Latest news with #Golden
India Today
3 hours ago
- Entertainment
- India Today
KPop Demon Hunters is Netflix's most-watched animated film with 26.3 million views
'KPop Demon Hunters' has set a new benchmark on Netflix, emerging as the platform's most-watched original animated film to date. The film amassed over 26.3 million views globally during the week of July 21–27, 2025. Directed by Maggie Kang, the film premiered on June 20 and has sustained its popularity for over a month, even registering a 2% spike in viewership in recent film's soaring success is further powered by its original soundtrack, particularly the breakout track 'Golden' by the fictional K-pop girl group Huntr/x. The song recently reclaimed the No. 1 spot on the Billboard Global Charts, adding to the film's cultural footprint. As of now, 'KPop Demon Hunters' ranks second on Netflix's English Films list, trailing just behind the sequel to 'Happy Gilmore' starring Adam DEMON HUNTERS is already Netflix's most watched animated movie of all time and grew another 2% this currently predicting at its current pace, it may become Netflix's most watched movie of all time. What's on Netflix (@whatonnetflix) July 29, 2025Sony Pictures Animation marked the milestone with a celebratory social media post, writing, 'WE LOVE YOU, FANS! 'KPop Demon Hunters' is officially the most-watched original animated film on Netflix.' The film's unique premise and genre-blending appeal have sparked global demand for a sequel - and even calls for a theatrical YOU, FANS! KPop Demon Hunters is officially the most watched original animated film on Netflix. Sony Pictures Animation (@SonyAnimation) July 29, 2025 At its heart, 'KPop Demon Hunters' follows Huntr/x, a girl group leading double lives - as global K-pop idols by day and fierce demon hunters by night. Their mission: stop the Saja Boys, a rival boy band possessed by dark forces, from stealing fans' souls and threatening their stardom. The inventive plotline has resonated with audiences across age groups and by a vibrant voice cast featuring Arden Cho and Ahn Hyo-seop, the film dazzles with stunning animation and energetic performances. Its genre-fluid soundtrack only elevates the experience, earning praise from both critics and critical acclaim and a rapidly growing fanbase, 'KPop Demon Hunters' is not just making history - it's reshaping the future of animated storytelling on streaming platforms.- Ends
The Hindu
5 hours ago
- Entertainment
- The Hindu
‘K-pop Demon Hunters' directors Maggie Kang and Chris Appelhans on representing Korean culture and creating Huntr/x
Weeks after the release of Netflix's most-watched original animated film of all time, Kpop Demon Hunters, people still can't seem to stop dancing and singing to 'Soda Pop', 'Golden' or 'Your Idol'. This week, four songs from this American animated musical-fantasy film have made it to the top 10 of the Billboard Global Music Chart, even as fan theories continue about whether the film will get a sequel. The film follows the lives of a fictional K-pop girl group, Huntr/x, belonging to a long legacy of female demon hunters, tasked with keeping a magic barrier strengthened through their singing. The 'honmoon' seals demons from stealing souls of people and feeding them to their demon overlord. It isn't long before they face hurdles in the form of the Saja Boys, demons disguised as a preppy boy group. Since the movie's release, the girls have gone on to become badass superhero inspirations and fashion icons. For directors Maggie Kang and Chris Appelhans from Sony Pictures Animation, who co-wrote and co-directed the film, the film's global success has been exhilarating. 'At the core, it's a story about people trying to find love and acceptance in the world, despite their imperfections,' Chris says, of the film resonating with audiences across the world. Global themes 'In a movie like this, one that is set in Korean culture and features Korean characters, it tells an audience that no matter who you are and where you come from, we all want love and acceptance. It's a very global theme,' adds Maggie. The challenge for Maggie and Chris was in creating main characters who were believable as real K-pop stars, and as real people. 