Latest news with #Twice
Geek Culture
10 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Geek Culture
Sony Animation's 'KPop Demon Hunters' Rises To Netflix's Most-Watched Original Animated Film Of All Time
It seems slaying charts and demons is no longer a thing of fiction for Sony Animation. The studio's surprise animated hit, Kpop Demon Hunters , has become the most-watched original film in Netflix history after achieving two major milestones: topping the streamer's chart in 41 countries in its opening week and reclaiming the No. 1 spot in its fourth week of release. More impressively, the movie continued to enjoy a rise in viewership during a time when it would typically be on a decline, chalking up another 26.3 million views for the period of 21 to 27 July and marking its sixth week in the top 10 charts. As of the time of writing, it now stands at No. 2 globally on the English Film list, behind the Adam Sandler-starring pic Happy Gilmore 2 . 'It's the moment! KPop Demon Hunters is Netflix's most-watched original animated film of ALL TIME,' reads the official announcement post on X/Twitter. The catchy music used in and written for the musical adventure is also holding its reign across various charts. 'Kpop Demon Hunters' is the highest-charting soundtrack of 2025 so far, with the majority of its songs currently on the Billboard Hot 100, including the first-place 'Golden' and 'Takedown', the opening number performed by popular girl group Twice's Jeongyeon, Chaeyeong, and Jihyo. Directed by Maggie Kang, who was head of story for The Lego Ninjago Movie , Kpop Demon Hunters centres on a fictional K-pop girl group, HUNTR/X (pronounced 'Huntrix'), who lead double lives as demon hunters, and face off against a rival boy band called Saja Boys, whose members are secretly demons. While primarily in English, it includes Korean dialogue and cultural nods, including dokkaebi, or goblins, the jeoseung saja, the Korean equivalent of the grim reaper (and the inspiration behind Saja Boys), and real-world locations like Namsan Park. Arden Cho ( Teen Wolf ), May Hong ( High Maintenance ), and Ji-young Yoo ( Moxie ) lead the voice cast as vocalist and overall leader Rumi, visual-slash-main-dancer Mira, and rapper Zoey, respectively. The trio are joined by other notable industry faces, such as Squid Game star Lee Byung-hun as antagonist Gwi-ma, actor-singer Ahn Hyo-seop ( Business Proposal ) as Jinu, leader of the Saja Boys, Daniel Dae Kim ( Hawaii Five-O ) as Healer Han, and Ken Jeong ( Crazy Rich Asians ) as Bobby, the manager and main representative of HUNTR/X. Renowned K-pop producer Teddy Park contributed to the soundtrack with his work on 'Golden', Soda Pop', and more, while previous songs like Exo's 'Love Me Right', Twice's 'Strategy, and MeloMance's 'Love Maybe', which most would recognise from the Korean drama Business Proposal , were also featured in the film. The popularity of KPop Demon Hunters caught the world by storm, owing to striking visuals, an interesting premise, and a blend of humour and emotional moments. It has been well-received by audiences and critics alike, scoring 97 per cent critic score and 92 per cent audience score on Rotten Tomatoes, and a 7.7 average rating on IMDb. Rotten Tomatoes describes its story as follows: 'When they aren't selling out stadiums, K-pop superstars Rumi, Mira and Zoey use their secret identities as badass demon hunters to protect their fans from an ever-present supernatural threat,' a description of the film from Rotten Tomatoes reads. 'Together, they must face their biggest enemy yet — an irresistible rival boy band of demons in disguise.' Si Jia is a casual geek at heart – or as casual as someone with Sephiroth's theme on her Spotify playlist can get. A fan of movies, games, and Japanese culture, Si Jia's greatest weakness is the Steam Summer Sale. Or any Steam sale, really. KPop Demon Hunters Netflix Sony Animation
GMA Network
12 hours ago
- Entertainment
- GMA Network
'KPop Demon Hunters' becomes Netflix's most-watched original animated film
"KPop Demon Hunters" set the record as Netflix's most-watched original animated film! The streaming platform announced this on Facebook, sharing a still from the film, which was released on June 20. "It's their moment!" Netflix wrote. "KPop Demon Hunters" is an animated film co-produced with Sony Pictures Animation. It follows K-pop superstars Rumi, Mira, and Zoey, who have secret identities as demon hunters. They are determined to protect their fans from supernatural danger. The film trailer featured songs performed by Jeongyeon, Jihyo, and Chaeyoung of the K-pop group Twice. "KPop Demon Hunters" is directed by Maggie Kang and Chris Appelhans. —Carby Rose Basina/MGP, GMA Integrated News
