KPop Demon Hunters' Saja Boys, Huntrix go global, Even BTS can't resist the hype

India Today

16 hours ago

In a year full of surprises and several hits and misses, nothing has roared louder than 'KPop Demon Hunters', directed by Maggie Kang. The Netflix original animated film has pulled off the near-impossible, uniting fans across geographies and generations, and now, even drawing high praise from BTS members.At the group's much-celebrated OT7 reunion live, fans were in for a surprise when RM (Kim Namjoon) was seen crooning the now-viral 'Soda Pop' track from the movie as they were just about to end the live. Jungkook followed suit, casually dropping that he had watched 'KPop Demon Hunters' and asked RM 'Wasn't it fun?' And just like that, 'KPop Demon Hunters' got validated, more so!NAMJOON SINGING SAJA BOYS' 'SODA POP' pic.twitter.com/yf36QfR7eZ— moni (@sevenrchive) July 1, 2025advertisementNetflix and Sony Pictures Animation reacted to the viral video with special memes. Take a look:
But this isn't just another trendy streaming moment. This is a full-blown global phenomenon.THE RISE OF SAJA BOYS AND HUNTRIXFronted by two fictional yet fiercely magnetic idol groups - Saja Boys and Huntrix - the film reimagines the K-pop world as a battleground where idols moonlight as demon hunters. Stylish, subversive, and layered with biting commentary on fame and identity, the film has clicked with a generation fluent in both fandom and fantasy.advertisementFrom Seoul to So Paulo, Manila to Mumbai, 'KPop Demon Hunters' has become a worldwide craze. Gen-Z is binge-watching while K-pop fans are obsessed. Reels are ablaze with choreography from 'Soda Pop', and 'Golden' - songs that have now stormed major global music charts. You know something has gone viral when even the idols are participating in this trend.https://t.co/2xtlqvhoIH pic.twitter.com/dIKkr7TXyb— Sony Pictures Animation (@SonyAnimation) July 1, 2025here, have a saja boys poster pic.twitter.com/zv0IQ0XErN— Netflix (@netflix) June 29, 2025BREAKING RECORDS - NOT JUST DEMONSIn a rare feat for a Netflix original soundtrack, 'KPop Demon Hunters': Original Soundtrack has topped the global streaming charts, beating heavyweight albums from global artists across genres. According to industry trackers, this is Netflix's first major OST success in two years, marking a pivotal moment where animation, K-pop, and streaming collided with chart-topping synergy.Led by TWICE's explosive single 'Takedown' (featuring Jeongyeon, Jihyo, and Chaeyoung), the album brings together a formidable roster of K-pop talent. Fictional groups Huntrix and Saja Boys deliver punchy, character-driven tracks like 'How It's Done', 'Golden', and 'Soda Pop' with real-world vocals by EJAE, Audrey Nuna, REI AMI, Andrew Choi, Neckwav, Danny Chung, Kevin Woo, and samUIL Lee.TWICE returns again with' Strategy', while Saja Boys close their arc with the energetic 'Your Idol'. The album also features 'Free' by Rumi and Jinu (EJAE and Choi), 'What It Sounds Like' by Huntrix, the tender 'Love Maybe' by MeloMance, and 'Path' by indie-rock outfit Jokers. For a platform that has long sought a flagship musical identity, this moment signals a breakthrough.WHY BTS' STAMP OF APPROVAL MATTERS advertisementBTS isn't just the biggest group in the world - they're cultural tastemakers. Their co-signs come with seismic ripple effects, and their open appreciation of 'KPop Demon Hunters' has legitimised the film in the eyes of older ARMY and casual fans alike.The timing couldn't be more poetic. As the band prepares for a full-group comeback in the spring of 2026, their endorsement of a bold, new-age K-pop narrative serves as a nod to the genre's evolving creative expressions.Huntrix didn't just save the world, they also saved my Spotify Wrapped.Film: KPOP DEMON HUNTERS (2025) pic.twitter.com/sGQdnvrAIW— The Academy (@TheAcademy) June 29, 2025WHAT'S NEXT FOR KPOP DEMON HUNTERS?With merchandise flying off the shelves, fanfics booming, and cosplayers already embodying Saja Boys and Huntrix on the global convention circuit, 'KPop Demon Hunters' is more than a movie. It's a movement. Netflix is reportedly considering a sequel series.And if even BTS can't stop singing 'Soda Pop', who are we to resist?- Ends