'A lot of hard work went into creating their musical identities, casting vocal talent, unique choreo, and of course, writing great songs. But it was just as important to develop them as humans — their friendship, their fears, their favourite snacks and pajama pants,' says Chris, of Zoey, Mira and Rumi, the three main protagonists. 'We've both wanted to see more relatable female characters, ones that are messy, act silly, make stupid faces, and we thought it would be especially refreshing to see that in the superhero space. It felt like a new take on the female superhero,' says Maggie, adding that she wanted the film and the trio to look 'fashionable and editorial'. The team spent a considerable amount of time getting the casting right. Arden Cho, who voices Rumi, and Ahn Hyo-Seop, who voices Jinu in particular, Chris says, had to balance a lot in their characters. 'Beyond being talented, they were both really dedicated. It took many hours and many recording sessions to find that balance, but they both determined to nail it,' Chris recalls. Since its release, the film has garnered much praise for its referencing of Korean culture, mythology, and even how real locations in Seoul were turned into visually stunning animated frames in the film. Maggie, who was born in Korea and brought up in Canada, says they travelled to South Korea as a team to research locations. 'You can't feel the energy of a city from photos. You can only get that by being in it, and I think that trip really helped us capture all the special details of our locations — the narrow alleys of Bukcheon Hanok Village, and the nature and beauty of Jeju Island,' she says. The area of Myeongdong, which features prominently in the film, holds a special place in her heart as she was born there, and it was also where her parents met for the first time. Representing Korean culture onscreen 'I grew up in Canada during a time when Korea wasn't really known. My third-grade teacher couldn't even find Korea on the map when I told him where I was from. That was kind of the norm for years for me — Korea being this insignificant country between powerhouses China and Japan. So to see Korean culture embraced and loved globally, it's unbelievable,' Maggie says, when asked about how important it was to represent Korean culture the right way onscreen. 'It makes me so proud that the beauty of our culture and our people is appreciated, so I wanted to celebrate that through the movie,' she adds. Chris, too, has a Korean connection; his wife is Korean-American, and he jokes that if they had gotten anything wrong, he would have been the shame of his in-laws for all of eternity. 'But in all seriousness, we had an incredible crew with many Korean members who brought their own knowledge and personal experience, and that added so much depth and authenticity. It shows how important it is to have diversity in animation, not just in a leadership role like Maggie's, but across every department,' he says. Theories have been swirling about which specific idol or K-pop group inspired the Saja Boys, but Maggie is quick to set the record straight. 'We were inspired by all of K-pop,' she says. 'Yes, we built reference boards, but really, it's not fair to name specific groups because so many were on them. For me personally, one of the biggest references was H.O.T., which is my original favourite group from the '90s. They used to go from a very cutesy, bubble gum single, do a complete 180 and go dark and hard for the next single, and that was one of the references for the Saja Boys going from 'Soda Pop' to 'Your Idol,' she adds. The Jeoseung Sajas, or the grim reapers of Korea, were what the Saja boys were always going to be, Maggie says, which is why while they begin with the breezy 'Soda Pop', they end with the dark and brooding 'Your Idol'. Movies centred around music are now truly having a moment in the spotlight. Closer home, the title track of Ahaan Pandey and Aneet Padda's Saiyaara is also on the Billboard Top 10 global chart this week, alongside four songs from K-pop Demon Hunters. So what does it take to get that perfect soundtrack for a film where everything hinges on the music? 