Netflix's ‘Kpop Demon Hunters' shows how it's done, fantasy-musical animation reigns among top movies on stream
SEOUL June 25 – An animated film about a K-pop girl group battling evil spirits has surged to the top of Netflix's global charts just days after its release, Korea Herald reported.
K-Pop Demon Hunters, co-directed by Korean-American filmmaker Maggie Kang and Chris Appelhans, premiered on June 20 and quickly became one of Netflix's most-watched titles worldwide, holding the No. 1 spot globally from June 21 to 22.
The film centres on Huntrix, a K-pop trio whose concerts serve as supernatural missions, using music to sustain a magical barrier called the honmoon that shields the human world from demons.
The trio is voiced by Arden Cho (Teen Wolf, Pretty Little Liars), May Hong (Hacks), and Yoo Ji-young (Until Dawn).
Their nemesis is Gwi-ma, a spirit king who sends his demon forces disguised as the boy band Saja Boys to bring down the hunters.
Actor Lee Byung-hun, known for Squid Game, voices Gwi-ma, while singer-actor Ahn Hyo-seop plays Jinu, leader of the Saja Boys.
Produced by Sony Pictures Animation, the film blends action, fantasy, and musical elements with both English and Korean dialogue and culturally specific references such as dokkaebi (Korean goblins) and traditional medicine.
The film's music has been a standout element, featuring songs by producer Teddy, performances by Twice members Jihyo, Jeongyeon, and Chaeyeong, and tracks from MeloMance and Exo.
The original songs performed by both Huntrix and Saja Boys have also received praised for their homage to the genre.
Since its debut, the film has been especially popular not only in Asia but also in the United States, France, and Germany, ranking in the Top 10 in 93 countries.
It currently holds a 96 per cent critic rating and 91 per cent audience score on Rotten Tomatoes as of June 24.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Malay Mail
an hour ago
- Malay Mail
NewJeans must stick with ADOR and abandon NJZ activities, as no Supreme Court appeal filed ahead of today's deadline
SEOUL, June 25 – The members of K-pop group NewJeans can no longer perform as NJZ and pursue independent activities, following the confirmation by a South Korean today as they failed to appeal to the Supreme Court by today's deadline. Yonhap News Agency reported that under South Korean law, appeals to the Supreme Court must be lodged within seven days of an appellate ruling. With no appeal submitted by the deadline, the injunction formally took effect today. The Seoul High Court had on June 17 upheld a lower court's decision in favour of NewJeans' agency, ADOR, which sought to block the five members from signing their own advertising deals or launching solo music ventures. The legal battle stems from a dispute that began last November when the group accused ADOR of breaching their exclusive contract. In February, the group began operating independently under the name NJZ while continuing to challenge the terms of their management deal. This comes as Korea Herald reproted that member Danielle made a public appearance at a luxury brand event in Japan accompanied by ADOR staff last week. The 20-year-old Korean-Australian singer was in Kyoto on June 18 for the launch of Swiss watchmaker Omega's Aqua Terra 30mm collection, where she appeared as a global ambassador for the brand. According to South Korean news outlet Sports Chosun, ADOR arranged the appearance well in advance as part of Danielle's endorsement commitments. Danielle has been a global ambassador for Omega since 2024, prior to the group's contract dispute with the agency.
Malay Mail
6 hours ago
- Malay Mail
Confusion as agency denies K-pop girl group ILY:1 disbanding, despite ‘returning to individual lives' message
SEOUL, June 25 — K-pop girl group ILY:1 recently sparked rumours that it will disband, after posting a message to their fans. On X, the six-member group said the time it spent laughing and crying with fans after three years was truly unforgettable. 'Thank you for showing us how beautiful and warm it can be to support someone, and for teaching us that such feelings can be the greatest driving force in life,' it posted. 'Although we're now returning to our individual lives, we hope the precious memories made together with ILY:1 will continue to give Only:1 strength in your everyday lives until the day we meet again.' The post, which came out following the conclusion of its Dear My Only:1 concert in Japan, was confirmed by several Korean news outlets. However, confusion arose after its agency FCENM denied that the group would end its run. 'Currently, ILY:1 is continuing their group activities without disbandment or suspension. The members are in the process of regrouping and preparing to greet fans with an even better version of themselves. 'Speculative content that differs from the truth may cause unnecessary concern and misunderstanding for both the members and fans,' it said. The agency also called for support from fans of the group, made up of two Korean, two Japanese and two Taiwanese members. ILY:1 debuted in January 2022 with the title track 'Love in Bloom'. It last released an EP, illang:Firework, in August last year.
