If I had to place a bet on which 2025 Netflix movie would become a global sensation—let me tell you—“Kpop Demon Hunters” wouldn’t have even been a consideration. As an avid K-pop fan myself, I absolutely love the genre and the culture that comes with it. However, when I saw promotional videos for the movie back in early June, I truly thought I was looking at the next flop Netflix was coming out with. About a month after its release, a friend of mine called me, raving about how great the movie was. She asked if I had watched it, to which I told her no, so she essentially forced me to go over to her house in order to experience the greatness that is “Kpop Demon Hunters”.
After watching it, I can safely say…that movie changed lives, including my own. I went into the movie expecting the usual sappy, overly sentimental messages that TV-PG movies typically have. When it was over, I was left with goosebumps and a dropped jaw. Who would’ve thought that lying at the center of a children’s movie would be a tragic story of betrayal, mistrust and passion? There were so many elements to the movie, so many focal points, that it makes sense why its popularity skyrocketed. This was a movie made for everyone to enjoy—not just K-pop fans, not just children, but everyone. For this reason, that’s why I believe this movie took over the world.
For a recap, the story centers around a successful, all-female K-pop band called Huntrix, which consists of lead singer Rumi, lead visual Mira, and lead rapper Zoey. Together, they work in harmony to keep Earth peaceful by fighting/singing off demons that try to harm it… until a demon boy band, sent by their demon leader, comes from the underworld with a plan to take over. Now, the girls have to fight to keep Earth safe, all the while the new boy band aims to dethrone them. However, in the middle of it all, it’s revealed that lead singer Rumi is actually part demon! Talk about a major shock. Regardless, the movie dives into serious topics of identity, morality and self-discovery.
The use of satire is one of the movie’s greatest strengths. Oftentimes, the characters had exaggerated facial expressions or sarcastic dialogue, which makes the overall tone very entertaining. In a sense, the film uses satire to poke fun at its own concept. Just look at the name itself: it’s called “Kpop Demon Hunters”. It’s clear it doesn’t take itself too seriously, yet still manages to balance out the comedy with the heavier topics.
Another captivating element to this film is the music. The original soundtrack itself has reached the Billboard Hot 100, with songs like “Soda Pop” or “Golden” topping the charts. Additionally, there are some sampled songs from famous K-pop groups such as Twice and EXO, which helps build rapport with K-Pop fans who are able to detect the songs. I know when I first heard the songs, that is one of the first things I fell in love with.
I’d also like to briefly touch on the animation style. I’m not well-versed in the techniques of design or the specific artistry behind animation, so the fact I even noticed the high-quality of this movie speaks volumes to it. I’d even say the style is on-par with “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse”, which won the 2019 Oscar for Best Animated Film. I can foresee this movie winning awards next year.
Overall, when I first saw Kpop Demon Hunters popping up on my for-you page, my initial reaction was to skip it. Now, I go around broadcasting the movie as if I’m the ambassador for it, telling others to watch it—though it seems as if everyone already has seen it. The New York Times reports that “Kpop Demon Hunters” has been the most-watched Netflix movie ever recorded. This film has truly taken over the world. And it’s a bit jarring to see that at the center of this global sensation is a story about K-pop, demons and hunters.