'We really worked to make sure the songs had a pop catchiness but also a story purpose. In hindsight, I think it helped us write great pop songs because each one had a compelling story to tell,' Chris says. Music Producer Ian Eisendrath and Spring Aspers at Sony were instrumental, he adds, in giving them talented songwriters to collaborate with and, more importantly, creative protection to develop the songs without too much interference. 'We also made sure no two songs feel the same. Our movie has many different tones throughout, and so it meant naturally our soundtrack would feel like that too. Every song has a different vibe and a different kind of message, and I honestly think that's what makes the soundtrack so exciting,' Maggie says of the smash-hit soundtrack. When asked about the possibility of a sequel for a film that seems to have so much more of a story to take forward, both directors remain mum. So until an official announcement comes by, it's endless rewatches and the soundtrack on loop for the fans. Kpop Demon Hunters is currently streaming on Netflix
Hindustan Times
6 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
KPop Demon Hunters breaks records, becomes Netflix's most-watched original animated film; fans demand sequel
KPop Demon Hunters has officially made history as Netflix's most-watched original animated movie of all time. More than a month since its release, the film continues to dominate charts and viewer rankings, amassing over 26.3 million views in its sixth week (July 21–27, 2025). Premiering on 20 June, the surprise hit has maintained strong momentum globally, even climbing another 2% this past week. Kpop Demon Hunter's soundtrack, especially the track Golden, has contributed significantly to its success. Film's original soundtrack made it a success The film's original soundtrack has also played a huge role in its success, with the standout track Golden by Huntr/x reclaiming the No. 1 spot on the Billboard Global Charts. The movie currently ranks No. 2 on Netflix's English Films list, just behind Happy Gilmore 2 starring Adam Sandler, and remains in the Top 10 across all Netflix-ranked countries. Sony Pictures Animation celebrated the record-breaking achievement on social media, with Sony posting, 'WE LOVE YOU, FANS! KPop Demon Hunters is officially the most-watched original animated film on Netflix.' Fans reaction Fans around the world are demanding a sequel and even a theatrical release, praising the film for its unique concept, stunning animation, electric performances, and genre-blending soundtrack. "The fact I can't hear these songs, the roar of the crowd, 'this is what it sounds like' coming from all around me is a travesty and a disservice to every fan. Get it in theatres now," a fan wrote on X (formerly Twitter). Another fan wrote, "Congrats, and now we need a sequel, thank you very much". A fan was good with a prequel of it too, writing, "Announce the sequel or prequel, whichever one but just do it" About the movie Directed by Maggie Kang, the film features a powerhouse voice cast including Arden Cho, Ahn Hyo-seop, May Hong, Ji-young Yoo, Yunjin Kim, Daniel Dae Kim, Ken Jeong, and Lee Byung-hun. The story follows the fictional girl group Huntr/x, who lead double lives — global K-pop idols by day and fierce demon hunters by night. Their latest mission? To stop the Saja Boys, a rival demon-infested boy band aiming to steal the souls of fans and threaten Huntr/x's stardom.
Cosmopolitan ME
10 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Cosmopolitan ME
Kdrama & Chill: Demon Hunters: The Netflix Animated Musical YDK You Needed
My friend Kareena, relentlessly pestered me about this new Netflix original, KPop Demon Hunters. At first, I was really hesitant. As someone who's obsessed with Korean dramas, I've developed a bit of a prejudice against anything that's a Western take on K-Pop or Korean storytelling. I was worried it wouldn't have the same authenticity, the same vibe that makes K-Dramas so addictive. Plus, it's an American animated musical fantasy film that sounded, honestly, a bit out there. But Kareena was persistent, and then I started seeing the song Golden everywhere on TikTok, Instagram, and even in clips of famous Korean singers trying to hit those insane high notes. The song immediately caught my attention. Koreans are incredible with their original soundtracks and a killer song can make or break a