K-Pop Demon Hunters: The animated film taking Netflix by storm with music and demons

Economic Times

14-07-2025

Netflix's K-Pop Demon Hunters is a global hit. The film follows Huntrix, a K-pop group battling demons. Rumi, Zoey, and Mira use music and swords. Rumi hides her half-demon identity. The soundtrack is trending. Viewers are curious about Rumi and Jinu. The team aimed for cultural accuracy. The film features Korean culture and mythology.
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Netflix's animated film " K-Pop Demon Hunters " is a global phenomenon, captivating audiences with its story of demon-fighting K-pop stars, Huntrix, and their rivals, the Saja Boys, since its release in late June 2025. The film follows Rumi, Zoey, and Mira, who use their music and swords to protect the world from demons, while Rumi grapples with her own hidden identity as half-demon. The movie's success has extended to its soundtrack, which is topping charts and trending on Google, sparking discussions about the characters and potential sequels.Rumi, the leader, hides the fact that she is half-demon. This secret causes her deep shame. Rumi's aunt instructed her to hide her true self from the world.The film subtly explores LGBTQ+ themes through Rumi's struggle to conceal her identity. Acceptance becomes crucial for Rumi to regain her vocal abilities and continue her mission. She meets Jinu, the leading demon of the Saja Boys, who sees her for who she is.The film incorporates religious overtones, particularly in the Saja Boys' performance of "Your Idol." The song features rosary beads and addresses themes of idolatry.Since its release, "K-Pop Demon Hunters" has become a cultural phenomenon. It quickly rose to the No. 1 watched movie on Netflix. The film's soundtrack is also trending on Google.Viewers are particularly interested in the relationship between Rumi and Jinu. Top trending questions include, "Why didn't rumi and jinu kiss?' followed by, "Does rumi love jinu?"A behind-the-scenes video released by Netflix reveals the creative process behind "K-pop Demon Hunters." Directors Maggie Kang and Chris Appelhans, along with voice actors Arden Cho, May Hong, Yoo Ji-young, and Ahn Hyo-seop, discussed character design and cultural representation.Kang wanted to create an animated movie set in Korea that showcased Korean culture and mythology. She noted that demons provided the visual spectacle, while K-pop completed the concept. Appelhans expressed immediate enthusiasm for the project.Cho praised her character Rumi's strength and style."Rumi slays demons, sings, is gorgeous, has killer fashion sense. I love her luscious purple hair. She's edgy and hip but still kind of girly," Cho said.Hong described her character Mira as 'a skeptic, rebellious, sarcastic." Yoo highlighted Zoey's 'professional obligation to be the cutest and the most energetic.'The cast also expressed admiration for the Saja Boys.'We hate the Saja Boys, but darn them for being so cute,' Cho joked. Hong admitted that everyone on set was humming their infectious track 'Soda Pop.'Kang joked about lighting decisions for the Saja Boys.'How do we light these abs so that we can really enjoy them?' Kang said.The team emphasized their commitment to accurately portraying Korean culture. The film depicts Seoul's Gangnam streets, Korean comfort food, and traditional mythology."Seeing it altogether, it just touched me," Hong said of showing the Korean American experience on screen.The soundtrack features tracks by K-pop superstar Twice. Kang called the collaboration 'really awesome' for 'legitimiz(ing) the film in the K-pop space.'Seven tracks from the soundtrack are charting on the Billboard Hot 100. 'Golden' peaked at No. 23. The full album reached No. 3 on the Billboard 200.The album is the highest-charting soundtrack of the year. The set surges 8-3 in its second week on the Billboard 200 chart.