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The Independent
a day ago
- Entertainment
- The Independent
The surprise Netflix hit of the summer is about a K-pop girl group fighting demons
TV show "KPop Demon Hunters," the vibrant animated musical from Sony Pictures and Netflix, has rapidly become a global phenomenon, mirroring the intense fandom it portrays on screen. The film depicts a world where the general public are fervent K-pop fans, complete with light sticks, stadium cheers, and dedicated merchandise purchases. Unsurprisingly, this Sony Pictures/Netflix production has inspired similar fanfare in the real world, quickly topping the streamer's global rankings. Its unique premise, following the fictional K-pop girl group HUNTR/X as they battle demons, has resonated with audiences, leading to an online outpouring of fan art, song covers, cosplay, and intricate choreography. The film's success extends beyond the screen; its accompanying soundtrack has also soared up the charts. It debuted at number one on Billboard 's Soundtracks chart and secured the eighth spot on the all-genre Billboard 200, solidifying its status as a significant summer hit. Here's how 'KPop Demon Hunters' became the year's surprising success story: The 'KPop Demon Hunters' soundtrack utilizes some of the best and brightest in the genre. That included a partnership with K-pop company The Black Label, co-founded by super producer Teddy Park, known for his work with YG, Blackpink and 2NE1 — empowered girl groups used as references for the film's protagonists, the trio HUNTR/X. It's one of the many reasons the musical film's soundtrack stands on its own. Filmmakers 'really did their homework,' says Jeff Benjamin, a music journalist who specializes in K-pop. Indeed, they did a lot of research. One of the film's directors, Maggie Kang, said that her team prioritized 'representing the fandom and the idols in a very specific way,' as to not disappoint K-pop fans. They pulled from a treasure trove of influences heard at every corner: The fictional, rival boy band Saja Boys' hit song 'Soda Pop,' for example, references the '90s K-pop group H.O.T. And it has worked. 'KPop Demon Hunters' is the highest charting soundtrack of 2025, with eight of its songs landing on the Billboard Hot 100. It peaked at No. 2 on the all-genre Billboard 200. To put that in perspective: Lorde 's ' Virgin ' and Justin Bieber's 'Swag' did the same. In some ways, it recalls Disney's 'Encanto,' which topped the Billboard 200 and produced a No. 1 hit, 'We Don't Talk About Bruno ' in 2022. Similarly, 'KPop Demon Hunters' embraces 'the original soundtrack, which is a lost art form,' adds Benjamin. Tamar Herman, a music journalist and author of the 'Notes on K-pop' newsletter, says the movie succeeds because it embraces animated musical tradition and authentic K-pop music production styles in equal measure. She considers 'Kpop Demon Hunters' to be 'a musical with songs inspired by K-pop,' not unlike a Jukebox musical, where the songs of ABBA are reimagined for 'Mamma Mia.' The novelty of the film, too, seems to be resonating. Where many animated films rely on adapting existing intellectual property, 'KPop Demon Hunters' is original. And it comes from an original perspective. 'It's not completely Korean, it's not completely Western and it's kind of right in that middle,' says Kang. 'It's like not pulled from one side; it's kind of flavors of both. So, I think that's what makes the movie feels a little different.' And 'the core story is what's drawing everybody in,' says Kang. San Francisco-based cosplayer and content creator Nanci Alcántar, who goes by Naanny Lee online agrees. 'It's not only a K-pop group, but it also tells a story of their journey, of how they transform into powerful warriors,' said Alcántar in Spanish. For her, it goes beyond K-pop — it's about the narrative. Kang's approach to cultural authenticity, too, may have contributed to the film's crossover appeal. Rather than explaining Korean elements like HUNTR/X's visit to a traditional medicine clinic or translating K-pop light stick culture for Western audiences, she opted for full immersion. 'We just wanted everybody to just accept that they were in Korea,' Kang said. The director said this method of 'throwing people into the deep end of a culture' breaks down barriers better than heavy-handed explanation. 'We just wanted to keep everything feeling normal,' she explained. 'If you don't shine a light on it, it just becomes more easily accepted.' Zabrinah Santiago, a San Diego-based longtime K-pop fan and freelance illustrator who goes by ItmeZ online, was so inspired by the animation style of the movie that she raced to make fan art. She sold illustrated fan cards of HUNTR/X and Saja Boys at her booth at the Los Angeles Anime Expo, held in July, two weeks after the movie was released on Netflix. And she wasn't the only one. A search of #kpopdemonhunters on Instagram yields thousands of fan illustrations of HUNTR/X and Saja Boys. Japan-based Youtuber Emily Sim, also known as Emirichu online, says the character designs and original plot drew her to the movie. Sim, with more than 3.5 million subscribers on YouTube, posted a 35-minute video about the movie. In a week-and-a-half, it garnered nearly 450,000 views. 'I love seeing all the fan art and just the ways that this movie has creatively inspired people,' Sim said. Kang says for 'KPop Demon Hunters,' her team wanted to bring together demons and Jeoseung Saja — the grim reaper in Korean mythology — for a film that could look both very traditional and modernized — what she says is common in K-dramas but not in animation. Herman compares the movie to another Sony animation: 'Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse,' which also attracted a broad audience with its creative animation. 'And it's a fun, animated musical, which we haven't had in a while,' she says. 'It's campy, it's engaging, it's universal.' Santiago was initially skeptical of the title 'KPop Demon Hunters.' 'I feel like with big companies they kind of like to use K-pop as a bait. They kind of like to take advantage of K-pop fans' sincerity,' said Santiago. 'But I felt like with this one, it was such like kind of a love letter to K-pop fans.' Indeed — if the film wasn't authentic to K-pop fans' experience, or mocked them, it is unlikely to have become so popular, says Benjamin. Instead, there are Easter eggs for the dedicated K-pop listener. Herman agrees, and says that the film has in-jokes for K-pop fans, not unlike a children's movie that features some humor meant to appeal specifically to parents. 'Figuring out what makes K-pop tick in a way that resonates with musical fans was really important to this movie,' said Herman. For Kang, that was always at the heart of the project. 'Fandom plays a huge part in the world being saved at the end of the movie,' she said. 'So, we were really confident that we were doing that justice.'
