Latest news with #K-popDemonHunters
Time of India
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Inspiring story of 'K-Pop Demon Hunters' rising star EJAE; reveals how she landed lead role in director Maggie Kang's blockbuster
EJAE, Veteran actor Shin Young-kyun The world of K-pop and animation just got a lot more interesting! The smash hit animated series " K-pop Demon Hunters " has been breaking records, and now we've discovered something absolutely mind-blowing about its star performer. The series follows three K-pop superstars - Lumi, Mira, and Joy - who secretly battle demons when they're not busy being global sensations. It's like if your favorite girl group also happened to be supernatural warriors (which, let's be honest, explains a lot about how they manage those crazy schedules). Since its release last month, it's been sitting pretty at number one on streaming platforms worldwide. Voice That Conquered the Billboard Here's where it gets really exciting for all you music lovers out there. The main theme song "Golden" by the fictional group Huntrix has climbed all the way to number 6 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart. That's not just impressive - that's absolutely insane for an animated series soundtrack! But here's the kicker - the person behind this chart-topping magic is EJAE, a composer-singer who not only performed the track but also wrote it. The path to this success wasn't exactly smooth sailing though. EJAE spent nearly a decade as a trainee at SM Entertainment, one of Korea's biggest agencies, but unfortunately never made it to debut. Instead of giving up (which honestly, many of us would have), she pivoted and headed to New York University's Tisch School of the Arts to study music industry and psychology. Talk about turning a setback into a comeback! Family Legacy Meets Modern Success Now here's where this story gets absolutely fascinating. Turns out, EJAE (whose real name is Kim Eun-jae) is the granddaughter of legendary Korean actor Shin Young-kyun . He starred in classics like " Red Muffler " and "Hate Once Again," films that defined an entire generation of Korean moviegoers. But wait, it gets even more impressive. This isn't just any regular celebrity grandfather - Shin Young-kyun is known for his incredible philanthropy. We're talking about someone who donated around ₹400 crores (500 billion won) worth of theaters and cultural facilities to the film industry, plus another ₹80 crores (100 billion won) in land to Seoul National University. Back in 2011, when EJAE was just 19 and studying in New York, she appeared on a Korean morning show with her grandfather. Even then, Shin Young-kyun was incredibly supportive, saying his granddaughter had real talent for music and would definitely make it big someday. Thirteen years later, his prediction has come true in the most spectacular way possible! The Magic Behind the Music What makes this story even more beautiful is how EJAE's journey mirrors so many of our own experiences. She started as a trainee with big dreams, faced rejection, adapted by getting proper education abroad, and slowly built her reputation by working with major K-pop acts like Red Velvet , aespa, TWICE, and NewJeans. It's like watching someone methodically build their empire, one song at a time. The really cool part? She originally joined "K-pop Demon Hunters" just as a composer, but director Maggie Kang was so blown away by her demo vocals that she immediately cast her as the voice of main character Lumi. Sometimes the universe just has perfect timing, doesn't it?