Malay Mail
6 hours ago
- Malay Mail
So Drama! Entertainment and FLY Entertainment Announce Strategic Partnership
So Drama! Entertainment (So Drama!) and FLY Entertainment (FLY) have entered a strategic partnership to elevate media and entertainment content and production. This partnership combines the creative strengths of both companies to develop compelling and locally resonant content—beginning with Kakee Originals. This proudly made-in-Singapore serialised video content is available on So Drama!'s newly rebranded entertainment and lifestyle app, Kakee. So Drama! Entertainment and FLY Entertainment Announce Strategic Partnership SINGAPORE - Media OutReach Newswire - 25 June 2025 -Entertainment () and FLY Entertainment (FLY) have entered a strategic partnership to elevate media and entertainment content and production. This partnership combines the creative strengths of both companies to develop compelling and locally resonant content—beginning with Kakee Originals. This proudly made-in-Singapore serialised video content is available on's newly rebranded entertainment and lifestyle app, Kakee. This creative collaboration is a bold commitment to homegrown storytelling. It features talents from FLY's esteemed artiste roster, with familiar faces such as Allan Wu, Carla Dunareanu, Edwin Goh, Irene Ang, Rachel Wan, Suhaimi Yusof, Chua Enlai, Patricia Mok and more. Audiences can catch them in series such as See You There, Then & Now, The Situation Report, and the upcoming The Office Survival Guide, set to launch later this year. So Drama!'s talent pool will enhance the quality and reach of So Drama!'s flagship productions, bringing compelling storytelling to wider audiences. With the FLY and So Drama! partnership, clients and sponsors can now leverage the strengths of both companies to create new business opportunities and better brand awareness through innovative media experiences. Melvin Kuek, Executive Director at So Drama!, added, "We've been quietly cooking up this collaboration for a while now — and the timing couldn't be more perfect with the launch of the Kakee app! The chemistry between So Drama! and FLY promises fresh possibilities for talent, brands, and bold new content that can become a strong differentiation factor for Kakee as an entertainment plaform. We're absolutely buzzing to dive in together and serve up stories that will delight audiences and shake up the Singapore entertainment scene." "This partnership is more than just a content deal — it's a bold declaration. We're championing Singaporean stories and putting local talent exactly where it belongs: in the spotlight," said Irene Ang, Founder & CEO of FLY Entertainment. "We're proud to co-create with So Drama! from casting and production to talent development. It's time our creatives take centre stage." FLY Entertainment has also teamed up with digital casting platform IAmCasting to discover and cast vibrant personalities and influencers for So Drama!'s Kakee Originals series. This collaboration reflects FLY's commitment to embracing digital innovation and shaping the future of talent discovery and next-gen storytelling. Get the free-to-download Kakee app on the App Store or Google Play: This partnership extends beyond casting to include co-investment in content, brand collaborations, and talent development. FLY's contributions in top-tier talent, production support and customised training for's talent pool will enhance the quality and reach of's flagship productions, bringing compelling storytelling to wider audiences. Hashtag: #MOU #partnership #SoDrama #FLYEntertainment The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. So Drama! Entertainment So Drama! Entertainment aims to deliver compelling content on air, on screen and on stage. As a proudly Singaporean media and entertainment company, it has five established brands – Kakee, 88.3JIA, POWER 98, Music & Drama Company, and PIONEER – into which it injects fun and creativity, always. For more information, please visit About Kakee Kakee is a homegrown entertainment app where users are rewarded for enjoying a wide range of content - from various 88.3JIA and POWER 98 curated music streams, to exclusive proudly-made-in-Singapore videos, mobile games and contests. As Your Rewards & Entertainment Buddy, the more users listen, watch and play, the more they stand to win. Get the free-to-download Kakee app now and follow @kakeesg on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and YouTube for exciting rewards and experiences. About FLY Entertainment Founded in 1999 by Irene Ang, FLY Entertainment is Singapore's leading artiste management and entertainment agency. Representing a dynamic roster of top talents across film, television, theatre, digital media, and brand partnerships, FLY is known for discovering and nurturing some of Asia's most recognisable names in entertainment. Beyond talent management, FLY offers full-service capabilities in content production, creative direction, brand partnerships, and event management — making it a one-stop hub for innovative and impactful storytelling. Learn more at About IAmCasting IAmCasting is a digital casting platform designed to revolutionise the way talents are discovered, cast, and connected across Asia's entertainment industry. Built for casting directors, producers, agencies, and brands, IAmCasting provides direct access to a growing pool of diverse talents — from actors and models to content creators and emcees. IAmCasting simplifies the casting process while empowering talents to take control of their careers. Casting Reimagined. Explore more at