Korea Herald
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Korea Herald
Teddy's The Black Label is no longer in YG's shadow — it's shaping K-pop's future
From 'KPop Demon Hunters' original soundtrack hits to Blackpink's chart-topping comeback, powerhouse label redefines artist-led K-pop The Black Label, founded by legendary K-pop producer Teddy, has quietly — and now quite boldly — become one of the most influential labels in South Korea's music industry. Launched as a subsidiary under YG Entertainment, The Black Label was spun off in 2020 and now operates independently, with the former mother company remaining a key shareholder. Since then, it has grown into a creative powerhouse, driving some of the year's most talked-about projects — including multiple original tracks for "KPop Demon Hunters," the debut of coed group AllDay Project and Blackpink's latest chart-topping single, 'Jump.' Industry insiders point to three main reasons behind the label's recent string of high-profile achievements: Teddy's artist-first creative leadership, a streamlined production model and impeccable timing. Teddy's autonomous leadership, artist-centered vision At the heart of The Black Label's identity is Teddy himself, the former 1TYM rapper-turned-producer who built the sonic blueprint for K-pop's global wave. From Big Bang and 2NE1 to Blackpink, his unique musical awareness helped define generations of chart-toppers. Billboard named him one of the 'Top 50 Producers of the 21st Century' in 2021. What sets Teddy apart, insiders say, is his refusal to force conformity. Instead of standardizing choreography or vocal style, he encourages individuality — letting each artist's personality lead the performance. He avoids rigid training systems, a rarity in K-pop's manual-heavy idol development. That mindset has led to unexpected breakthroughs such as AllDay Project, a bold return of the coed group format, once considered outdated in the K-pop industry. AllDay Project debuted in June, becoming the first major mixed-gender idol group since KARD debuted eight years ago. Their first single, 'Famous,' shot to No. 1 on Melon's Top 100 chart just four days after release, and within 10 days, the group claimed its first music show win on Mnet's M Countdown. The label says there was no specific agenda behind launching a coed group. It was simply the kind of team they had always envisioned, and one that aligned with The Black Label's broader musical philosophy. 'We're not confined to just K-pop,' a label insider said. 'Teddy doesn't like being boxed in.' Lean, focused production model Unlike major entertainment conglomerates that juggle massive trainee rosters and dozens of groups, The Black Label is a boutique operation. It invests heavily in a small number of artists, with a custom-tailored strategy for each. That approach is paying off. Alongside Teddy, producers such as Kush, 24, Vince and Danny Chung have emerged as critical players. They were behind the original soundtrack for Netflix's animated hit, 'KPop Demon Hunters.' The film's breakout anthem 'Golden,' sung by fictional girl group Huntrix, soared to No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100, Tuesday, from No. 4 — the highest position for any Korean song from an animated film. The movie's original soundtrack also features other viral tracks — 'How It's Done' by Huntrix, as well as 'Soda Pop' and 'Your Idol' by the supernatural boy band Saja Boyz — crafted by The Black Label's in-house team. The Black Label's producers were also central to Blackpink's long-awaited return earlier this month. The girl group's new single, 'Jump,' released on July 11, surpassed 100 million streams on Spotify on Tuesday, and debuted at No. 28 on the Billboard Hot 100. It also topped the Billboard Global 200 and Global Excl. US charts, proving the group's global staying power. Timing — and years of preparation Another factor behind The Black Label's recent momentum is patience. Nearly five years have passed since the label transitioned from a YG subsidiary to an independent YG Entertainment-associated company. That gave it time to build — slowly and deliberately — its own roster, style and strategy. Teddy holds a 42 percent stake in the company while YG is the company's third-largest shareholder. 'It takes five to six years to scout trainees, train them and get them ready to debut,' said a former YG executive on Tuesday. 'The Black Label was in that building phase for years. Now, it's finally bearing fruit. Teddy's creative vision, which he couldn't fully explore within YG, is now taking shape.' In late 2022, The Black Label appointed new CEO Jung Kyung-in to helm its business operations, freeing Teddy to focus entirely on production. Since then, the label's output has accelerated — but with the same commitment to quality over quantity. 'Teddy has stayed at the forefront of trends longer than almost any other K-pop producer,' said music critic Lim Hee-yun. 'He's worked as a rapper, songwriter and producer for nearly 30 years, and that experience has honed his instincts. He's sat through song camps and A&R processes and knows exactly what works — both in Korea and overseas.'
