Latest news with #YourIdol
Time of India
8 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
K-Pop, Demons, and Shaman Magic - Why Everyone's Obsessed with K-Pop Demon Hunters
When Grim Reapers Dance in Leather Pants - The Craziest Idol Concept Ever Imagine a squad of grim reapers, not lurking in the shadows, but busting out synchronized dance moves in leather pants and see-through tops. Sounds like a skit from an old-school comedy show, right? But in 2025, this is the talk of the town. The animated film ' K-Pop Demon Hunters ' has taken the world by storm, with its demon idol group Saja Boys and their viral hit "Your Idol" topping charts, yes, even beating out BTS and Blackpink. The YouTube clip of their performance? Over 10 million views in just a few days, with thousands of comments in every language you can imagine. Fans are joking, "Just take my soul already!" and asking if their fan gifts should be funeral offerings. Only in K-pop could ghosts and idols blend so perfectly. K-Pop, K-Ghosts, and the Power of the Stage The real magic of 'K-Pop Demon Hunters' isn't just the catchy songs (crafted by actual K-pop hitmakers) or the razor-sharp choreography. It's how the film mashes up K-pop stardom with Korea's wildest supernatural legends. The main girl group, Huntrix, moonlights as demon hunters, using their music to keep evil spirits at bay. Their rivals, the Saja Boys, are literal demons sent by the boss-level villain Gwi-ma, who's always lurking, ready to devour the souls of their fans. The soundtrack is so good, tracks like 'Golden' and 'Soda Pop' are topping global charts, not just in the movie but in real life. It's like if your favorite anime theme song suddenly became the summer's biggest club banger. But what really hooks viewers-especially those who geek out over Korean culture-is the way the film weaves in traditional folklore. You've got dokkaebi (goblins), water ghosts, and grim reapers, all reimagined as part of the K-pop universe. Even the show-stealing tiger-magpie duo is inspired by old Joseon dynasty folk paintings. Director Maggie Kang, a Korean-Canadian, said she didn't set out to make a K-pop movie, but wanted to showcase Korean culture in a way that felt fresh and epic. She even called shaman rituals "the original concert"-music and dance used to fight off evil spirits, just like Huntrix does on stage. Shamanism, Superheroines, and the Rise of K-Occult Here's where things get even more interesting. In Korea, shamanism (musok) has always been a part of the culture, but for decades it was seen as old-fashioned or even taboo. Now, it's having a massive comeback, especially among young people. Why? Because in a world full of stress and uncertainty, stories about spirits, rituals, and healing feel more relatable than ever. And unlike the scary, doom-and-gloom Western occult movies, K-occult mixes in fantasy, action, and even romance. Think of it as supernatural with a side of heart. Recent years have seen a wave of webtoons and dramas where shamans are the main characters-often young women who double as spiritual warriors and everyday problem-solvers. Shows like "Head Over Heels" and movies like "Exhuma" have made shamanic rituals and ghost stories cool again. Even in variety shows, MZ-generation shamans are popping up, offering comfort and advice to viewers. The old image of the shaman as a tragic outcast is gone; now, they're seen as healers, guides, and sometimes even pop culture icons. From Taboo to Trend - How Korean Ghosts Became Global It wasn't always this way. Back in the day, shamans in Korean dramas were usually side characters or even villains. But thanks to artists and filmmakers who started exploring shamanism as a source of creativity and community, the image has totally flipped. Modern artists like Park Chan-kyung have made documentaries and films about legendary shamans, showing how rituals are about healing, sharing blessings, and letting go of old grudges. In a way, these rituals are like the ultimate group therapy session-something that feels surprisingly familiar if you've ever been to a big Indian festival or watched a Bollywood movie where everyone dances away their troubles. Now, with 'K-Pop Demon Hunters' breaking records on OTT and its soundtrack dominating global charts, Korean ghosts and shaman stories are no longer something to hide-they're a source of pride and inspiration. It's a wild, emotional ride that proves the best stories are the ones that mix tradition with a little bit of pop magic.
