Latest news with #KpopDemonHunters
Korea Herald
11 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Korea Herald
From boo to boohoo: Korean ghosts tug at heartstrings worldwide
From K-pop demons to grim reapers, Korean ghost lore captivates audiences with emotionally rich tales of sorrow, justice and healing Korea's traditional grim reapers, known as jeoseung saja, are gaining global recognition following their portrayal as key antagonists in the Netflix hit "Kpop Demon Hunters." The film follows shaman heroines who battle demons while performing as K-pop idols. Within two months of its release, it soared to become the fourth most-streamed movie on the platform, propelled by sustained global buzz. 'There's a growing sense that traditional Korean imagery feels more approachable and enjoyable, largely because Korean culture is now viewed so favorably and familiarly worldwide,' said culture critic Jung Duk-hyun. 'This positive perception plays a major role in making Korean folklore feel trendy and hip to global audiences.' Clad in dark robes and high-brimmed hats, these grim reapers exude a unique presence and emotional complexity, earning popularity rivaling the protagonists. Far from being purely malevolent, they are portrayed as tormented figures — a reflection of han, a uniquely Korean concept of unresolved sorrow that permeates much of the country's ghost lore. Han is the emotional pain that lingers after a traumatic experience, preventing one from moving on. In Korean supernatural tales, this sentiment explains why spirits remain earthbound — not to terrorize, but to seek closure for injustices or deep regrets. This emotional nuance distinguishes Korean folklore from some of the more dualistic ghost narratives in the West. Rather than evil for evil's sake, Korean spirits are often driven by sorrow, guilt, or betrayal. In "Kpop Demon Hunters," Jinu — the leader of the K-pop boy band Saja Boys — embodies this layered grief. Though transformed into a demon after abandoning his family, his actions stem from guilt and pain, not malice. 'The reapers, especially Jinu, show characteristics of Korean ghosts,' said Jung. 'Korean spirits are often defined not by violence, but by han — a sorrow that compels them to seek understanding from the living rather than inflict harm without reason.' This storytelling tradition casts the supernatural not as monstrous, but as deeply human. In the 'Legend of Arang' from Miryang, for example, a young woman's ghost haunts magistrates not to frighten them, but to seek justice for her death during an attempted assault. Adaptations of such folklore in modern dramas and films often preserve this emotional complexity, blending traditional themes with contemporary storytelling. TvN's 2016 hit series "Dokkaebi (Goblin)" reimagines Korean mythology in a modern setting, exploring han through two central figures: the Goblin, cursed with immortality, and the Reaper, who guides souls to the afterlife. Both characters are burdened by past sins. The Goblin is haunted by those he failed to save, while the Reaper is tormented by having ordered the Goblin's execution in a past life. Their inability to move on mirrors the unresolved sorrow central to Korean ghost stories. This emotional depth continues to shape contemporary content. The SBS series "The Haunted Palace" received praise for portraying diverse spirits shaped by the circumstances of their deaths. The show achieved an 11 percent viewership rating by focusing on the living engaging with spirits' emotional wounds, not just confronting the supernatural. At the heart of Korean ghost narratives is the idea that spirits find peace through communication, not confrontation. In "Kpop Demon Hunters," even in his demon form, Jinu seeks to share his pain, not inflict it. 'Unlike Western fantasy, which often resolves conflict through exorcism, Korean stories are about listening to the dead and helping them release unresolved sorrow,' Jung noted. This storytelling approach invites audiences to empathize with the supernatural and participate in a journey toward healing. Culture critic Kim Heon-sik attributed the growing global fascination with Korea's supernatural traditions to their unique visual and emotional elements. 'Their distinct Korean identity makes them more intriguing,' he said. 'And by integrating ghostly elements into pop culture, especially K-pop, they've become even more appealing.' Kim also emphasized that the success stems in part from subtlety. 'When nationalism or symbolic depth is overemphasized, it can alienate audiences. What made these stories resonate is that they left room for interpretation — letting viewers explore and connect on their own terms.'