drama. So, my curiosity won over my skepticism. I sat down to watch it. The story and the world of Huntr/x KPop Demon Hunters centres on Huntr/x, a K-Pop girl group with a secret: they're actually Demon Hunters. Rumi, Mira, and Zoey lead these double lives under the guidance of Celine, a former hunter who raised Rumi. Their mission? To maintain and strengthen the magical barrier called Honmoon, created centuries ago by three legendary women to seal demons away from the human world. This barrier is powered by their singing, passed down from generation to generation, with the ultimate goal to form the Golden Honmoon, a final seal to banish demons forever. But, it's not just Huntr/x fighting the supernatural. The rival boy band, the Saja Boys, are secretly demons themselves, making the battle as much about music, dance, and pop culture as it is about good versus evil. The premise is fascinating, and it blends K-Pop culture with fantasy lore in a way I hadn't seen before. It's a musical, an action-packed drama, and a pop culture commentary all rolled into one. What worked and what felt a bit rushed Overall, I'd give the series an A. The animation is vibrant and slick, and the choreography of the performances is spot-on. The music, honestly, was the highlight. Golden alone is worth the watch, a powerful anthem with soaring vocals and catchy beats that stuck with me long after I finished the show. One of my favourite moments in Golden is Mira's line: 'Called a problem child 'cause I got too wild, but now that's how I'm getting paid.' It's such a sick line, rebellious yet empowering, and it perfectly captures the fierce energy of the whole series. I found myself hitting rewind just to soak it in again. That said, the storyline felt a little rushed in places. The pacing was quick, especially around the world tour and Rumi losing her voice. It felt like the plot jumped from one major event to another without giving enough breathing room for character development or emotional weight. But, maybe that's the trade-off when you try to pack a whole saga into a limited runtime. Another interesting note, the speaking voices and the singing voices were done by different people. While the singing was amazing, sometimes the mismatch between the character's speaking voice and singing voice felt a bit off-putting. It wasn't a dealbreaker for me, but definitely noticeable if you pay attention. EXO vibes and K-Pop easter eggs As a massive EXO fan, the Saja Boys instantly gave me strong EXO vibes. From their style and dance moves to their vocals, it felt like a respectful nod to one of the biggest K-pop boy bands out there. You can tell the creators really know their K-Pop, and the influences are clear, not just EXO, but other iconic groups too. Supplied: Netflix, Saja Boys If you love EXO or K-pop in general, you'll appreciate the details, from the slick choreography to the stylised performances. Honestly, that was the part that sold me. Put EXO energy on something, and I'm hooked. Supplied: SM Entertainment, EXO My Top Three Songs Golden – The powerhouse anthem that sets the tone for the entire show. Your Idol – Performed by the Saja Boys, this track is catchy, polished, and full of that boy-band charm. Take Down – A high-energy song that blends pop beats with the story's intense moments. All the tracks have that unmistakable K-Pop polish, making the soundtrack a treat on its own. So, should you watch it? If you're a K-Drama purist, KPop Demon Hunters might feel a little different, more Americanized in style and tone. But if you're open to a fresh take on K-Pop culture wrapped in a fantasy narrative, this animated musical is a fun, vibrant watch. The music alone makes it worth your time. Plus, it's cool to see K-Pop culture crossing borders and inspiring new stories, even if they come from unexpected places. I'm glad I gave it a chance, and thanks, Kareena, for not letting me miss out. So, if you want something a little different but still packed with catchy tunes, sharp choreography, and a bit of supernatural drama, KPop Demon Hunters might just be your next binge. 8/10. K-drama & chill Name: KPop Demon Hunters Where to watch: Netflix Directed by: Maggie Kang & Chris Appelhans Release Date: June 20, 2025 Check out more K-Drama recs here.
