In the animated world of KPop Demon Hunters, a group of girls fight demons by night and top charts by day. But behind the film’s breakout hit, “Golden”, lies a very real musical influence: hip hop, Eminem in particular.
Now the most-watched Netflix movie of all time, KPop Demon Hunters took over not just screens but also the charts in 2025. “Golden”, performed by fictional girl group Huntr/x, became a surprise sensation. It reached No.1 in both the US and UK. Another proof that a good song, even one from a fictional band, can truly move the world.
“Golden” and the Power of Musical Grit
In a new oral history for The New York Times, the film’s creators revealed what inspired the song’s emotional pull. Co-director Chris Appelhans shared:
“‘Golden,’ our references were a Biggie track called ‘Juicy’. There was Drake, Eminem, Lil Wayne. Those were songs about starting as nobodies and finding yourself through music”.
It was important that the songs weren’t just catchy. They had to carry real emotional weight. Director Maggie Kang explained:
“This concept is so wackadoo, the songs had to be fantastic for it to be accepted. And it was important for us that the songs served the story, but then, as stand-alone pop songs, could be on the Billboard charts”.
Eminem’s Legacy of Perseverance Echoes On
“Golden” taps into a core message Eminem built his career on: fighting through self-doubt, rising from nowhere, and letting music be the guide. For generations of artists, from Juice WRLD to JID to an animated girl band in 2025, Eminem’s influence remains deeply felt.
Even as the music world shifts genres and aesthetics, his blueprint is as relevant and reliable as ever. It’s no surprise a film blending K-pop, fantasy, and friendship would draw from Slim Shady’s story. His legacy more than just lyrical, it’s emotional. It speaks to anyone who’s ever felt like an outsider and found power in their voice.
