FREE - ARDEN CHO / CHA EUN-WOO (FROM KPOP DEMON HUNTERS)

VIDEO HOT TRACKS

Free - ARDEN CHO / CHA EUN-WOO

From KPop Demon Hunters (Netflix)

"Free," a poignant ballad from Netflix's animated film KPop Demon Hunters, is an emotionally charged duet that delves into themes of vulnerability, shared secrets, and the yearning for liberation from inner demons.

Performed by EJAE as Rumi and Andrew Choi as Jinu, the song features lush production with gentle piano, soaring strings, and the duo's harmonious vocals blending seamlessly to evoke a sense of intimate connection. Written by Jenna Andrews, Stephen Kirk, and Mark Sonnenblick, its lyrics reflect the characters' deepest aspirations, culminating in a hopeful resolve amid the film's supernatural chaos. As a tender counterpoint to the soundtrack's high-energy K-pop tracks like "Golden," "Free" highlights the movie's exploration of personal struggles within a demon-hunting idol world, making it a standout for its heartfelt sincerity and melodic grace. On the Billboard charts, "Free" has demonstrated steady success, debuting at #58 on the Hot 100 in July 2025 and climbing to Number 25 by late August, contributing to the soundtrack's historic run with multiple simultaneous entries. It also peaked at Number 5 on the Top Movie Songs chart, reflecting its strong streaming performance, which tripled in its second week of release, alongside notable sales increases. Certified platinum by the RIAA for over one million units, the song's chart action underscores the soundtrack's dominance, rivaling hits like "Soda Pop" (Number 3 at Hot 100) and helping propel the album to Number 1 on the Billboard 200 for multiple weeks. Its global resonance is evident on the Billboard Global 200, where it joined other tracks in top positions, marking a breakthrough for animated film music. The performance of "Free" in KPop Demon Hunters serves as a pivotal narrative moment, where Rumi and Jinu, voiced by Arden Cho and Ahn Hyo-seop respectively, share a vulnerable exchange that advances the plot toward their flawed plan to confront their demons. EJAE and Andrew Choi's singing brings depth to the animated scene, with visual effects enhancing the emotional intimacy through glowing auras and ethereal backdrops. This duet contrasts the film's action sequences, offering a quiet, reflective highlight that fans have praised for its authenticity and vocal chemistry, as seen in clips from the official lyric video and movie trailers. Overall, "Free" exemplifies the emotional core of KPop Demon Hunters, its chart-climbing trajectory and platinum status affirming the soundtrack's cultural phenomenon status. The song's tender duet format and thematic depth make it a memorable anchor amid the film's K-pop spectacle, resonating with audiences worldwide. The original voices in the song "Free" are EJAE (as Rumi) and Andrew Choi (as Jinu), providing the singing for characters voiced by Arden Cho and Ahn Hyo-seop.