A Historic Rise to the Top

The soundtrack for Netflix's animated sensation, *KPop Demon Hunters*, has officially ascended to the pinnacle of the Billboard 200 chart, hitting No. 1 for the first time after an impressive climb from No. 2. This remarkable achievement follows seven weeks of flirting with the runner-up position, culminating in a week ending September 11 during which the soundtrack garnered 128,000 equivalent album units in the U.S., marking a 7% increase and its most successful week yet.

Groundbreaking Accomplishments

Notably, *KPop Demon Hunters* is the first soundtrack to score four simultaneous top 10 hits on the Billboard Hot 100 in nearly three decades. Leading the charge is the chart-topping track "Golden" by HUNTR/X, featuring vocal talents EJAE, Audrey Nuna, and REI AMI, who bring to life the movie’s beloved characters.

A Drought of Soundtrack Success Ends

This triumphant return for soundtracks, since Disney’s *Encanto* topped the chart in March 2022, makes *KPop Demon Hunters* the first animated film soundtrack in over three years to claim that No. 1 spot. The journey to the top took its time, completing the longest wait for a soundtrack to reach No. 1 since Toby Keith’s *35 Biggest Hits* in 2008.

The Numbers Behind the Surges

In its latest tracking week ending September 7, *KPop Demon Hunters* experienced a significant boost from its deluxe reissue, which added 23 new tracks, including instrumental and a cappella versions. With a wide release of its standard 12-track CD, the album became available in multiple variants, featuring exclusive posters and photocards, alongside an anticipated vinyl release set for October 17.

An Animated Film Breaks Records

Debuting statewide on August 23 and 24 as a sing-along, the film itself secured the No. 2 spot on Netflix’s Top 10 Movies in the U.S. during its 12-week run, solidifying its status as Netflix's most popular original animated film.

A Historic Chart Achievements

*KPop Demon Hunters* becomes the seventh animated film soundtrack to claim No. 1 on the Billboard 200 since the chart’s inception in 1956, joining the ranks of iconic soundtracks like *Frozen* and *The Lion King*. Its ascent ends a 42-month draught for the Billboard 200’s soundtracks, a drought reminiscent of the decade-long gap seen before *O Brother, Where Art Thou?*.

Current Top 10 Highlights

In the latest Billboard 200 line-up, Sabrina Carpenter’s *Man’s Best Friend* slips to No. 2 with 119,000 equivalent album units. Justin Bieber’s newly expanded *SWAG* jumps from No. 17 to No. 4 after a surprise deluxe release boosted its popularity, showcasing the ever-evolving dynamics of the music industry.

Streaming Success and Future Expectations

With 103,000 of *KPop Demon Hunters*' units stemming from streaming, this soundtrack has proven itself not just a commercial success but a cultural phenomenon, as fans eagerly anticipate both the soundtrack’s accompanying vinyl release and the future of the *KPop Demon Hunters* franchise.