‘KPop Demon Hunters’ Songwriters The Black Label on ‘Golden’s’ Success and the Lyrics That Bring Them Pride

The animated feature "KPop Demon Hunters" has achieved a major musical milestone, with its lead single "Golden" earning a five-times platinum certification just seven months after its release. This recognition highlights the track's sustained popularity and strong commercial performance since its debut. The song was crafted through a collaboration between EJAE—the voice actor for the character Rumi—songwriter Mark Sonnenblick, and the acclaimed South Korean production collective The Black Label – IDO, whose members include Yu Han Lee, Hee Dong Nam, and Zhun.

Zhun, speaking through a translator, revealed that the producers initiated the process with a precise technical brief: they requested a drum loop with a tempo ranging from 100 to 120 BPM. This loop became the rhythmic backbone for the entire piece. Nam noted the initial demo adhered to a conventional K-pop structure, featuring two vocal parts, two verses, and a bridge. A pivotal note from filmmakers Maggie Kang and Chris Appelhans was the necessity for a memorable high note, which Zhun emphasized was "a very important component." In response, EJAE composed a challenging A5 note into the melody, a pitch she then successfully executed during the recording session. The IDO team was reportedly amazed by her performance. "There's a limit to how high a note can be," Zhun stated. "It's really incredible to see her hit that note."

The team's responsibilities extended beyond a single hit. IDO was also charged with sculpting the distinct musical identities for the film's two fictional groups: the deceptively benevolent villain act, Saja Boys, and the heroic, angst-driven all-female group, Huntr/x. This creative endeavor was steered by the film's music producer, Ian Eisendrath. Eisendrath, whose portfolio includes work on major studio musicals, was instrumental in aligning the songwriting with cinematic narrative needs. "He played a role in directing us," Zhun explained, noting that Eisendrath's input was crucial in blending K-pop aesthetics with cohesive storytelling—a novel undertaking for the production team.

Lyrically, "Golden" has forged a deep connection with its creators. For Lee, the phrase "I'm done hiding, now I'm shining" perfectly captures the personal journey of the protagonist, Rumi. For Nam and Zhun, a significant source of pride is witnessing a global audience embrace the song's Korean verses. "To see people singing along to these Korean lyrics is a very moving moment for me," Zhun shared. This cultural resonance aligns with a broader industry trend where linguistic barriers are diminishing for international hits. The strategic integration of character-driven music in animation, as media analyst Dr. Lena Cho observes, "serves a dual purpose: it not only drives soundtrack revenue but also deepens audience immersion and builds lasting franchise engagement." The enduring chart success of "Golden" exemplifies how a meticulously crafted film song can evolve into a standalone pop culture phenomenon.