```html Animated K-Pop Film Breaks Chart Records, Ejae Says Success "Feels Like a Dream"

The soundtrack to the animated film KPop Demon Hunters has defied expectations, with the song "Golden" reaching number one in the Official UK Singles Chart. This marks a significant moment for K-Pop, becoming the first single from the genre to top the UK charts since PSY's "Gangnam Style" in 2012. The film, about a fictional girl band leading a double life as supernatural defenders, has also become Netflix's most-watched animated film since its release in June.

"Golden" Surge Takes the UK by Storm

"Golden," performed in the film by the fictional band HUNTR/X, leapt three places to claim the top spot, surpassing Justin Bieber in this week's top 40. Ejae, who co-wrote and performed the track, providing the singing voice for the character Rumi, expressed her surprise and gratitude. "It's like I'm surfing for the first time and a big wave just came through," she told BBC Newsbeat. "And I'm trying my best to get through it." Ejae also co-wrote other songs on the soundtrack, including "Your Idol", "How It's Done", and "Hunter's Mantra".

K-Pop's Continued Rise and Animated Film Success

The success of KPop Demon Hunters and its soundtrack reflects both the growing global popularity of K-Pop and the increasing appeal of animated films to a wider audience. Carl Smith, editor of the Official Charts Company, notes the significance of this achievement. "It's a sign of how popular K-pop is right now," he said. He also highlighted the quality of the song and the film's contribution to its success. "Both songs are amazing pop songs with great melodies, and the film allows fans to visualise their new favourite band."

The last time an animated film soundtrack achieved such success was with "We Don't Talk About Bruno" from Disney's Encanto, which dominated the charts for seven weeks in early 2022. Smith suggests "Golden" could have similar staying power, potentially becoming "the song of the summer" and appealing to multiple generations.

Behind the Scenes: Ejae's Unexpected Role

Ejae revealed that her involvement in the final recordings was an unplanned but welcome development. "I've been singing all the demos while writing the songs," she explained. "I guess we got used to me singing it. And they were like: 'Hey, do you want to sing?' I was just like: 'Why not?'"

The singer-songwriter has experienced a surge in popularity, gaining almost 100,000 Instagram followers in a month. She is adjusting to the increased attention, transitioning from working behind the scenes to being in the spotlight.

Hopeful Message Resonates with Audiences

Ejae believes the song's message of hope is a key factor in its success. "I think we're in a time right now where we need hope and people are wanting that," she said. "And this song is very hopeful, it just lifts your voice and it's a very powerful song. I think maybe that's what people need right now."

Expert Analysis: K-Pop's Broader Impact

Katy, who runs the K-pop site Hallyu Doing, emphasizes the significance of KPop Demon Hunters' success for UK fans and the broader K-Pop community. "I'm seeing people who are not K-pop fans that have seen the movie and are now looking into K-pop artists for real that they want to go and see," she stated. This suggests the film is acting as a gateway, introducing new audiences to the diverse world of K-Pop and its established acts like BTS and Blackpink.

Historical Context: K-Pop's Global Expansion

K-Pop's journey to global recognition has been a gradual but steady climb. From its roots in South Korea, the genre has expanded its reach through strategic marketing, online platforms, and collaborations with Western artists. The success of acts like BTS, Blackpink, and now the fictional HUNTR/X demonstrates the genre's ability to connect with diverse audiences across cultural boundaries.

Future Outlook: Will "Golden" Maintain its Reign?

The coming weeks will reveal whether "Golden" can maintain its position at the top of the charts. Its success highlights the growing power of K-Pop and animated films in the mainstream music landscape. The impact of KPop Demon Hunters extends beyond chart positions, potentially inspiring a new generation of K-Pop fans and further solidifying the genre's global presence.

Chart Roundup: Other Notable Movements

Elsewhere in the charts, Drake and Central Cee's collaboration "Which One" secured the week's highest new entry at number four. Music from Ozzy Osbourne also saw a surge in popularity following his death, with Black Sabbath's "Paranoid" climbing to the top 20 and Osbourne's solo track "Crazy Train" reaching its highest-ever position in the UK at number 25. ```