Straits Times
15 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Straits Times
Fictional boy band Saja Boys top Spotify US chart with Your Idol
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox Your Idol are performed by Andrew Choi, Neckwav, Danny Chung, Kevin Woo and samUIL Lee as Saja Boys in KPop Demon Hunters. SEOUL – Saja Boys, a fictional boy band from Netflix's hit animation KPop Demon Hunters (2025), has topped the US Spotify chart. Your Idol, performed by Saja Boys for the film's original soundtrack (OST), reached No. 1 on the Daily Top Songs chart in the US, according to the platform on July 5. Only three K-pop tracks have reached the top spot on Spotify's US chart: Seven (2023) by Jungkook of K-pop boy band BTS, Who (2024) by BTS' Jimin, and Apt. (2024) by Rose of K-pop girl group Blackpink and American singer Bruno Mars. Other tracks from KPop Demon Hunters are also climbing the US Spotify charts, with Golden landing at No. 2, How It's Done at No. 8, and Soda Pop at No. 10. The film follows a popular girl group, Huntrix, as they fight to protect the human world from demons while competing with Saja Boys, a boy band born in the demon realm, with both groups gradually revealing their true identities. In the soundtrack, Your Idol and Soda Pop are performed by Andrew Choi, Neckwav, Danny Chung, Kevin Woo and SamUIL Lee as Saja Boys, while Golden and How It's Done are Huntrix's tracks, performed by Ejae, Audrey Nuna and Rei Ami. On Spotify's Global Top 50 chart, Golden was No. 3, while Your Idol placed at No. 5 as of July 7 noon. Five other tracks from the album also entered the Global Top 50. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore Construction starts on Cross Island Line Phase 2; 6 MRT stations in S'pore's west ready by 2032 Singapore New SkillsFuture requirements from April 2026 to mandate regular training for adult educators Singapore MPs should not ask questions to 'clock numbers'; focus should be improving S'poreans' lives: Seah Kian Peng Singapore Sequencing and standards: Indranee on role of Leader of the House Asia Australian woman found guilty of all counts in mushroom murders case Singapore askST Jobs: Facing intrusive demands from your employer? Here's what you can do Singapore NUS College draws 10,000 applications for 400 places, showing strong liberal arts interest Singapore Life After... blazing biomedical research trail in S'pore: Renowned scientist breaks new ground at 59 The KPop Demon Hunters soundtrack album entered the Billboard 200 at No. 8, while tracks including Your Idol and Golden have charted on both the Billboard Hot 100 and the UK Official Singles Chart Top 100. The OST features a strong K-pop flavour, backed by an impressive line-up of producers who have shaped the global K-pop scene. Kush and Vince from South Korean record label The Black Label, led by star producer Teddy Park, known for his work with boy band BigBang and Blackpink, participated in the album. THE KOREA HERALD/ASIA NEWS NETWORK
New Straits Times
17 hours ago
- Entertainment
- New Straits Times
#SHOWBIZ: Chart domination: Fictional K-pop acts beat BTS, BlackPink in US
LOS ANGELES: A new K-pop musical animation, "KPop Demon Hunters," has stunned the music industry by propelling its fictional bands to the top of US music charts, eclipsing established K-pop groups. The film is currently the most-streamed movie globally on Netflix, accumulating over 33 million views within just two weeks of its release, according to a BBC report. On Friday, "Your Idol," a song by the film's fictional boy band, Saja Boys, soared to the No.1 spot on the US Spotify chart. This achievement makes them the highest-charting male K-pop group in US Spotify history, surpassing even the reigning "kings of K-pop," BTS. Adding to the soundtrack's remarkable performance, "Golden," a track by the movie's fictional girl group Huntr/x, secured the No.2 position on the same chart, surpassing BlackPink as the highest-charting female K-pop group. The "KPop Demon Hunters" soundtrack has also made a significant impact on the Billboard 200 in the US, entering the top 10 and marking the highest debut for a soundtrack this year. Recognising its potential, Republic Records is set to release "Golden" as an official single, and Netflix is reportedly submitting it for awards consideration, as reported by Variety. "KPop Demon Hunters" narrates the adventures of the superstar female trio, Huntr/x. Its members – Rumi, Mira, and Zoey – lead a double life as "badass demon hunters," covertly safeguarding their vast fanbase from supernatural threats. During their concerts, Huntr/x's music serves as a powerful shield against the forces of darkness. However, their arch-enemies are the rival Saja Boys, a malevolent group of demons in disguise. The Saja Boys, comprising Jinu, Abby, Romance, Baby, and Mystery, have been dispatched by the demon king Gwi-ma with a sinister mission: to steal the souls of Huntr/x's devoted fans. Produced by Sony Pictures Animation, "KPop Demon Hunters" was co-directed by Maggie Kang and Chris Appelhans, with the story based on an original concept by Ms. Kang. The film's musical triumph is perhaps unsurprising, given the involvement of top producers such as Teddy Park, known for his work with BlackPink, and Lindgren, a frequent collaborator with BTS, who were part of the album's creative team. The surging popularity of "KPop Demon Hunters" coincides with significant developments for real-life K-pop titans. South Korean mega-stars BTS are on the cusp of a highly anticipated comeback, having announced this week their plans to travel to the US this month to commence work on new music. The seven-member group is slated to release a new album and embark on a tour next year, following the completion of all members' mandatory military service. Meanwhile, BlackPink has kicked off its inaugural all-stadium world tour on July 5. The group, which has not released an album together since 2022's Born Pink, unveiled a new song, "Jump", at the commencement of their Deadline World Tour.