Forbes
16 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Forbes
Idol Psychology
How does one conquer inner demons? Not the TikTok scrolling kind. I'm talking real, animated demons. The kind taking over Netflix and Spotify. KPop Demon Hunters is annihilating records while inspiring us to ponder surprisingly philosophical questions. The movie is newly crowned Netflix's most-streamed original movie of all time and recently surpassed 100 million views. And it's not just a movie. The main song Golden has topped the Billboard 100 and together the songs of fictional bands HUNTR/X and Saja Boys have beat a billion streams across Spotify and YouTube. Spoilers ahead! Perhaps it's not surprising that the movie went viral. The songs are fire. The characters and story? Fantastic. It's hilarious. Gorgeous. Unexpected. The choreography is borderline inhuman. The boy band? Definitely not human. Yet oddly satisfying. And can we talk about the tiger and hat wearing magpie? The tiger and magpie are inspired by Korean folklore. Learn more from kenji_kun on TikTok: ... More ©2025 Netflix The secret sauce that makes this movie stick, in my opinion, is that the audiovisual pizzaz is matched by the film's philosophical undertones. It echoes themes of conquering doubt, accepting self, and of course saving the world. Does any of it make the leap to real life? Heroes in movies inspire us by standing up for what they believe is right, even against huge crowds and majority opinion. Many researchers say that moral engagement, which is an activation of one's values to a degree that it drives behavior, can be the influencing factor in whether or not someone takes the terrifying step of standing up against a crowd. I wondered, is it possible to make oneself braver? Turns out, the answer is yes. Enter the numerous research findings of how Value Affirmations improve people's lives. From helping students score higher on tests to helping overweight women lose weight to reducing stress, a wide range of peer reviewed publications have found that reflecting on core personal values can strengthen an individual. How then does one embrace their inner Rumi with a little mental tai chi? Take a few minutes to write or record a voice memo about whatever comes to mind. Be kind to yourself. Reflect on who you are and what matters to you, and why. It appears that the mere act of contemplating itself makes a mind stronger. And helps the mind grow philosophically over time. Science backs this up. Affirmation of personal values literally alters one's neuroendocrine system. One study found a significant reduction in the stress hormone cortisol when participants did value affirmations before a stressful task. Self affirmation 'counteracts ego depletion' and some have referred to affirmation as a form of 'self-defense' against adversity. Turns out that fictional heroes aren't too different from us. Rumi's musical lyrics beautifully parallel her personal journey of self acceptance. The songs were written and lead vocals performed by EJAE, who has been called the Benny Blanco of KPop. She may be a master of her own mind. No one can doubt that she is a master of voice. If you want to be humbled, try to sing along to Golden. We can only hope that the song receives award nominations so that we'll get to see it performed live. EJAE's soaring voice as Rumi singing is so phenomenal that the character losing it is core to the conflict in the movie. And of course it comes with a dash of philosophy: Rumi loses her voice as she tries to hide herself. When they aren't selling out stadiums, Kpop superstars Rumi, Mira and Zoey use their secret ... More identities as badass demon hunters to protect their fans from an ever-present supernatural threat. Together, they must face their biggest enemy yet – at first glance, an irresistible rival boy band of demons in disguise. But the biggest battle is the one within. ©2025 Netflix ©2025 Netflix Toward the end of the movie, when Rumi returns to her group bearing demon patterns and posture, she is perceived as having collaborated with 'them.' I get demonizing the demons. I mean, eating souls does not land one on the nice list. But as she begins to question what is 'known' about demons, Rumi is shunned… but later her bravery and boldness activates a response in the stadium that is replicated in social science. Albeit, not as stylishly. You've probably heard of the infamous 1960's shock experiment by Milgram whereby participants were told by authority figures to administer (what they didn't know were fake) electric shocks to others. Many continued to shock other study participants (who only pretended to be shocked) even after they screamed and it seemed that they had passed out from pain. It's been referenced in every 'I did it because they told me to' situation and cited nearly 10,000 times. But it's not just authority that shapes behavior. Witnessing resistance also changes us. A 2025 study showed a 30 % jump in willingness to confront bias after witnessing an act of courage from someone else. A highly cited social simulation found that if 10% of a population are 'zealots' (i.e., agents that promotes their own ideas without allowing their mind to be changed), the consensus of the crowd can be flipped. Another study of online groups found a higher threshold, though still perhaps lower than expected. When 25% of people go against consensus, they can flip majority opinion. It's like the classic dude dancing on a hill. One bold leader making a clear, concise, continuous point. Dude got the hill to dance. Leaders do the same, just on a bigger scale. They become the gravitational pull that forms a group. So why has the world fallen for KPop Demon Hunters? Because beyond the beautiful animation and herculean heroines lies a mirror. Not just who we are, but who we could be if we faced our inner demons. May "your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more," as John Quincy ... More Adams said. ©2025 Netflix Finally, since we're all about conquering demons, I would be remiss to end this post without a little pop poetry. I'll leave you with these lyrically luminous lines to live by from HUNTR/X:
