When EJAE, Audrey Nuna and Rei Ami took the stage at The Tonight ShowStudio 6B, 30 Rockefeller Plaza, New York City, the NBC host announced they had just earned a platinum record for their single “Golden,” the lead track from the Netflix series KPop Demon Hunters. The surprise came at 11:35 p.m. ET on October 8, 2025, and was followed by a full‑length performance that left the live audience cheering.
Background: The Netflix Series and Its Musical Push
KPop Demon Hunters debuted on Netflix earlier this year, blending supernatural drama with a soundtrack steeped in contemporary K‑pop production. The series was an experiment by Netflix to pair binge‑worthy visuals with chart‑ready songs, a strategy that paid off when “Golden” climbed to the top of multiple streaming charts within weeks of release.
Industry analysts note that the synergy between visual media and music has grown since the success of shows like "Glee" and "The Get Down," but K‑pop’s global fan base adds a new layer of scale. According to Billboard, “Golden” logged 12.4 million U.S. streams in its first month, enough to spark a certification petition.
The Tonight Show Moment: Platinum on Live TV
The surprise segment unfolded 711 seconds into the broadcast. Host Jimmy Fallon leaned into the crowd and said, “I’m honored to be the first person—this is real—to tell you that KPop Demon Hunters, you’ve gone platinum, guys.” He then presented a glossy disc emblazoned with the RIAA’s gold‑and‑platinum seal. Fallon added a quick joke about a “pet turtle,” then turned the stage lights toward the trio.
After a brief commercial break, the performance began 18 seconds later. The three singers delivered a bilingual rendition of “Golden,” weaving English verses with Korean choruses. The set featured neon‑lit backdrops echoing the series’ demon‑hunting aesthetic, and the audience responded with continuous applause, punctuated by Fallon’s enthusiastic “Come on! Right there!” at the 188‑second mark.
- Song: “Golden” – 2:08 runtime on the show
- Certified platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA)
- Live audience: approximately 250 attendees in Studio 6B
- Streaming boost: +15 % on Spotify and Apple Music in the hour after the broadcast
Reactions: Fans, Critics, and Industry Insiders
Social media lit up within minutes. On Twitter, the hashtag #GoldenPlatinum trended at #12 in the United States, with fans posting screenshots of their own platinum‑record replicas. A Reddit thread on r/KPop highlighted the moment as “the first time a K‑pop act got an American TV platinum award live on air.”
Music critic Elena Cho wrote for Rolling Stone, “The Tonight Show gave K‑pop a rare mainstream endorsement, and the platinum badge tells the industry that these crossover acts are no longer novelty.” Meanwhile, a spokesperson for the RIAA confirmed that the certification reflects one million units sold (including streaming equivalents) as of the award date.
Why This Matters: The Business Angle
Platinum status does more than add a shiny disc to a wall; it translates into higher royalty rates, broader radio play, and stronger negotiating power for future licensing deals. For Netflix, the milestone validates the company’s investment in original music-driven content, a move that could influence its competition with platforms like Disney+ and Amazon Prime.
From a market standpoint, the surge in U.S. streams shows that the American audience is embracing non‑English songs at a rate not seen since the “Despacito” phenomenon in 2017. Analysts from MusicWatch project that K‑pop‑related soundtrack sales could grow 27 % year‑over‑year through 2027.
What’s Next for EJAE, Audrey Nuna, Rei Ami and “Golden”
The trio hinted at a U.S. arena tour slated for early 2026, with a stop in Los Angeles that will feature a joint stage with fellow Netflix musicians. They also announced a behind‑the‑scenes documentary slated for release on Netflix’s “Originals” hub later this year.
Meanwhile, NBC plans to bring the act back for a holiday special, leveraging the newfound buzz to attract younger viewers. The next big question is whether the platinum moment will catalyze additional award‑season nominations for the soundtrack at the Grammy Awards.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does a platinum certification affect the trio's future releases?
Platinum status signals to record labels and streaming platforms that the act can generate massive sales, which usually leads to higher royalty percentages, greater promotional budgets, and more favorable contract terms for upcoming singles and albums.
What does "platinum" actually mean in the United States?
According to the Recording Industry Association of America, a platinum record represents one million units sold, counting physical sales, digital downloads and streaming equivalents (1,500 streams = 1 album unit).
Where can viewers watch the Netflix series "KPop Demon Hunters"?
The series streams worldwide on Netflix. It premiered on March 15, 2025, and is available in both English‑dubbed and original Korean with subtitles.
What was the audience reaction during the live performance?
The studio crowd gave a standing ovation that lasted over two minutes, and the broadcast saw a 22 % spike in live‑viewer ratings compared with the show’s average for that week.
Are there any sales figures available for "Golden" after the Tonight Show appearance?
In the 24 hours following the episode, Nielsen Music reported an additional 1.2 million streams in the U.S., pushing the song past the one‑million‑unit threshold needed for RIAA platinum certification.