“KPop Demon Hunters” Hits All the Right Notes

Once every year, there’s always that one film that leaves a lasting impression. Whether it’s the story, the visuals, or the sheer cohesion of it all, it finds a way to stand out—no matter how packed the release calendar is. Netflix’s “KPop Demon Hunters” is that film. It has taken the world by storm, reigniting the “KPop Kraze” for both die-hard fans and casual listeners.

The soundtrack alone has sparked massive online buzz, debuting at No. 1 on  Billboard’s Soundtracks chart.

The film blends modern K-pop culture with Korean mythology as it follows the girl group Huntrix, composed of friends—Rumi (the leader and main vocalist), Mira (the visual and main dancer), and Zoey (the main rapper and maknae). As the most popular girl group in South Korea, they’re adored by millions. But they harbor a secret: beyond the lights and stages, they are also demon hunters. Thanks to an ancient tradition, the girls are tasked with protecting the Earth from demons—using the power of music.

As the demons grow desperate, Jinu—a demon with a haunting past—devises a plan to extend the lives of demons and stop the Hommoon from eradicating them. He and a band of demons form a K-pop boy group called the Saja Boys. Infiltrating Earth, they captivate global audiences with infectious melodies, suave charm, and killer dance moves. Before long, the Saja Boys eclipse Huntrix in popularity.

Meanwhile, Rumi is hiding a bigger secret: she’s part demon but refuses to tell her bandmates. Jinu discovers the truth, and the revelation sparks a connection between them. A romantic relationship begins to bloom, but it’s short-lived. In the climactic battle to save Earth, Jinu sacrifices himself to seal the demons at the Hommoon.

“KPop Demon Hunters” is truly unique. The idea of K-pop idols slaying demons through music is groundbreaking—something unseen in animated storytelling. Moreover, no recent mainstream animation has focused on the lives of K-pop idols or the burdens that come with fame. Sure, there are variety shows, documentaries, and docuseries—but never animation.

The film also shines for spotlighting Korean mythology, particularly shamanism—a spiritual tradition where women serve as intermediaries between the human and spirit realms. Rumi, Mira, and Zoey (and the women before them) embody this role. A blue tiger, which befriends and guides Rumi to visit Jinu, is a symbolic nod to traditional Korean folklore. Tigers are common figures in shamanic lore, often seen as protectors. The tiger’s blue color echoes the obangsaek, one of the five colors symbolizing peace and harmony.

Demon possession is another thematic highlight, dramatized when the Saja Boys use their songs—”Soda Pop” and “Your Idol”—to steal the souls of fans, echoing tales of shamans rescuing the possessed. In the film’s final act, Rumi, Mira, and Zoey channel their ancestral powers and use the song “What It Sounds Like” to defeat the Saja Boys.

The depth of research into idol culture is evident. Creators Maggie Kang and Chris Appelhans clearly did their homework. Anything less would’ve been disappointing, considering how rich and diverse K-pop culture is. Think BLACKPINK, TWICE (who also contributed to the soundtrack), BTS, EXO, NCT, and ENHYPEN: synchronized choreography? Check. Matching outfits? Check. Flawless makeup? Check. Grueling idol schedules? Check. Vocal, dance, and rap lines? Check. Aesthetic music videos in HD? Check. Unconditional love for fans—no matter how intense they get? Triple check.

Even though Kang clarified that neither Huntrix nor the Saja Boys are modeled after specific idols, similarities abound. Rumi channels shades of Jennie (BLACKPINK), Jinu evokes Jimin (BTS), and some of the dance sequences could rival Taemin (SHINee).

Dig deeper, and the film turns metaphorical. The demon-possessed fans represent the toxic side of K-pop fandom. Fans undeniably contribute to idols’ success—but they can also be their undoing. Many idols have faced mental health crises due to toxic fan behavior and online fan wars. Tragically, some have taken their own lives. In that light, the “demons” in the film symbolize these destructive forces within fandom culture.

Rumi, Mira, and Zoey are highly likable leads, adding levity to the darker elements of the story. They’re quirky, food-obsessed, and deeply loyal to one another—more family than co-workers. Mira is the first to notice Rumi’s strange behavior, rooted in guilt over hiding her true half-breed nature. The trio’s bond is one of the film’s most heartwarming features.

Another positive twist? Their manager Bobby isn’t the typical exploitative industry figure. Instead, he genuinely cares for the girls, serving as a grounding parental figure in the chaos of their double lives.

The voice cast deserves high praise for its diversity and authenticity, featuring a predominantly Korean lineup—an important win for representation in a Hollywood animation landscape that often falls short.

Of course, the review of “KPop Demon Hunters” would be complete without discussing its phenomenal soundtrack—an essential pillar of the film’s storytelling. Bursting with catchy hooks, harmonious melodies, and K-pop-esque production, the soundtrack isn’t just background noise—it’s narrative glue. Each of the twelve songs holds significance, aligning with pivotal moments in the plot. “Takedown,” the opening track, introduces viewers to Huntrix’s powers as they—quite literally—take down demons. “Soda Pop,” a bubble-gum pop anthem, marks the flashy debut of the Saja Boys, while “Free,” a poignant ballad, captures the emotional heart of the film as Rumi and Jinu dream of liberation from the demons that haunt them.

The lineup of contributors—Ejae, Audrey Nuna, Remi Ami, Andrew Choi, Kevin Woo, Teddy Park, Jenna Andrews, and more—deserves every bit of the buzz. The Republic Records soundtrack debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Soundtracks chart and No. 8 on the Billboard 200—making it the first soundtrack of the year to land in the top 10.

Naturally, actual K-pop idols had to be part of this auditory masterpiece. TWICE members Jeongyeon, Jihyo, and Chaeyoung lend their vocals, along with Melomance, Choi, and Woo. Producers like Andrews, Park, Lindgren, and Stephen Kirk—famed for their work with BLACKPINK, BTS, and TWICE—bring a polished, industry-savvy touch.

In a world where animated films often play it safe, “KPop Demon Hunters” dares to be different—and succeeds wildly. With its likable characters, mythological depth, cultural relevance, and musical firepower, it doesn’t just entertain; it makes a statement. This isn’t just a film for K-pop fans—it’s for anyone who appreciates storytelling that slays, both literally and figuratively.

So if the Saja Boys haven’t already cast their hypnotic spell, “KPop Demon Hunters” is still streaming on Netflix.

Release Date: June 20, 2025

Runtime: 1 hour and 40 minutes

Streaming Service: Netflix

Director(s): Maggie Kang and Chris Appelhans

Cast: Arden Cho, Ahn Hyo-seop, May Hong, Ji-young Yoo, Yunjin Kim, Daniel Dae Kim, Ken Jeong, and Lee Byung-hun