Time of India
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Korean Star Cha Eun-woo's Final Fan Meeting Before Military Service - Viral 'Soda Pop' Challenge Breaks Internet
Just days before his military enlistment on July 28th, Korean heartthrob Cha Eun-woo delivered what might be the most memorable farewell performance in K-pop history. At his solo fan meeting 'THE ROYAL' held at Kyung Hee University's Peace Hall in Seoul on July 12th, the ASTRO member surprised fans by performing the viral 'Soda Pop' dance from the animated film 'K-pop Demon Hunters'. The timing couldn't have been more perfect - or more emotional. This wasn't just any regular performance; it was Cha Eun-woo's final official domestic schedule before starting his military service with the Army's military band. The 20-second performance video has already surpassed 1.5 million views on YouTube, with fans from around the world showering it with comments like "This is the real-life version of the animation" and "Cha Eun-woo is different". What made this moment even more special was Cha Eun-woo's outfit - a regal, prince-like uniform that perfectly complemented his ethereal visuals. After performing the choreography with precision, his shy gesture of turning away bashfully sent the entire venue into a frenzy. For Indian fans who understand the emotional weight of a favorite star's farewell, this performance hit differently - it was like watching Shah Rukh Khan bid goodbye before a long hiatus, knowing you won't see him for years. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Villas For Sale in Dubai Might Surprise You Dubai villas | search ads Get Deals Undo The Animation Comes to Life The significance of this performance goes beyond just entertainment. Director Maggie Kang had previously revealed that Cha Eun-woo was the actual model for Jin-woo, the main vocalist of the fictional boy group 'Lion Boys' in the animated film. Seeing him perform the character's signature dance was like watching fiction merge with reality - a moment that felt almost surreal for fans who had been waiting for this crossover. The animated film, which topped the streaming charts globally since its June 20th release, tells the story of K-pop superstars who secretly use their supernatural abilities to protect fans from otherworldly threats when they're not performing. The OST has been phenomenally successful, with seven songs simultaneously entering the Billboard Hot 100 chart - a historic achievement that mirrors how Bollywood soundtracks can dominate multiple chart positions. The Challenge That United the Industry The 'Soda Pop' challenge has become a cultural phenomenon that transcends individual fandoms. Major K-pop acts like BTS member RM, who hummed along to the song during a live broadcast, alongside groups like BOYNEXTDOOR, RIIZE, and ZEROBASEONE have all participated in the challenge. Even MONSTA X members Hyungwon, Kihyun, and Jooheon created a version of 'Your Idol' that garnered 9.6 million views on TikTok. The challenge's appeal lies in its accessibility - the choreography is catchy yet simple enough for anyone to attempt, similar to how viral Bollywood dance steps spread across social media. Female groups like NMIXX's Lily and TWICE members Jeongyeon, Jihyo, and Chaeyoung have also joined in, with their performances reaching tens of millions of views. What's particularly touching is how this challenge has become a way for the industry to celebrate not just the animated film's success, but also to honor Cha Eun-woo's contribution to K-pop before his military service. It's a collective farewell that shows the supportive nature of the Korean entertainment industry.
Korea Herald
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Korea Herald
Hidden cultural moments in K-pop Demon Hunters
From celebrity photo walls in clinics to alleys lined with illegally parked cars, what feels ordinary to Korean viewers may seem curious or even confusing to foreign fans 'Do Koreans really put a napkin under their spoon and chopsticks?' said Natalia Lima, a 28-year-old Brazilian woman who has watched Netflix's hit animated film "K-pop Demon Hunters" more than twice. In the scene that caught her attention, main characters Rumi, Mira, and Zoey, members of the fictional K-pop group Huntrix, are eating gukbap (Korean soup with rice) at a restaurant where Mira places her spoon and chopsticks on a folded napkin. "In Brazil, utensils are usually placed directly on the table or wrapped in a napkin. Using a napkin solely to rest them on? That was completely new to me. I'd love to see how common it really is if I ever get the chance to visit Korea,' Lima told The Korea Herald. While the animated film, which follows a K-pop trio on a mission to protect the world from evil spirits through their music, grabs attention with its flashy battles and dazzling performances, many international viewers are equally drawn to the everyday moments woven into the characters' lives. Here are some details in the show that, whether positive or negative, feel natural to Koreans but stand out as unexpected to some foreign eyes. Couch as a backrest There's one scene where the trio eats a variety of Korean street food, including gimbap (Korean seaweed rice roll), tteokbokki (spicy stir-fried rice cakes), and hotteok (a kind of donut), on their private jet. Despite having comfy couches around