Yahoo
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
‘Kpop Demon Hunters' Stars Arden Cho, May Hong & Ji-young Yoo On Portraying 'Vulnerable Girls Who Also Kick Ass'
It's only up, up, up from here for Netflix's latest surprise hit Kpop Demon Hunters. The critically acclaimed feature danced its way to history with the distinction of becoming the streamer's most-watched animated film ever. The film also snagged the number four spot on Netflix's most popular English-language films list with over 158 million views since its release. Co-written and co-directed by Maggie Kang and Chris Appelhans, Kpop Demon Hunters follows Rumi (Arden Cho), Mira (May Hong) and Zoey (Ji-young Yoo), three young-adult popstars in a group called Huntr/x, who are tasked to deal with supernatural threats because of their ancient demon slayer lineage. However, when their biggest demonic enemy (Lee Byung-hun) encourages the formation of an equally popular K-pop boy band aimed at stealing the souls of their fans, the trio has to fight harder than ever to hold the demons at bay while keeping their friendship intact. More from Deadline Netflix Scores Canadian Rights To FIFA Women's World Cup For Next Two Tournaments Jack Champion Joins Netflix Comedy 'Don't Say Good Luck' Michael Bay & Will Smith Part Company On Netflix Action Film 'Fast And Loose' 'I expected [the movie] to be really awesome and fun, but I did not expect it to be at the level that it is at right now,' Hong told Deadline. 'I didn't think it would be a complete phenomenon, a global sensation, or top of the charts.' 'The writers are perfect,' Cho added. 'Maggie and Chris are perfect.' A secret to the magic sauce could be the way that audiences are personally resonating with each member of the group as they battle with the fear of perception, insecurities and the nuances of love. 'In terms of it resonating with everyone with their familial trauma and expectations to uphold—I think there's a really good lesson [in the film]. I think it's about being honest with yourself and the ones you love—and also pushing boundaries if you feel that it's not working for you.' Hong said. Yoo also felt she could relate to her character's struggle. In the film, Zoey is the only member of the group born and raised in America. It's a disorienting experience that she pens within the verses of the film's hit songs. 'Maggie and Chris really did their thing with casting, in addition to also letting us bring a lot of ourselves to the characters, which is wonderful,' Yoo said. 'I think I share a lot in common with Zoey—one of the obvious ones being that we're both Korean American. I think Zoey is still in the process of trying to figure out where she fits in the diaspora. She holds both ends of her heritage. I don't know if I share that [feeling] anymore, but it was certainly something I thought about a lot when I was younger. Something I wish I shared with Zoey, which I do think I do, is her optimism and her inability to give up. It takes her longer to give in to the demon voices because she's such a deep optimist, and I find that very admirable.' As for Cho? She relates to the themes about vulnerability and breaking boundaries presented in Huntr/x's power anthem 'Golden.' And as it turns out, so does the rest of the film's rapidly growing fanbase. In addition to being a catchy smash-hit in the fictional world of the movie, the song—written by Korean singer-songwriter Ejae and performed by Ejae, Audrey Nuna and Rei Ami, who also lend their vocals to the trio in Kpop Demon Hunters—has also transcended into reality-breaking records. As it stands currently, the film boasts the highest-charting soundtrack of 2025 on the Billboard 200 and is the #1 movie soundtrack on Spotify. Additionally, it is the first K-pop album to top the U.S. Apple Music chart and iTunes simultaneously. 'Golden' is one of several tracks charting individually on the Billboard Global 200 but has the distinction of holding a spot at #1 for non-consecutive weeks on both Billboard Global 200 and Billboard Global Excl. U.S. But why is that? What does Cho think people are reacting to within the lyrics of the song? She relates it to her own career trajectory as an actress of color in Hollywood. '[Being] an actor is already a difficult path. It's already something that is very competitive and a battle,' Cho said. 'But at the same time, I think being an active Asian American, sometimes everything we do ends up becoming about our race. It's almost like I'm not trying to do a project as an Asian American or as an Asian, but people make it that, right? Even with something like Kpop Demon Hunters, I feel like the love and response has been so refreshing and fun because it's not really about our characters being Korean or Korean American, which they are. We are so unapologetic about it, and we love our culture. But I love that it's such a fun movie that's being celebrated for how great it is.' Cho continued, 'The story is great, everything is there—the action, fun, comedy, romance, the thrill and the human aspect of it. I feel, as Asian Americans, or at least for myself, that it's always a struggle to find a role where I'm like, this character is very three-dimensional in going through something real and battling something. But also telling their story in a way where it's not necessarily about just their skin color or who they are or those kinds of things. As an actor, we're always feeling really hungry for something real. And I feel like this movie is just so fun to be these vulnerable girls who also kick ass.' You can check out more of the interview and behind the scenes fun in the videos below. Best of Deadline Everything We Know About Lady Gaga's 'Wednesday' Season 2 Role So Far 2025 TV Series Renewals: Photo Gallery 2025 TV Cancellations: Photo Gallery
Straits Times
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Straits Times
Government officials dance to K-pop song to promote Apec food summit
