KPop’s Golden Tops Billboard Hot 100 Amid Fan Outcry Over Asian Erasure

The KPop Demon Hunters phenomenon shows no signs of fading. The original soundtrack, “Golden,” has rapidly ascended the music charts, even reaching the pinnacle of the Billboard Hot 100. While many fans celebrate this achievement, it has sparked controversy regarding credit attribution for the song. Critics argue that the fictional group HUNTRIX is receiving accolades meant for the actual artists behind the vocals—EJAE, Audrey Nuna, and REI AMI.

KPop Demon Hunters’ HUNTRIX: A Fictional Debate

The voices of Rumi, Mira, and Zoey come from EJAE, Audrey Nuna, and REI AMI, who are deserving of recognition. Following the announcement of “Golden” on the Hot 100, discussions have erupted online, with many fans demanding that the actual singers receive due credit instead of the animated HUNTRIX group. Billboard’s post added to the confusion, stating the team name alongside the singers’ credits with just a colon in between.

Fans Demand Fair Recognition

HUNTRIX is labeled as a ‘fictional group,’ raising concerns about the impact on crediting artists’ efforts. Fans have drawn comparisons to the musical “Wicked,” where recognition went to the vocalists rather than the characters portrayed. This has led some to feel that this situation represents a form of Asian erasure.

The Importance of Acknowledgment

Artists like Arden Cho, May Hong, and Yoo Ji Young have lent their voices to the film’s characters, further highlighting the need for clear distinctions between the actual singers and the fictional personas. Many are concerned that failing to credit real singers may lead to greater reliance on AI-generated music, threatening the authenticity of the industry.