KPop Demon Hunters Stars to Perform at BAFTAs
Recent hits from KPop Demon Hunters will take center stage at this month’s BAFTAs, marking the trio’s inaugural live performance outside the United States. Ejae, Audrey Nuna, and Rei Ami, the voices behind the fictional band HUNTR/X, are set to perform their Grammy-winning track "Golden," a highlight from the film’s soundtrack that has captivated audiences nationwide.
Why It Matters
The performance is significant not only as a cultural milestone for K-pop but also as part of the film industry’s evolving dynamics where streaming platforms now play a pivotal role in film distribution. Despite its groundbreaking achievements at US award ceremonies, KPop Demon Hunters lacked BAFTA eligibility due to its initial Netflix release, highlighting the complexities of international awards.
Key Developments
- Historical Achievement: "Golden" made history over the weekend by becoming the first K-pop song to win a Grammy, additionally securing wins for Best Animated Film and Best Original Song at the Golden Globes.
- Film Success: Since its June release, KPop Demon Hunters has garnered over 500 million views, making it Netflix’s most-watched film to date.
- BAFTAs Performance: Ejae, Audrey Nuna, and Rei Ami expressed their excitement about performing at the EE BAFTA Film Awards and their pride in representing the film’s positive message.
Full Report
Impactful Statements
In a joint statement, the artists reflected on the significance of their performance, stating, "Performing at the EE BAFTA Film Awards is a golden moment that our younger selves could never have imagined! We’re so proud to represent Netflix’s KPop Demon Hunters and spread the film’s positive message to fans around the globe."
Emma Baehr, BAFTA’s executive director of awards and content, praised the film for its "phenomenal impact" on audiences worldwide and highlighted her enthusiasm for featuring the trio at the prestigious event. "Not only are we here to celebrate exceptional films and the people who make them, we also want to create an unmissable night of entertainment," she noted.
Chart Performance
The track "Golden" enjoyed impressive success on music charts, leading the Billboard charts in the US for eight consecutive weeks and the UK charts for ten non-consecutive weeks. It also secured a spot in Spotify’s Top 10 globally streamed songs for 2025.
Voice vs. Character
While the singers lent their voices to the soundtrack, the characters in the film were portrayed by different actresses: Arden Cho (Rumi), May Hong (Mira), and Ji-young Yoo (Zoey), showcasing a blend of talent in both music and voice acting.
Context & Previous Events
KPop Demon Hunters has also received nominations for Best Animated Film and Best Original Song at the upcoming Oscars next month. However, its ineligibility at the BAFTAs stems from its exclusive release on Netflix, which bypassed traditional cinema distribution in the UK. The BAFTAs ceremony is scheduled for Sunday, February 22, at London’s Royal Festival Hall, with a lineup of prominent stars also in contention for awards.
