Billboard highlights BTS, “K-pop Demon Hunters”

Dec 23, 2025, 09:53 am

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Members of BTS. / BigHit Music

Billboard has spotlighted the return of BTS while reviewing the musical moments that defined popular culture in 2025, placing the group alongside the global phenomenon of K-pop Demon Hunters.

On Dec. 19, Billboard published its list of the “10 Most Powerful Musical Moments That Defined Pop Culture in 2025” on its official website. Beyond the top 10 selections, the outlet separately highlighted the scene of BTS members reuniting after completing mandatory military service, describing it as one of the year’s most symbolic cultural moments.

Billboard also cited major events that cut across music and pop culture, including rapper Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl halftime show and pop star Taylor Swift’s marriage. Alongside these, the explosive success of the soundtrack from Netflix’s animated film K-pop Demon Hunters was named as another defining moment of 2025.

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K-Pop Demon Hunters / Netflix

The K-pop Demon Hunters OST delivered standout chart performance. Its title track “Golden” topped the Billboard Hot 100, while the soundtrack album reached No. 1 on the Billboard 200.

Billboard noted that few had expected a children’s animated film from Netflix to dominate the music charts so completely, adding that K-pop Demon Hunters became the first film OST to place four songs simultaneously in the Hot 100 top 10. “Golden” was also nominated in five categories at the upcoming Grammy Awards, including Song of the Year.

The outlet further examined K-pop’s global achievements. In its recently released “25 Best K-Pop Songs of 2025: Staff Picks,” Billboard ranked J-Hope’s solo single “Killin’ It Girl” at No. 24, praising its clear musical direction and polished production. The track debuted at No. 40 on the Hot 100, marking J-Hope’s highest solo entry on the chart.

Meanwhile, BTS has announced plans to release a new album and embark on a large-scale world tour next year. During a full-group live broadcast on the global fan platform Weverse on Dec. 21, the members told fans, “Let’s make 2026 the year of BTS. Something really big is coming—it will be an important year.”

#Billboard #BTS #2025 musical moments #K-pop Demon Hunters