Malay Mail
21-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Malay Mail
K-pop soloist Jeon Somi unveils comeback plans with new EP on Aug 11
SEOUL, July 22 — Korean-Canadian singer Jeon Somi will release her second EP Chaotic & Confused on August 11, her label The Black Label confirmed today. The EP comes two years after her first solo mini album Game Plan, which dropped in August 2023, Korea JoongAng Daily reported. The comeback follows the release of her digital single Extra on July 7 – her first new track in nearly a year since Ice Cream was released in 2023. Somi first rose to fame as the breakout star of girl group I.O.I, formed through the reality survival show Produce 101 in 2016. She officially went solo in 2019 under The Black Label, a YG Entertainment subsidiary, debuting with the single Birthday. Known for her bold fashion, genre-hopping music, and fluent English, she has since established herself as a Gen Z pop icon across Asia.
Korea Herald
07-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Korea Herald
Jeon Somi shows matures side with new single ‘Extra'
Jeon Somi discussed her new digital single 'Extra' through agency The Black Label on Monday. 'After you listen to this song, you will be able to see what music I want to deliver and which way I am headed,' the artist said. The lyrics sing of love, but the music video captures a wider range of moments from regular life, including feelings of loneliness, she mused. She added that although the set was minimal, the results speak volumes. The performer appears to have taken a sharp turn from her upbeat teen image, as hinted through teaser materials released so far. 'I try to express myself through songs and concepts that best portrays myself at certain times,' she explained, 'And 'Extra' is a mature tune that I came across after growing up and experiencing a lot.'
Korea Herald
02-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Korea Herald
'K-pop Demon Hunters' soundtrack makes strong showing on global, Korean music charts
Music from K-pop-themed film scores highest-charting debut for soundtracks on Billboard 200 The soundtrack to the global Netflix animation hit "K-pop Demon Hunters" is making major waves on music charts worldwide. As of Wednesday, two songs from the film — 'Your Idol' and 'Golden' — are currently ranked on Billboard's Hot 100, landing at No. 77 and No. 81, respectively. The album also scored the highest-charting debut for a soundtrack in 2025 on the Billboard 200, opening at No. 8. It marks the first soundtrack to debut in the top 10 since the "Wicked" film soundtrack bowed at No. 2 on the chart for Dec. 7, 2024. The Billboard Hot 100 ranks the most popular songs in the US, combining sales, streaming and radio airplay data, while Billboard 200 ranks the most popular albums in the US based on combined sales of physical and digital albums, streaming data and track-equivalent album sales. On Spotify, every track from "K-pop Demon Hunters" broke into the platform's Top 100. The standout single 'Golden,' performed by the film's fictional girl group Huntrix, surpassed 3 million global streams in a single day. In South Korea, the response has been equally robust. Upon release, all tracks from the film charted within the top 100 on Melon's international chart. "As the film itself centers around K-pop as a major theme, its soundtrack fully captures the unique energy and charm of the genre. Enhanced through collaborations with top-tier K-pop artists such as Twice, The Black Label and Teddy, the soundtrack maximizes its quality and, when paired with the film's dazzling performances, delivers a delightful auditory experience for viewers and listeners alike," said an official from Universal Music Group, which distributed the album, via a press release. Twice members Jungyeon, Jihyo and Chaeyoung participated in the tracks 'Takedown' and 'Golden' by Huntrix, while producers from The Black Label were behind 'Golden,' 'How It's Done,' 'Soda Pop' and 'Your Idol.' "K-pop Demon Hunters" follows Huntrix, a chart-topping K-pop girl group who moonlight as demon hunters. Their latest battle pits them against the Saja Boys, supernatural villains disguised as a K-pop boy band. The Sony Pictures Animation feature directed by Maggie Kang and Chris Appelhans, which premiered June 20 on Netflix, has since gone viral and currently holds the No. 1 spot on Netflix's global Top 10 chart for English-language films, as of Wednesday.
