The global response to the film Kpop Demon Hunters has been extraordinary. The fictional girl group HUNTR/X has transcended its on-screen origins to become a genuine chart phenomenon: their single “Golden” has claimed the No. 1 spot on the Billboard Hot 100 for five consecutive weeks, making HUNTR/X the first female K-pop group to reach that summit.
The performers who provide HUNTR/X’s singing voices recently spoke with Billboard, sharing the artists who shaped their sound and aesthetic. EJAE — who performs as Rumi in the musical numbers — says she admires the foundational acts of K‑pop’s earlier generations, naming groups like G.O.D and giving a shout-out to H.O.T. and S.E.S.
“I like the OG generation — G.O.D, H.O.T, S.E.S — they’re the reason I fell for K‑pop,” — EJAE
Audrey Nuna, who lends her voice to Mira, describes her devotion to the 2010s era of K‑pop. She recalls fainting at a Big Bang concert as a child and points to 2NE1 as a major inspiration, praising their fierce presence and self-empowering image.
“2NE1 led with an attitude and confidence that felt revolutionary — seeing an Asian female artist own that space meant a lot,” — Audrey Nuna
REI AMI, the voice of Zoey, echoes that sentiment, noting how 2NE1’s bold, non-traditional approach resonated with artists raised between Korean and Western cultures. The trio also referenced modern acts that influence them today, including aespa, BLACKPINK, BTS and TWICE.
The movie’s soundtrack has matched the single’s momentum, reaching No. 1 on the Billboard 200. Beyond individual milestones, HUNTR/X’s achievement is notable in chart history: they are the first all-female act to top the Hot 100 since Destiny’s Child did so with “Bootylicious” in 2001.
Reflecting on that legacy, Audrey Nuna draws a parallel to Destiny’s Child’s trailblazing presence, while REI AMI sums it up succinctly: the group is “dominating.”
With audiences clamoring for more, reports suggest a sequel to Kpop Demon Hunters is being discussed — though the cast stresses that nothing is officially confirmed yet. In the meantime, the trio jokes about branching into unexpected musical pursuits, from tap-dancing ensembles to a cappella groups.
Watch the full interview with Billboard for more insight from EJAE, Audrey Nuna and REI AMI.

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