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox The lighthearted video was made to promote the 10th Apec Food Security Ministerial Meeting. SEOUL - Picture this. A senior government spokesperson dressed like a K-pop idol, dancing to a viral Netflix tune ― on the official YouTube channel of Korea's Ministry of Agriculture. On Aug 5, the ministry uploaded a video featuring spokesperson Jeon Han-young dressed as Abby, a muscular K-pop boy band member of the fictitious Saja Boys in Netflix's 'Kpop Demon Hunters'. In the clip, Jeon takes on the 'Soda Pop Challenge,' a trending dance from the show, bouncing his shoulders to the beat. The lighthearted video was made to promote the 10th Apec Food Security Ministerial Meeting. The summit will bring together officials from 21 Asia-Pacific economies in Incheon this weekend to discuss food security and innovation in agriculture. 'We wanted to highlight the event in a way that feels global and current, while encouraging public interest,' a ministry official said, adding that the dance challenge 'was perfect for it.' As of Aug 6 morning, the video had surpassed 11,000 views. The Agriculture Ministry's recent push into digital media began in June 2024, as public concern over food prices was rising. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore Hidden vapes and where to find them: Inside ICA's clampdown at land checkpoints Singapore East-West Line MRT service resumes after delays lasting around 5 hours; track point fault fixed Asia Asean's quiet diplomacy helped avert escalation in Cambodia-Thailand border conflict: Sec-Gen Kao Opinion Internships open doors but only if students can first find the key World Meta says it's working to thwart WhatsApp scammers Singapore Jail for 2 friends who swopped seats in car to try and evade justice after drinking alcohol Singapore Sorting recyclables by material could boost low domestic recycling rate: Observers Singapore SM Lee receives Australia's highest civilian honour for advancing bilateral ties Minister Song Mi-ryeong started appearing in online videos to explain policy and connect more directly with the public. Some of those videos leaned heavily into humour. For instance, in one, inspired by Netflix's 'Culinary Class Wars', spokesperson Jeon appears as competition judge Ahn Seong-jae to evaluate Agriculture Minister Song's cooking. The ministry's strategy seems to be working. Its YouTube channel now has more than 258,000 subscribers, the highest among Korea's 19 central government agencies. THE KOREA HERALD/ASIA NEWS NETWORK
Korea Herald
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Korea Herald
Government officials dance to K-pop song to promote global summit
Picture this. A senior government spokesperson dressed like a K-pop idol, dancing to a viral Netflix tune ― on the official YouTube channel of Korea's Ministry of Agriculture. On Tuesday, the ministry uploaded a video featuring spokesperson Jeon Han-young dressed as Abby, a muscular K-pop boy band member of the fictitious Saja Boys in Netflix's 'Kpop Demon Hunters.' In the clip, Jeon takes on the 'Soda Pop Challenge,' a trending dance from the show, bouncing his shoulders to the beat. The lighthearted video was made to promote the 10th APEC Food Security Ministerial Meeting. The summit will bring together officials from 21 Asia-Pacific economies in Incheon this weekend to discuss food security and innovation in agriculture. 'We wanted to highlight the event in a way that feels global and current, while encouraging public interest,' a ministry official said, adding that the dance challenge "was perfect for it." As of Wednesday morning, the video had surpassed 11,000 views. The Agriculture Ministry's recent push into digital media began in June last year, as public concern over food prices was rising. Minister Song Mi-ryeong started appearing in online videos to explain policy and connect more directly with the public. Some of those videos leaned heavily into humor. For instance, in one, inspired by Netflix's 'Culinary Class Wars,' spokesperson Jeon appears as competition judge Ahn Seong-jae to evaluate Agriculture Minister Song's cooking. The ministry's strategy seems to be working. Its YouTube channel now has more than 258,000 subscribers, the highest among Korea's 19 central government agencies.
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
South Koreans are obsessed with Netflix's 'K-pop Demon Hunters.' Here's why
When South Koreans start to obsess over a movie or TV series, they abbreviate its name, a distinction given to Netflix's latest hit 'K-pop Demon Hunters.' In media headlines and in every corner of the internet, the American-made film is now universally referred to as 'Keh-deh-hun' — the first three syllables of the title when read aloud in Korean. And audiences are already clamoring for a sequel. The animated film follows a fictional South Korean girl group named 'HUNTR/X' as its three members — Rumi, Mira and Zoey — try to deliver the world from evil through the power of song and K-pop fandom. Since its release in June, it has become the most watched original animated film in Netflix history, with millions of views worldwide, including the U.S. and South Korea, where its soundtrack has topped the charts on local music streaming platform Melon. Fans have also cleaned out the gift shop at the National Museum of Korea, which has run out of a traditional tiger pin that resembles one of the movie's characters. Read more: South Korea celebrates the transformative power of 'Squid Game' Much of the film's popularity in South Korea is rooted in its keenly observed details and references to Korean folklore, pop culture and even national habits — the result of having a production team filled with K-pop fans, as well as a group research trip to South Korea that co-director Maggie Kang led in order to document details as minute as the appearance of local pavement. There are nods to traditional Korean folk painting, a Korean guide to the afterlife, the progenitors of K-pop and everyday mannerisms. In one scene, at a table in a restaurant where the three girls are eating, viewers might notice how the utensils are laid atop a napkin, an essential ritual for dining out in South Korea — alongside pouring cups of water for everyone at the table. 