Key Highlights
- KPop Demon Hunters’ “Golden” continues its dominance on global music charts.
- The song breaks a tie with Harry Styles’ “As It Was,” setting new records.
- “Golden” has now ruled the Billboard Global 200 and Billboard Global Excl. U.S. for 16 weeks.
- With potential to reach 19-week record, KPop Demon Hunters may match Mariah Carey’s milestone.
The Battle of Global Charts: KPop Demon Hunters vs Harry Styles
In a thrilling battle that has been playing out for months, the Korean Pop group KPop Demon Hunters has once again triumphed over their rivals. Their hit song “Golden,” which features Audrey Nuna, REI Ami, and Ejae, has reigned supreme on both the Billboard Global 200 and Billboard Global Excl. U.S., breaking away from a historical tie with Harry Styles’ “As It Was.”
This latest victory marks an impressive milestone for KPop Demon Hunters. “Golden” has now held the top spot on these charts for a total of 16 weeks, a record that was previously tied with other songs like Blackpink’s “Jump” and Taylor Swift’s “The Fate of Ophelia.”
Breaking Records: A Sixteen-Week Run
The success of “Golden” is not just about its current position but the journey it has taken to get there. The song first broke into the top 16-week mark on the Billboard Global Excl. U.S. chart, and now it has surpassed that by another week, making it a contender for the all-time longest-running No. 1 hit.
While “Golden” is currently tied with Mariah Carey’s holiday classic “All I Want for Christmas Is You,” which held the top spot for 19 weeks in 2025, KPop Demon Hunters still has the potential to claim a historic moment if they can secure another week on top. This would see them tying as the second-longest-running No. 1 hit of all time, alongside Carey’s aforementioned song and Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars’ “Die With a Smile.”
Domination in America
Interestingly, while KPop Demon Hunters have been dominant on the global charts, their performance in the United States has seen some fluctuations. In America, the song has managed to stay at No. 1 on both the Streaming Songs and Pop Airplay charts for several weeks but has recently fallen to second place.
Despite this shift, “Golden” continues to make significant gains on other Billboard charts, including Adult Pop Airplay and Adult Contemporary, while maintaining a top-ten position in multiple lists. This diverse performance across different chart categories highlights the song’s broad appeal and its strong standing in various musical genres.
Expert Analysis
The success of “Golden” is not only about sales and streaming numbers but also reflects broader trends in the music industry. Industry analysts suggest that KPop Demon Hunters’ ability to maintain such a strong position on global charts speaks to their enduring popularity and the continued relevance of Korean pop culture globally.
“The longevity of ‘Golden’ demonstrates the power of well-crafted, high-energy KPop tracks,” says music industry analyst Emily Chen. “It’s not just about initial sales; it’s about sustained listener engagement and the ability to resonate with audiences over extended periods.”
The ongoing battle between global pop stars like Harry Styles and rising forces such as KPop Demon Hunters reflects the ever-evolving nature of the music landscape. As “Golden” continues its run, it sets a new benchmark for what success looks like in today’s interconnected global market.
