Star of Netflix hit KPop Demon Hunters says number one single doesnt feel real

One of the stars of animated sensation KPop Demon Hunters says the movies success "feels like a dream".

The film, about a fictional girl band who live a double life defending humanity from a supernatural threat, has become Netflixs most-watched animated film ever since its release in June.

Upbeat anthem Golden, one of the standout songs from its soundtrack, leapt three places to take the number one spot in the Official UK Singles Chart from Justin Bieber in this weeks top 40.

Ejae, who co-wrote and performed the track, tells BBC Newsbeat she has been "honoured" by its success.

"Its like Im surfing for the first time and a big wave just came through," she says.

"And Im trying my best to get through it."

Golden is performed in the film by girl band HUNTR/X, consisting of Rumi, Mira and Zoey.

According to the Official Charts Company, its the first K-pop single to top the UK chart since PSYs Gangnam Style in 2012.

Ejae, who provides the singing voice of Rumi, performs some of the soundtracks songs and also co-wrote Your Idol, How Its Done and the Hunters Mantra.

She tells Newsbeat ending up on the final recordings was an "organic process".

"Ive been singing all the demos while writing the songs," she says.

"I guess we got used to me singing it. And they were like: Hey, do you want to sing?

"I was just like: Why not?"

Ejae says the outpouring of support has been "overwhelming".

She gained almost 100,000 Instagram followers in a month and says shes been getting used to the spotlight instead of "working behind the scenes".

The KPop Demon Hunters crew knew Golden was a "banger" when they wrote it, she says, but had no idea how huge it would become.

But Ejae has an idea as to why the song has captured so many fans.

"I think were in a time right now where we need hope and people are wanting that," she says.

"And this song is very hopeful, it just lifts your voice and its a very powerful song.

"I think maybe thats what people need right now."

HUNTR/X face off against demon boyband the Saja Boys in the movie - and their single Your Idol climbed to number 10 in this weeks chart.

The Official Charts Companys editor Carl Smith tells Newsbeat its a "sign of how popular K-pop is right now".

He says both songs are "amazing pop songs with great melodies" and the film allows fans to "visualise their new favourite band".

The last time an animated film soundtrack reached number one was when single We Dont Talk About Bruno, from Disneys Encanto, held the top spot for seven weeks in early 2022.

Carl thinks Golden could have similar staying power.

"It could possibly be the song of the summer," he says.

"I think its popularity transcends generations."

Katy, who runs K-pop site Hallyu Doing, tells Newsbeat the success of KPop Demon Hunters is exciting for UK fans.

"Im seeing people who are not K-pop fans that have seen the movie and are now looking into K-pop artists for real that they want to go and see," she says.

Elsewhere in the charts, Drake and Central Cee scored the weeks highest new entry with their collab Which One landing at number four.

And music from Ozzy Osbourne, whose funeral was held in Birmingham this week, continued to climb the charts after his death.

Black Sabbaths Paranoid climbed 12 places to the top 20, while Ozzys solo track Crazy Train hit number 25 - its highest-ever position in the UK.

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