Malay Mail
18 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Malay Mail
Kpop Demon Hunters becomes Netflix's most-watched original animated film of all time
KUALA LUMPUR, July 30 — Sony Animation's surprise hit Kpop Demon Hunters has become the most-watched original animated film in Netflix history, according to Geek Culture. The musical fantasy film topped Netflix's chart in 41 countries during its opening week and reclaimed the No. 1 spot globally in its fourth week. In its sixth week, it racked up another 26.3 million views from July 21 to 27, securing its place in the platform's top 10. Currently sitting at No. 2 on Netflix's global English Film list—behind Happy Gilmore 2—the film's popularity continues to surge, defying the usual decline in streaming numbers over time. 'It's the moment! Kpop Demon Hunters is Netflix's most-watched original animated film of ALL TIME,' read an official Netflix post on X. It's their moment! KPop Demon Hunters is Netflix's most-watched original animated film of ALL TIME. July 29, 2025 The film's soundtrack has also taken the charts by storm. With most of its songs on the Billboard Hot 100, it's the highest-charting soundtrack of 2025 to date. The standout tracks include Golden and Takedown, the latter performed by members of K-pop group Twice — Jeongyeon, Chaeyeong, and Jihyo. Directed by Maggie Kang (The Lego Ninjago Movie), Kpop Demon Hunters tells the story of HUNTR/X, a fictional K-pop girl group who moonlight as demon hunters. Their adversaries are the Saja Boys — a rival boy band whose members are secretly demons. The film blends English and Korean dialogue, with cultural nods to dokkaebi (goblins), the jeoseung saja (grim reaper), and real-world locations like Namsan Park. The voice cast includes Arden Cho, May Hong and Ji-young Yoo, with appearances by Lee Byung-hun, Ahn Hyo-seop, Daniel Dae Kim and Ken Jeong.
Forbes
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Forbes
Twice Ties BTS With A Big New Album
Twice's This Is For debuts at No. 6 on the Billboard 200, helping the girl group tie BTS, Ateez, and ... More Seventeen for the most top 10 albums among K-pop acts. SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA - JANUARY 23: Girl group TWICE performs on stage during the 8th Gaon Chart K-Pop Awards on January 23, 2019 in Seoul, South Korea. (Photo by Chung Sung-Jun/Getty Images) Twice has ranked as one of South Korea's preeminent girl groups for years now, and the band's popularity around the world — especially in the United States — isn't dwindling, but rather, growing. The group recently released a new album titled This Is For, which comes at the perfect moment. The many-membered singing troupe seems poised to reach the Hot 100 in a day or so with "Takedown" featured on the KPop Demon Hunter soundtrack. This Is For doesn't quite match the same heights as some of Twice's past projects, but its arrival helps the girl group tie some of the biggest names in K-pop history for a very special record. Twice Follows Justin Bieber and Travis Scott This Is For launches at No. 6 on the Billboard 200. The project opens with 80,000 equivalent units, which would normally be enough for the group to approach the No. 1 spot, but this frame is particularly busy with new arrivals from stars like Justin Bieber, Travis Scott, and Clipse launching in loftier positions. Twice scores a seventh career appearance inside the Billboard 200's top 10, and this latest collection is an important one for the group. Twice Ties BTS, Ateez and Seventeen With seven top 10 projects on the Billboard 200, Twice ties three other acts from the K-pop space for the most appearances inside the highest tier of all time. The girl group is now on the same level as Ateez, BTS, and Seventeen, all of which have also managed seven wins — although this ranking is sure to change soon. BTS Will Soon Push Past Twice When Billboard republishes its charts on Tuesday (July 29), BTS will pull ahead of Ateez, Seventeen, and Twice. The group, which recently reformed after all seven members completed their mandatory military service, recently released Permission to Dance on Stage (Live). That full-length is about to open at No. 10 on the Billboard 200, giving the troupe its eighth top 10 performer. Twice Reaches the Top 10 on Multiple Charts Twice's This Is For hits a trio of Billboard charts this week, and it's a top 10 win on all of them. The project opens at No. 3 on the Top Album Sales ranking and No. 4 on the Vinyl Albums list, bringing the girl group back to the highest region on both tallies and adding to an already historic cumulative total.