them, they choose to sit on the floor. In Korea, it's quite common to sit on the floor with a low dining table in front, using the couch behind as a backrest — something foreign viewers can easily spot in Korean variety shows, dramas and YouTube vlogs. The practice reflects the country's long tradition of floor-based living, which naturally developed due to 'ondol,' the traditional floor heating system of Korean homes. Even today, many local restaurants offer both floor seating and tables. In many households, especially during holidays, families sit together on the living room floor to share a meal. Walls decorated with celebrity photos at clinics, restaurants How many celebrities and public figures have visited a clinic or restaurant often serves as a barometer in deciding whether to go there for some Korean customers. That's why, in Korea, it's common to walk into a restaurant or clinic and see walls covered with framed photos and autographs of celebrities, politicians or social media influencers. The film shows Rumi, who struggles with her voice, visiting a traditional Korean medicine clinic, where one wall is covered with photos of the doctor posing with celebrities. Back when online restaurant ratings and social media platforms weren't as widespread, celebrity visits served as an informal stamp of approval — a practice that remains influential in Korea's dining culture today. 'Unlike big companies, we have limited ways to promote ourselves, so we rely heavily on word of mouth. If even one celebrity visits, word spreads quickly in the neighborhood, and it definitely brings a positive effect,' said Yang Yoon-mo, 37, who runs a bakery cafe in Cheonan, South Chungcheong Province. The 'bandwagon effect' is often cited by local experts as a key reason behind the success of celebrity-driven marketing in Korea. 'It has long been common for dermatology and cosmetic clinics in Korea to decorate their walls with celebrity photos and autographs, which functions as social proof for Koreans who tend to be more influenced by others' opinions and judgments than in many other countries, a phenomenon known as the bandwagon effect. The country's collectivist culture further reinforces this tendency,' Lee Eun-hee, a professor of consumer psychology at Inha University, told The Korea Herald. 'From the consumer's perspective, seeing that a celebrity, especially one they personally like, has visited a clinic can create an emotional connection," she added. Puffer coats and T-shirts seen side by side Seoul's streets in November last year were filled with passersby dressed in everything from short sleeves to padded jackets. Sudden temperature swings that month explain the unusual mix of attire. The third week of November brought unseasonably warm weather, with average temperatures hovering around 20 degrees Celsius, before plunging by nearly 10 degrees in the final week, according to the Korea Meteorological Administration. South Korea's distinct four seasons are increasingly affected by weather volatility due to climate change. As a result, it's now common for people to keep clothing for all four seasons in their wardrobes year-round. "Due to global warming, temperatures are rising faster in higher latitudes, weakening the cold air in the Arctic and makes the jet stream more unstable. As a result, the country is experiencing more unusual cold spells and heat waves than before," said Kim Hae-dong, an environmental engineering professor at Keimyung University. In mid-April this year, an unexpected cold snap caused snow to fall in parts of Seoul, including Jongno. Just a month later, however, unseasonably warm weather followed, with daytime highs climbing above 20 degrees Celsius for several consecutive days. "I used to routinely switch out my winter and summer clothes during spring or fall, but now my closet is filled with outfits for every kind of weather," one user wrote on X. Alleys with illegally parked cars At one point in the film, Jinu, the male protagonist and leader of the fictional idol group Saja Boys, walks slowly through a narrow alley, lost in thought. Although not intended as humorous, the scene likely resonated with many Korean drivers, who couldn't help but let out a bitter chuckle at the sight of illegally parked cars lining the narrow alley. Despite the bold 'no parking' warning painted on the ground, cars remain parked there — a common issue in many Korean cities and a long-standing social issue. 'The scene reminded me of those times when I drive down a narrow alley and get completely stuck because cars are parked on both sides and another car comes from the opposite direction,' said Yang, a 34-year-old office worker in Seoul. 'It's a bit embarrassing to say, but I thought it captured reality perfectly. I think a lot of foreigners would be shocked by how common illegal parking is in Korea.' According to data from the Seoul Metropolitan Government, fines for illegal parking in the city totaled 77.35 billion won ($55.9 million) last year, up 6.2 percent from 72.84 billion won in 2022. One Japanese viewer in the US expressed surprise at the scene, commenting on Facebook, 'It would be hard to imagine such a sight in a Japanese animated film.' 'In Japan, the police outsource illegal parking enforcement to private agencies, with many retirees taking up these monitoring roles. The regulations are strictly enforced.'
