers, emotional performances, and a soundtrack still dominating charts, KPop Demon Hunters has gone from an unexpected animated hit to a full-blown global phenomenon. And for EJAE, Audrey Nuna, and Rei Ami, the journey is only just beginning.
