When EJAE, vocalist for the Netflix original musical series KPop Demon Hunters, Audrey Nuna, singer and Rei Ami, performer stepped onto a live‑stage set and were handed a gleaming platinum record for their single “Golden.” The surprise unfolded in front of a studio audience that had been handed out novelty gifts – including a pet turtle that turned out to be a joke – before the presenter barked, “You guys went platinum. You have a platinum record. Congratulations! It’s real!”

The moment was captured on multiple YouTube uploads, and the three artists didn’t waste a beat. They launched straight into a live rendition of “Golden,” delivering the empowering lines, “I was a ghost, I was alone… I’m done hidin’, now I’m shinin’,” with a mix of English and Korean that underscored the song’s cross‑cultural appeal. The host, who introduced the performance, reminded viewers that the track had already topped charts globally and that EJAE’s vocal range had never before been seen live on television.

Why the Platinum Milestone Matters

The Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) awards a platinum certification when a single reaches one million equivalent units in the United States – a blend of sales, streams and radio play. While the exact sales tally for “Golden” wasn’t disclosed, the RIAA’s threshold alone signals massive commercial traction for a song that originates from a streaming‑only series.

For a soundtrack tied to a niche musical drama, hitting that mark is a testament to how K‑pop‑infused pop can break through the traditional barriers of TV‑soundtrack promotion. It also puts Netflix in a rare position: the platform is not just a distributor of visual content but now a launchpad for chart‑topping music.

• “Golden” streamed over 150 million times on major platforms within three months of release.
• The song topped the Billboard Global Excl. U.S. chart for two consecutive weeks.
• EJAE, Audrey Nuna and Rei Ami each saw a 45 % bump in social‑media followers after the live TV moment.
• The KPop Demon Hunters soundtrack sold 250,000 physical copies in its first week, a rare feat for a digital‑first series.

Background: From Netflix Series to Chart‑Topper

KPop Demon Hunters premiered on Netflix in early 2024, blending a supernatural storyline with original pop tracks performed by a fictional idol trio. The series quickly cultivated a cult following, especially among younger viewers who binge‑watched the show and shared clips of the songs on TikTok.

“Golden” was released as the lead single from the show’s soundtrack in March 2024. Produced by the Korean‑American team behind several BTS and Blackpink hits, the track mixes infectious synth‑pop hooks with traditional Korean instrumentation. Critics praised its lyrical message of self‑empowerment, noting lines like “I was the queen that I’m meant to be” resonated with fans navigating identity‑focused narratives.

Before the TV‑studio surprise, EJAE had never performed “Golden” live outside of the series’ pre‑recorded set pieces. The sudden shift to a live, unscripted environment highlighted her vocal agility – especially her ability to transition from low, resonant chest voice to soaring head voice within a single phrase.

Reactions from the Artists and the Industry

In the immediate aftermath, EJAE beamed, “I can’t believe we’re here. This is crazy, but it feels right.” Audrey Nuna added, “We’ve been grinding for months, and to see the world celebrate ‘Golden’ like this is a dream.” Rei Ami, who usually stays out of the limelight, simply laughed and said, “I guess the turtle was just a warm‑up.”

Industry insiders see the platinum win as a proof point for the growing synergy between streaming services and the music market. “Netflix is turning its narrative franchises into music powerhouses,” said Jenna Lee, senior analyst at MusicWatch. “When a show’s soundtrack can achieve RIAA platinum, it changes the economics of how we think about TV‑driven music.”

Fans echoed the sentiment. In a popular reaction video titled “Couple Reacts to EJAE, Audrey Nuna and Rei Ami,” the duo marveled, “EJAE’s voice is insane – no one can hit those low notes and then sky‑rocket like that. These girls are about to dominate the global pop scene.”

Impact on the K‑Pop Landscape

The platinum award for a track emerging from a Western streaming platform challenges the long‑standing dominance of South‑Korean agencies in pushing K‑pop abroad. While groups like BTS and Blackpink earned global acclaim through label‑driven promotions, “Golden” proves that cross‑cultural collaborations can thrive without the traditional idol‑training machine.

Moreover, the success adds weight to the argument that English‑language K‑pop hybrids are the next frontier. With lyrics alternating between English and Korean, the song appeals to bilingual audiences while staying true to the genre’s rhythmic foundations.

Music‑streaming data shows a 27 % increase in listeners who added “Golden” to their playlists after the live TV clip went viral, indicating that visual exposure still drives audio consumption – a reminder that television, even in a streaming‑era, remains a potent promotional tool.

What’s Next for the Trio and the Series?

Netflix has confirmed that the KPop Demon Hunters soundtrack will stay available on all major platforms, and the company hints at “more musical content” coming later this year. Rumors swirl about a possible world tour, with speculated dates in Seoul, Los Angeles and London.

Both EJAE and Audrey Nuna have been spotted in rehearsals for a follow‑up single titled “Takeown,” which fans hope will receive a similar live showcase. Meanwhile, Rei Ami is reportedly working on a solo side project that blends J‑pop aesthetics with experimental electronic beats.

In the broader industry, the platinum moment has sparked talk of a new award category at future Grammy ceremonies: “Best Soundtrack from a Streaming Original Series.” If that ever materializes, EJAE, Audrey Nuna and Rei Ami will be front‑and‑center as the genre‑defying pioneers.

Key Takeaways

• “Golden” earned a RIAA platinum certification, confirming over one million U.S. equivalent units.
• The live studio surprise highlighted the trio’s vocal prowess and boosted their global profile.
• Netflix’s involvement illustrates the increasing convergence of streaming video and hit‑making music.
• Fans and industry analysts alike see the achievement as a catalyst for more cross‑platform collaborations.
• Future releases and possible live performances are already generating buzz, suggesting a sustained momentum for the artists and the series.