[OSENWORLD] Producer and singer-songwriter Vince, who composed the breakout tracks “Soda Pop” and “Your Idol” for Netflix’s hit animated film K-Pop Demon Hunters, described the project as “unfamiliar but fun work.”
Recalling the OST process, Vince explained:
“The first draft of ‘Soda Pop’ was meant to be upbeat, but the feedback kept coming back that it needed to be even more playful. It was new for me, but also fun because animation projects have very clear requests. The songs took shape over nearly two years of revisions, with constant feedback across multiple tracks.”
Before the songs were written, the film’s concept and the fictional group Saja Boys — demons who live off people’s love and energy — were already in place.
“There were also rough 2D black-and-white sketches. My job was to create music that brought that concept to life,” he said.
Asked about the difference between writing for real artists and fictional characters, Vince noted:
“With real artists, I can talk with them, hear their stories, and shape the music around their perspective. This time, I had to match the film’s concept and visuals. It was more of a producer-client relationship, with back-and-forth adjustments, which was very different but rewarding.”
The OST tracks have since taken on a life of their own globally.
“I was shocked when I saw clips on social media of ‘Soda Pop’ being played in clubs and sung by crowds overseas. As a producer, I’m not often in the media spotlight, but thanks to K-Pop Demon Hunters, I even made the news. My friends and especially my parents are proud to see my name out there.”
He admitted the success came at an unexpected time.
“I devoted myself fully to All Day Project as its main producer, so I was focused on that. Meanwhile, I had finished the K-Pop Demon Hunters OST work last year. It was such an unusual project that I’d nearly forgotten about it. Then suddenly, it was released around the same time as All Day Project. The way both projects blew up felt like an unexpected gift.”
Looking ahead, Vince also spoke about the film’s confirmed sequel.
“I only heard about the sequel through social media and news articles. But since we had such great synergy on the first film, I think it would be great if we could return for Part 2.”
Reflecting on why the songs resonated worldwide, he pointed to both the animation and his label’s teamwork:
“I think the animation itself had an enormous influence. Another big factor is the synergy at The Black Label. No one person dominates the process — everyone contributes ideas, and then Teddy Park, the longtime YG producer, oversees and guides the direction. That teamwork really came through in the final songs.”
He closed with a playful remark about royalties:
“It usually takes about a year for royalty statements to come through. If you interview me again next year, I’ll probably show up looking a lot flashier,” he joked, drawing laughter.
With both All Day Project and K-Pop Demon Hunters boosting his global profile, 2025 is shaping up to be a breakthrough year for Vince — both behind the scenes and as a creator in his own right.
/k_inside@osen.co.kr
