‘KPop Demon Hunters’ Shows Just How Powerful Korean Culture Has Become

[OSENWORLD] For director Maggie Kang, KPop Demon Hunters isn’t just an animated fantasy—it’s a bold declaration of Korea’s growing cultural influence on the global stage.

The Netflix original film follows the dazzling double lives of three fictional K-pop superstars—Rumi, Mira, and Joy—members of a globally famous idol group who moonlight as demon hunters protecting the world behind the scenes. Blending eye-popping visuals, concert-style K-pop performances, and a proudly Korean aesthetic, the film has struck a chord with global audiences.

According to global streaming analytics site FlixPatrol, KPop Demon Hunters, released on June 20, claimed the No.1 spot worldwide in Netflix’s film category as of June 24. The film currently leads the rankings in 41 countries, including the U.S., South Korea, France, Germany, Australia, Hong Kong, Malaysia, and Vietnam—solidifying its status as a breakout global hit.

In a recent in-depth interview, Kang opened up about how her multicultural upbringing, artistic journey, and deep pride in the global rise of Korean culture shaped the story from the ground up.

“Even though the film is in English, it’s culturally Korean through and through,” Kang said. “That’s the kind of movie I always dreamed of making—one that proudly carries our identity, even in a global format.”

Born in Korea and raised in Canada, Kang’s cross-cultural perspective became the foundation of KPop Demon Hunters. From shamanistic rituals (gut) influencing musical sequences to incorporating traditional tigers and magpies into the character design, the film is filled with authentic touches.

Kang emphasized that the collaboration with real K-pop figures—including producers from The Black Label and Republic Records, and a musical collaboration with global girl group TWICE—was crucial to making the film’s sound genuinely “K-pop.” TWICE not only contributed their vocals but also handpicked the track “Takedown” themselves—adding a personal touch to the film’s musical lineup.

“I think Korean people have this emotional intensity and passion. Whether it’s music, film, or beauty, that energy is felt all over the world,” she explained. “This movie is a celebration of that passion.”

For Kang, having legendary Korean actors like Lee Byung-hun and Kim Yun-jin join the voice cast added another layer of pride and cultural significance to the project.

Ultimately, she hopes the film not only entertains but inspires younger generations of Korean and Asian creatives.

“That a major U.S. studio believed in a film so deeply rooted in Korean identity—it says a lot,” Kang noted. “To me, KPop Demon Hunters is living proof of how far Korean culture has come—and a glimpse of just how far it can go.”

/k_inside@osen.co.kr