In a move that sent shockwaves through both the film and music industries, the stars of Netflix’s animated blockbuster K-Pop: Demon Hunters delivered a show-stopping performance of their hit song “Golden” at the 2026 BAFTA Film Awards. The performance by EJAE, Audrey Nuna, and Rei Ami—the singing voices behind the fictional K-pop group ‘Huntr/x’—was a powerful statement, a cultural moment that underscored the film’s global impact, even as it highlighted a curious anomaly: the film itself was not eligible for a single award.
From Netflix Sensation to Global Phenomenon
Released in June 2025, K-Pop: Demon Hunters quickly became Netflix’s most popular film of all time. The animated musical, a vibrant urban fantasy, follows the story of a K-pop girl group whose members lead double lives as demon slayers. The film’s stunning animation, compelling storyline, and infectious soundtrack captured the hearts of a global audience, turning the fictional group ‘Huntr/x’ into a real-world sensation.
The Midas Touch of “Golden”
The film’s lead single, “Golden,” became an anthem. The electropop track, co-written by performer EJAE and producer Teddy Park, shattered records worldwide. It soared to #1 on the Billboard Global 200, topped charts in over 30 countries, and became the most-streamed song of 2025. Its success culminated in a historic win at the 68th Grammy Awards, where it became the first-ever K-pop song to win a Grammy, taking home the award for Best Song Written for Visual Media. The track also secured a Golden Globe and an Oscar nomination for Best Original Song, cementing its place in music history.
An Unforgettable BAFTA Performance
On February 22, 2026, the trio brought their “killer energy” to the prestigious BAFTA stage at London’s Royal Festival Hall. Dressed in stunning red, brown, and gold outfits, EJAE, Audrey Nuna, and Rei Ami delivered a flawless and electrifying performance of “Golden.” The performance, their first outside the US, was met with a roaring reception from the star-studded audience, with actress Chase Infiniti seen singing along enthusiastically. The artists themselves described the experience as a “golden moment that our younger selves could never have imagined.”
The Eligibility Paradox
Despite the film’s overwhelming success and the invitation to perform at the ceremony, K-Pop: Demon Hunters was deemed ineligible for any BAFTA awards. The decision stemmed from the film not meeting the UK’s mandatory theatrical release requirements. While Netflix appealed the decision, citing the film’s later theatrical run as an “exceptional circumstance,” BAFTA ultimately rejected the appeal. This created a unique situation where a film was celebrated on stage but excluded from the competition, sparking conversations about the evolving landscape of film distribution and awards eligibility in the streaming era.
A New Chapter for K-Pop in Global Culture
The BAFTA performance was more than just a musical act; it was a testament to the cultural power of K-pop and its ability to transcend traditional boundaries. As K-Pop: Demon Hunters heads to the Academy Awards with nominations for Best Animated Feature and Best Original Song, the world watches in anticipation. The journey of ‘Huntr/x’ and their phenomenal hit “Golden” has opened a new chapter for K-pop, proving its immense potential to not only dominate the music charts but also to conquer the world of cinema.
