Netflix's animated film "KPop Demon Hunters" captured two Oscars at the 2026 ceremony, winning Best Animated Feature and Best Original Song for "Golden," according to Deadline. The film, which debuted in June 2025 and quickly became Netflix's most-watched film with over 569 million views, features a cast of K-pop idols and blends Korean pop culture with supernatural storytelling, reports The Conversation AU.
Following the Oscar wins, the soundtrack saw a surge on the US Billboard charts, with "Golden" reaching No. 7 on the Hot 100 after 38 weeks and the album climbing to No. 11, as detailed by The Korea Herald. A live rendition of "Golden" was performed by Audrey Nuna and Rei Ami at the Oscars, highlighting the song's impact, Variety adds. However, Mashable notes the acceptance speech for Best Original Song was cut short, drawing criticism from online observers.
In response to the film's global popularity, Netflix announced plans for a worldwide concert tour slated for 2027, aiming to showcase music from the film including "Golden." El Financiero reports ongoing discussions with promoters to hold shows in major international arenas, aligning the tour launch with the sequel's debut. The sequel's directors, Maggie Kang and Chris Appelhans, are receiving substantial financial backing from Netflix, reflecting the company's commitment to expanding the franchise, Gizmodo states.
The film's creative team also used the Oscars platform to advocate for more animation representing diverse cultures, according to Deadline. This call is part of the broader conversation in the animation industry sparked by the film's success and cultural resonance.
Moving forward, attention will focus on the rollout of the concert tour and the sequel’s production timeline. Netflix's continued investment and the film's sustained soundtrack performance signal the franchise's potential to further influence global entertainment markets and K-pop integration within Western media.

Chris Appelhans
Maggie Kang
KPop Demon Hunters
Sony Pictures Animation
NETFLIX INC
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