[OSENWORLD] As the animated Netflix film KPop Demon Hunters continues to captivate audiences around the globe, co-directors Maggie Kang and Chris Appelhans have shared their thoughts on the film’s runaway success and the inspiration behind it.
The film centers on “Huntrix,” a powerhouse K-pop girl group who moonlight as demon hunters, and their supernatural rivals, the “Lion Boyz”—a boy band made up entirely of evil spirits. This wildly original premise has enthralled global viewers, combining idol culture with Korean folklore in a bold new way.
With infectious tracks like Golden, Soda Pop, and Takedown capturing the high-energy polish of real-world K-pop, and intricate nods to traditional Korean aesthetics throughout the film, it’s no wonder KPop Demon Hunters has earned a 96% on Rotten Tomatoes.
“A Dream I’ve Carried Since the Start” – Maggie Kang
“This is the first animated film set in modern-day Korea that actively centers Korean culture,” said director Maggie Kang. “It was deeply meaningful to cast only Korean voice actors and vocalists. From the beginning of my career, this was my dream—to bring something like this to life and to share the journey with such a talented cast.”
Kang, who grew up watching films inspired by various Asian cultures, longed to see Korean traditions represented in animation. That passion led her to build a film grounded in Korean mythology—specifically, lesser-known elements like demonology. “I imagined a secret warrior girl group taking down demons in the shadows, flawed, quirky, and powerful—a kind of female hero I’d always wanted to see onscreen.”
She added, “Many of our artists weren’t familiar with K-pop or Korean culture at first, but they ended up deeply connecting with the story and characters. That told me we were making something universal. We all share fears, shame, and a longing for connection—regardless of where we’re from or what language we speak.”
“A Moment of Light in a Dark World” – Chris Appelhans
Co-director Chris Appelhans reflected on how the project first came together during the COVID-19 pandemic. “We started developing this when people were cut off from one another around the world,” he said. “Then BTS held an online concert, and suddenly millions of us were dancing and singing along to ‘Dynamite’ from our homes. It was like a little spark of light during a very dark time.”
Appelhans continued, “With KPop Demon Hunters, we wanted to make something fun, edgy, and packed with action. But we also wanted to capture that powerful feeling—a single song that can dissolve darkness, bridge divides, and quiet the inner demons we all carry.”
He hopes audiences will feel a similar kind of emotional spark: “I wish for everyone to experience even a sliver of what BTS gave us years ago through this film’s characters and their music.”
/k_inside@osen.co.kr