Time of India
14-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Jungkook surpises ARMY with 2-hour Weverse concert, reveals he cried while watching Netflix's K-pop Demon Hunters
It was a dream day for BTS fans, ARMY. After a chaotic live featuring Jimin and Jungkook, followed by a solo session with V, fans were in for another surprise. Jungkook returned with a two-hour solo Weverse live that felt like a mini concert. He performed a mix of songs, including BTS tracks, his own solo hits, covers of other artists, and notably, two songs from the newly released film K-pop Demon Hunters. Jungkook also shared that he teared up while watching the recent Netflix blockbuster. Jungkook treats fans with a 2-hour-long Weverse concert On Monday, the BTS' maknae kicked off what fans are now calling a 'private concert' with a live rendition of his solo hit Seven, marking its two-year anniversary. The track, originally pre-released from his debut album Golden in December 2023, just days before his military enlistment, has since become one of the most iconic K-pop hits, breaking multiple records and cementing its status as a timeless bop. During his live, he also covered several songs, including classic K-drama OSTs, giving fans a showcase of his smooth vocals and emotional range and proving he doesn't need a flashy setup to keep fans entertained. JUNGKOOK SINGING 'BEST PART' OMG HIS VOICE!!! Jungkook recreates Rumi and Jinu's iconic K-Pop Demon Hunters scene Jungkook is proving he's not just a fan of K-Pop Demon Hunters—he's emotionally invested. After casually mentioning the Netflix film during an OT7 live last month, he opened up even more during his solo Weverse concert, sharing just how deeply the movie moved him. He admitted he cried while watching the film, recalling a specific scene that hit him hard. 'I watched K-Pop Demon Hunters, and I cried. I cried. At the end. When they were with the Saja Boys, she said she was going to make a Honmoon by herself and ran into the stadium. I just went 'oh,' and... the tears dropped,' he told fans, mimicking the moment. JUNGKOOK: I watched KPOP DEMON HUNTERS and I cried. I cried. At the end. When they were doing with the Saja Boys and when she said that she was going to make a Honmoon by herself and ran into the stadium. And I went oh and [tears] dropped. He also recreated Rumi and Jinu's iconic scene from the movie, leaving fans both emotional and surprised. JUNGKOOK REACTING TO THIS PART IN K-POP DEMON HUNTERS AND SAYING JINU IS A FOOL FOR DOING THAT 😭😭😭🐰 now try living even harder since she gave you back your soul BTS star performs Soda Pop and Takedown from K-Pop Demon Hunters During his Weverse live, Jungkook also performed Soda Pop and Takedown (TWICE) from K-Pop Demon Hunters, showcasing his love for the film's soundtrack. He was disappointed that the soundtrack was not available in Korean, but he made it work anyway. BTS Jungkook dancing to TWICE's TAKEDOWN #Jungkook singing SODA POP Meanwhile, Jungkook, along with Jimin, RM, V, and SUGA, is currently in Los Angeles as the group prepares for their upcoming album. While an official release date hasn't been announced yet, BTS has confirmed plans for a Spring 2026 comeback. For all the latest K-drama, K-pop, and Hallyuwood updates, keep following our coverage here.
Economic Times
14-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Economic Times
K-Pop Demon Hunters: The animated film taking Netflix by storm with music and demons
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. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads 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 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 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 film incorporates religious overtones, particularly in the Saja Boys' performance of "Your Idol." The song features rosary beads and addresses themes of 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 album is the highest-charting soundtrack of the year. The set surges 8-3 in its second week on the Billboard 200 chart.