Time of India
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Leejung: From Aspiring Dancer to International Choreographer Transforming Dreams into Reality
When Your Hobby Becomes Your Lifeline Picture this - you're 26, and instead of being stuck in a boring 9-to-5 like most of us are expected to be, you're choreographing for global superstars like Blackpink and Twice, and now even creating dance moves for animated characters. Sounds like a dream, right? Well, for Leejung, this dream is her reality, and honestly, her story is giving us major life goals. For this remarkable 26-year-old choreographer, dance has become something far deeper than just a career move. "Dance isn't just an art, a genre or a job to me anymore. It's what keeps me going. I hope this doesn't sound too dramatic, but it's truly been my salvation," she has expressed about her relationship with her craft. Now, before you roll your eyes thinking this is just another "follow your dreams" lecture, hear us out. This girl has been grinding in the dance scene for a decade, and she's still hungry to learn more. That's the kind of energy we need to channel, whether we're into coding, music, art, or even making reels that actually go viral. The Global Stage That Changed Everything Remember how dance was once considered "just a hobby" by most parents back home? Well, Korea went through a similar phase until shows like "Street Woman Fighter" came along in 2021 and literally transformed dance from a niche subculture to mainstream entertainment. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Live Comfortably: 60m2 prefabricated bungalow for the elderly in Dulalowo Pre Fabricated Homes | Search Ads Search Now Undo Leejung was part of the latest season, "World of Street Woman Fighter," where she represented Team Korea Bumsup against crews from Australia, the US, Japan, and New Zealand. The show featured some seriously impressive judges too - Mike Song from the legendary dance crew Kinjaz and Park Jin-young (yes, the JYP guy). Imagine competing on a stage where your childhood idol is watching you perform. That's exactly what happened when Kaea from Australia's AG Squad - someone Leejung looked up to while growing up - called her a "star" and an "icon". Even though Team Korea didn't make it to the finals, Leejung's attitude is something we can all learn from: "Every moment left me thinking I could've done more - and sure, I wish I had. But I don't regret any of it". That's the kind of mindset that separates dreamers from achievers. What's fascinating is how this mirrors our own entertainment industry's evolution. Just like how dance reality shows transformed perceptions in Korea, shows like "Dance Plus" and "Dance Deewane" have given our dancers platforms they never had before. The struggle of convincing parents that dance is a legitimate career choice is universal, whether you're in Seoul or Mumbai. Breaking Boundaries - From Real Moves to Animated Magic Here's where things get really interesting. Three years ago, Leejung got the opportunity of a lifetime - choreographing for an animated project called "KPop Demon Hunters". Now, if you think choreographing for real people is challenging, imagine creating dance moves for animated characters where literally anything is possible. The project came to life when producers approached her with an ambitious vision. "At our very first Zoom meeting for this production, they told me what they were planning and that they needed me. My heart literally started racing," she later revealed. The producers basically told her, "There are no physical limits, so go ahead and do everything you want to do. Dream big". Can you imagine being given that kind of creative freedom? What's even cooler is how they incorporated her natural movements into the animation. During motion capture sessions, they kept the cameras rolling to observe how she naturally interacted with friends, especially in casual settings like a sauna. Her unconscious movements and natural gestures became part of the final animated product, bringing an authentic human touch to the digital characters. This kind of innovation reminds us of how our own animation industry is evolving. From traditional 2D animations to motion capture technology being used in projects, the creative possibilities are endless when passion meets technology. About Passion and Persistence After a decade in the dance scene, Leejung had moments of doubt - wondering if she'd ever get bored of dancing. But her recent experiences reminded her that there's always more to learn, always room to grow. "As long as I'm not good enough, there's no way I'll get bored. That in itself was really reassuring," she has reflected on her journey. This hits different when you think about our own journeys. How many times have we given up on something because we thought we weren't progressing fast enough? Leejung's story reminds us that the learning never stops, and that's actually the beautiful part. As someone who's now become a role model for young aspiring dancers, her message is simple yet powerful: "Protecting and doing what I love might not change the world, but it can at least change my world. So I hope that everyone discovers what they love and holds onto it". In a culture where we're often pushed toward "safe" career choices, Leejung's journey from a passionate dancer to an internationally recognized choreographer working with top K-pop groups and animated projects shows us that sometimes the "risky" path is actually the one that leads to the most fulfilling life. Just like how our own classical dancers, from Bharatanatyam to contemporary, have carved their own paths despite societal expectations, Leejung's story proves that authentic passion, when nurtured with dedication, can transcend all boundaries. Her journey also reflects the changing landscape of creative careers globally. Whether it's a choreographer in Seoul or a content creator in Bangalore, the digital age has opened doors that previous generations couldn't even imagine. The key is having the courage to walk through them.
