The ultimate guide to ‘Kpop Demon Hunters,' the global musical everyone is talking about

San Francisco Chronicle​

20 hours ago

When 'Kpop Demon Hunters' made its Netflix debut in June, nobody could have predicted an animated K-pop musical set in Seoul would resonate so widely. Yet it didn't just draw attention — it became a worldwide cultural sensation.
With 184.6 million views and counting, the film is the No. 1 animated original film of all time on the streaming service and clinched its all-time No. 2 spot for English language films. The soundtrack also has a No. 1 single, 'Golden,' topping the Billboard Hot 100 with other soundtrack hits claiming prime chart positions.
This is Netflix's 'Frozen' moment. And now the animated success story gets a theatrical singalong release from Saturday-Sunday, Aug. 23-24.
If you're curious about the phenomenon or just tagging along to the singalong this weekend, get up to speed with the Chronicle's guide to everything you need to know about 'Kpop Demon Hunters.'
What is 'Kpop Demon Hunters' about?
The animated musical is about a mega popular K-pop girl group called Huntr/x that uses its secret identity as demon hunters to protect their fans from supernatural threats. The trio — Rumi, Mira and Zoey — face their biggest nemesis in the form of an immaculately groomed boy group composed of demons in disguise, the Saja Boys.
To start, it's visually stunning. The Sony Pictures Imageworks studio used its proprietary 'Spider-Verse'-style action sequences while giving nods to different media trends, like TikTok framing, classic anime looks, futuristic gaming environments and soft-focus K-drama moments.
The soundtrack, written and produced by elite K-pop hitmakers and performed by relative unknowns, is epic and true to the music's catchy over-the-top aesthetic.
But most of all, the good vs. evil story is built upon a premise of empowerment and speaking one's truth. 'Kpop Demon Hunters' is celebratory and original with a deep appreciation for Korean culture.
Not at all, just like you don't have to be a Delta Blues aficionado to enjoy ' Sinners,' which is essentially this film's musical and spiritual twin.
That said, 'Kpop Demon Hunters' has introduced many viewers to symbols of Korean mythology and folklore. The weapons that Huntr/x wield are based on traditional tools used by Korean shamans and warriors. The costuming and backgrounds have historical meaning and context. Even the messenger tiger and magpie ('Derpy' and 'Sussie') are a reference to minhwa, a form of Korean folk art from the Joseon period.
But like Ryan Coogler 's blockbuster, it's about slaying demons — real ones and inner ones — through the power of music.
How has the overseas Korean community responded to the film?
Positively. President Lee Jae Myung showed keen interest in its effect on the future of Korean pop culture in a recent panel. The country's tourism board has even put together a guide to familiar locations seen in the film.
Meanwhile, Korean social media overflows with tributes from normies and celebrities expressing their fondness for the songs. Having national heroes BTS lending enthusiastic support to the film is the kind of worldwide marketing windfall that Netflix can't buy.
But are the songs actually good?
So good and authentic that it's hard to believe Huntr/x and Saja Boys are fictitious groups.
Executive music producer Ian Eisendrath brought in Blackpink's resident hitmaker Teddy Park for 'How It's Done' and 'Golden.' BTS songwriters Jenna Andrews and Stephen Kirk ('Butter,' 'Permission to Dance') spread their magic to 'Free' and 'This Is What It Sounds Like.' And the songs are voiced by a team of mostly under-the-radar artists like Korean American Andrew Choi (Jinu), former K-pop trainee EJAE (Rumi), rapper/singer Audrey Nuna (Mira) and alt/indie artist Rei Ami (Zoey) who are now all experiencing a surge of popularity. In a summer devoid of anthems, 'Kpop Demon Hunters' came through big time.
What is this euphoric feeling that's taken over me? Am I a K-pop fan now?
With its beautiful faces, pin-point choreography and infectious songs that often cram up to four different style transitions in one track, it's easy to fall into the K-pop K-hole. So if you've been bumping the 'Kpop Demon Hunters' soundtrack non-stop, then yes, you might actually be a K-pop fan.
From Blackpink to Beyoncé: Songs for your playlist if you love 'Kpop Demon Hunters'
Now that you're sealed in the 'Kpop Demon Hunters' Honmoon, here are suggestions to add to your growing 'K-pop Jamz' playlist:
If you like ' How It's Done ' by Huntr/x…
Every superhero needs theme music and you can hear Huntr/x's girl-power spirit in bangers by Everglow (' Dun Dun '), Blackpink (' The Girls ') and ITZY (' Born to Be ').
If you like ' Soda Pop ' by Saja Boys…
In K-pop, positioning a boy band as cute, cheeky and approachable is a familiar strategy that goes back to the industry's earliest days. Set the wayback machine to 1996 with H.O.T.'s ' Candy ' then proceed directly to Seventeen's ' Pretty U,' GOT7's ' Just Right,' and Tomorrow X Together's ' Crown.'
And while you're riding the sugar high, New Edition's '80s hit ' Candy Girl ' hits the same sweet spot as 'Soda Pop.'
If you like ' Golden ' by Huntr/x…
This empowerment anthem that was just submitted for Grammy consideration can only be replicated by vocal dynamos like IVE (' I AM ') and Twice (' I Can't Stop Me '). And if you listen closely, 'Golden' has the same cathartic, ascendent structure as Adele's ' Hello ' and Beyoncé's ' Listen.'
If you like ' Takedown ' by Huntr/x…
Huntr/x appear stylish and cool, but beneath the elaborate stage outfits lies a fierce fighting machine. If the trio ever call for backup, they should have Le Sserafim (' Antifragile '), Babymonster (' Sheesh ') and 2NE1 (' I Am the Best)' on speed dial.
If you like ' Your Idol ' by Saja Boys…
On this song, Saja Boys transform from sweet boys-next-door to ruthless soul-jacking grim reapers. Sharp conceptual turns are frequent in the ever-changing K-pop landscape, and groups like Enhypen ('Bite Me'), Shinee (' Lucifer ') and Stray Kids (' Maniac ') have all danced with darkness.
If you like ' Free ' by Rumi and Jinu…
The show-stopping duet from Rumi and Jinu spotlights the emotional depth that's baked into the best K-pop ballads and K-drama soundtracks. BTS's ' Butterfly ' and IU's ' Love Wins All ' are similar masterclasses in sensitivity and vulnerability.
The soul-searching track's slow burn builds into an inferno thanks to Huntr/x's weighted performance set to progressive house. Dreamcatcher's ' We Are Young,' NMIXX's ' Break the Wall ' or Aespa's ' Til We Meet Again ' are close cousins. And for added depth, it's hard to beat Mary J. Blige's ' No More Drama.'
It's one of the best easter eggs in the film. This song plays during the scene where Jinu (voiced by Korean Canadian actor Ahn Hyo-seop) bumps into Rumi in slow motion, an homage to a scene in the popular K-drama ' Business Proposal,' where 'Love/Maybe' and Ahn also appear. No notes; it's perfect as is.