Express Tribune
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
‘KPop Demon Hunters' Huntrix and Saja Boys beat BTS and Blackpink to take top spots on US music charts
Songs from Netflix's animated film KPop Demon Hunters have topped the US music charts, overtaking leading K-pop groups BTS and Blackpink. The film has become the most-streamed movie on Netflix globally, reaching over 33 million views within two weeks. The track 'Your Idol' by fictional boy band Saja Boys topped the US Spotify chart on Friday, making it the highest-charting male K-pop group in US Spotify history, surpassing BTS. Meanwhile, Golden by fictional girl group Huntr/x reached number two on the same chart, exceeding Blackpink's previous record for a female K-pop group. The KPop Demon Hunters soundtrack entered the top 10 of the US Billboard 200, marking the highest debut for a soundtrack this year. 'Golden' has been released as an official single by Republic Records, with Netflix submitting it for awards consideration. Huntr/x follows the story of band members Rumi, Mira, and Zoey, who protect fans from supernatural dangers while performing. Their rivals, Saja Boys, are demons in disguise sent by demon king Gwi-ma to steal the souls of Huntr/x's supporters. Produced by Sony Pictures Animation and directed by Maggie Kang and Chris Appelhans, the film includes music from top producers such as Teddy Park, who has worked with Blackpink, and BTS collaborator Lindgren. The success of KPop Demon Hunters comes as BTS prepares for a comeback, announcing plans to work on new music in the US, with a new album and tour planned for next year. Meanwhile, Blackpink is set to begin its first all-stadium world tour on July 5, unveiling a new song at the start of their Deadline World Tour.
The Star
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Star
How 'K-pop Demon Hunters' made Saja Boys' soul-stealing 'Your Idol' performance
With traditional gat, glowing eyes and a lethal dose of K-pop attitude, the performance of Saja Boys' soul-stealing Your Idol in Netflix's breakout hit K-pop Demon Hunters is the moment that keeps both hypnotised audiences and viewers obsessed, just like the lyrics say. From the candy-colored energy of Soda Pop to a dramatic turn into sleek, jet-black silhouettes, the fictional boy band's transformation reveals their true selves in full demon form. The villain anthem's music video has racked up 11.8 million views on YouTube as of Friday, and the soundtrack currently sits at No. 77 on the Billboard Hot 100, with the film's fictional girl group Huntrix's Golden following at No. 81 as of Tuesday. The fictional K-pop boy group is made up of 'jeoseung saja,' or Korean grim reapers. Director Maggie Kang, who co-directed the film with Chris Appelhans, says the vision for that mesmerising scene was there from the very beginning. The idea of a K-pop boy group made up of 'jeoseung saja,' or Korean grim reapers, was one of the earliest concepts in development. 'It was the first idea that came to mind when the concept of demons came together with K-pop,' Kang told The Korea Herald on Thursday. 'The jeoseung saja look – the black gat with all-black attire – felt like a very iconic image (but) we haven't seen in animation. So it was definitely something I wanted to feature in the movie. And of course, these guys would be the villains. There was no question.' And because Jinu – the leader of the Saja Boys and the film's main male character – is 400 years old, Kang said she wanted the Your Idol performance to have a more traditional look. the 'Your Idol' performance a far cry from the earlier candy-coloured 'Soda Pop'. 'This is also the moment where the Saja Boys reveal their true selves. There is no more hiding their true nature or their true image, so they are in their demon form,' said Kang. 'We took this idea and modernised it, but the look is generally quite traditional. That was our inspiration.' Creating the performance was not just about historical nods; it also had to be a full-fledged K-pop spectacle. And like a concert director staging a comeback show, Kang carefully shaped the visual flow. The colour palette, in particular, tells its own story. 'This is the moment the Saja Boys are luring the audience to the underworld, so we leaned heavily into the demon color, which we establish in the movie as this vibrant magenta,' said Kang. The deomon king Gwi-Ma is voiced by Lee Byung-Hun The performance begins with more blues and greens, the colors of the demon world where we first meet Jinu at the beginning of the movie. Then comes the visual crescendo: stark silhouettes in black set against a red-hot backdrop, and finally, purple flames of Gwima, the demon king who thrives on the souls of humans, appear as a visual effect. 'For the last stage that starts with Baby Saja's rap, we start to really push the magenta because this is when Gwima bursts into our world and is taking over.' Kang said it was important that every moment carry both narrative weight and concert-level flair. '(Story-wise,) this is also a concert, so at every stage we pushed everything to look very K-pop and have the spectacle of a real concert or music video,' she said. 'Everything had to serve the story of the moment first, but it also needed to have the cool, fashion editorial feel. It was all very challenging to do, but worth the effort, and I believe we pulled it off.' K-pop Demon Hunters is about a trio of K-pop stars who moonlight as demon hunters at the same time. In the two weeks following its release on June 20, the film has made waves. Its soundtrack and music videos have climbed the charts, K-pop idols have uploaded song covers and dance challenges featuring Huntrix and the Saja Boys' choreography, and related merchandise is flying off the shelves. For director Kang, the response has been both overwhelming and deeply meaningful, especially from Korean audiences. 'I worried a lot about what Koreans would think about this movie, if I was representing our culture correctly, whether I was the right person to make this kind of movie. So to see all this love for the film … I couldn't be more thankful,' she said. 'It's been great to see people who are not fans of K-pop, or don't know anything about it, become fans of the film. It really goes to show you that if you put passion and love into something, it can appeal to a bigger audience.' – Hwang Dong-hee/The Korea Herald/Asia News Network