'The more that I watch 'Keh-deh-hun,' the more that I notice the details,' South Korean music critic Kim Yoon-ha told local media last month. 'It managed to achieve a verisimilitude that would leave any Korean in awe.' :: Despite its subject matter and association with the 'K-wave,' that catchall term for any and all Korean cultural exports, 'K-pop Demon Hunters,' at least in the narrowest sense, doesn't quite fit the bill. Produced by Sony Pictures and directed by Korean Canadian Kang and Chris Appelhans — who has held creative roles on other animated films such as 'Coraline' and 'Fantastic Mr. Fox' — the movie is primarily in English and geared toward non-Korean audiences. But its popularity in South Korea is another sign that the boundaries of the K-wave are increasingly fluid — and that, with more and more diaspora Korean artists entering the mix, it flows in the opposite direction, too. Those barriers have already long since broken down in music: many K-pop artists and songwriters are non-Korean or part of the Korean diaspora, reflecting the genre's history of foreign influences such as Japanese pop or American hip-hop. 'Once a cultural creation acquires a universality, you can't just confine it to the borders of the country of origin, which is where K-pop is today,' said Kim Il-joong, director of the content business division at the Korea Creative Content Agency, a government body whose mission is to promote South Korean content worldwide. 'Despite what the name 'K-pop' suggests, it is really a global product.' Read more: He was a huge Korean TV star. Now he's broke and lives in an amusement park In 'K-pop Demon Hunters,' Zoey is a rapper from Burbank. In addition, the soundtrack was written and performed by a team that includes producers, artists and choreographers associated with some of the biggest real-life K-pop groups of the past decade. Streaming productions are increasingly flying multiple flags, too: Apple TV's 'Pachinko' or Netflix's 'XO, Kitty' are both American productions that were filmed in South Korea. But few productions have been able to inspire quite the same level of enthusiasm as 'K-pop Demon Hunters,' whose charm for many South Koreans is how accurately it captures local idiosyncrasies and contemporary life. While flying in their private jet, the three girls are shown sitting on the floor even though there is a sofa right beside them. This tendency to use sofas as little more than backrests is an endless source of humor and self-fascination among South Koreans, most of whom would agree that the centuries-old custom of sitting on the floor dies hard. South Korean fans and media have noted that the characters correctly pronounce 'ramyeon,' or Korean instant noodles. The fact that ramyeon is often conflated with Japanese ramen — which inspired the invention of the former decades ago — has long been a point of exasperation for many South Koreans and local ramyeon companies, which point to the fact that the Korean adaption has since evolved into something distinct. It's a small difference — the Korean version is pronounced 'rah myun' — but one that it pays to get right in South Korea. The girls' cravings for ramyeon during their flight also caught the eye of Ireh, a member of the real-life South Korean girl group Purple Kiss who praised the film's portrayals of life as a K-pop artist. 'I don't normally eat ramyeon, but whenever I go on tour, I end up eating it,' she said in a recent interview with local media. 'The scene reminded me of myself.' South Korean fans have also been delighted by a pair of animals, Derpy and Sussy, which borrow from jakhodo, a genre of traditional Korean folk painting in which tigers and magpies are depicted side by side, popularized during the Joseon Dynasty in the 19th century. In the film, Derpy is the fluorescent tiger with goggle eyes that always appears with its sidekick, a three-eyed bird named Sussy. Though they have long since been extinct, tigers were once a feared presence on the Korean peninsula, at times coming down from the mountains to terrorize the populace. They were also revered as talismans that warded off evil spirits. But much like Derpy itself, jakhodo reimagined tigers as friendlier, oftentimes comical beings. Historians have interpreted this as the era's political satire: the magpie, audacious in the presence of a great predator, represented the common man standing up to the nobility. The movie is peppered with homages to Korean artists throughout history who are seen today as the progenitors of contemporary K-pop. There are apparent nods to the 'Jeogori Sisters,' a three-piece outfit that was active from 1939 to 1945 and is often described as Korea's first girl group, followed by the Kim Sisters, another three-piece that found success in the U.S., performing in Las Vegas and appearing on "The Ed Sullivan Show." Longtime K-pop fans might recognize the demon hunters from the 1990s as S.E.S., a pioneering girl group formed by S.M. Entertainment, the label behind present-day superstars Aespa and Red Velvet. (Bada, S.E.S.'s main vocalist, recently covered 'Golden,' the film's headline track, on YouTube.) For a long time, South Korean audiences have often complained about outside depictions of the country as inauthentic and out of touch. Not anymore. 'Korea wasn't just shown as an extra add-on as it has been for so long,' Kim said. ''K-pop Demon Hunters' did such a great job depicting Korea in a way that made it instantly recognizable to audiences here.' Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
