K-pop has long since evolved from a regional sensation into a global cultural force, and “Kpop Demon Hunters” is the latest proof of that dominance. Released on June 20, the animated musical fantasy has barely moved from the number one spot on streaming charts in the United States and around the world. According to FlixPatrol, it was briefly unseated by “The Old Guard 2,” but only for a few hours before quickly returning to the top.
The picture has earned enthusiastic praise from both critics and audiences, who have embraced its catchy soundtrack, vibrant animation, and a story that combines pop superstardom with mythology and demon slaying. It is a surprising mix that somehow works beautifully and has clearly resonated with fans. Here are nine quick facts about the phenomenon everyone is talking about.
A Love Letter to K-Pop and Korean Identity
Director Maggie Kang set out to create more than just an animated adventure. She wanted a story rooted in Korean culture, one that drew from traditional mythology and demon lore to offer a visual experience unlike anything in mainstream media.
Rather than following the usual formula of sleek and flawless heroines, Kang aimed to showcase characters who felt real and chaotic—girls who could be silly, crass, loud, and full of heart. She described the picture as both a love letter to Kpop and a reflection of her own background. Influenced by the way Bong Joon Ho balances shifting tones in his films, Kang brought that same creative freedom into animation, embracing both the emotional and the absurd.
Music, Myth, and Community
Chris Appelhans initially planned to take a break after finishing “Wish Dragon,” but Maggie Kang’s vision pulled him in. Once he heard her ideas, he was immediately drawn to the project, especially its focus on music as a force for unity and joy.
For Appelhans, the chance to explore how music builds community felt too meaningful to pass up. Together, he and Kang expanded the movie’s mythology by drawing inspiration from Korean shaman women, who historically used singing and dancing to protect their villages.
Real Idols Behind the Fiction
The characters in “Kpop Demon Hunters” were carefully crafted with real-world influences drawn straight from the Kpop scene. The girl group at the heart of the story, Huntr/x, was modeled after popular acts like Itzy, Blackpink, and Twice, capturing their energy, style, and attitude. Mira was inspired by Korean model Ahn So-yeon, adding a touch of authenticity to her look and presence.
On the other side, the rival group Saja Boys channels the charisma of major boy bands such as BTS, Tomorrow X Together, Stray Kids, Ateez, BigBang, and Monsta X. Their leader, Jinu, owes much of his charm and aura to actor and singer Cha Eun-woo, who served as a key reference point during development.
Tradition Woven Into Style
One of the most striking elements of “Kpop Demon Hunters” is how it blends old and new, especially through fashion and design. The group Huntr/x wears norigae pendants—traditional Korean ornaments—styled as part of their sleek Kpop outfits, while the Saja Boys perform in black hanbok and horsehair hats that call to mind the jeoseung saja, a figure from Korean folklore similar to the grim reaper.
This visual fusion highlights the film’s effort to honor Korean heritage within a modern context. Even the weapons used by the girls are based on traditional Korean objects, reinforcing the deep cultural roots behind every flashy performance and battle scene.
Folk Art Comes to Life in Jinu’s Pets
Jinu’s unusual companions, a pet tiger named Derpy and a magpie called Sussy, draw inspiration from minhwa, a traditional Korean folk art style known for its playful and satirical images of animals such as tigers and magpies. This art form, popular during the Chosun era, often used these animals to make fun of those in power with whimsical details.
Inspired by the Spider-Man Animation Style
The team behind “Kpop Demon Hunters” drew heavily from Sony’s “Spider-Verse” films when shaping the animation. After seeing how those movies combined the energy of 2D art with 3D animation, they decided to avoid mixing in traditional 2D elements and instead created a fully computer-generated style that captures the bold, dynamic feel of anime. This approach helped give the picture a fresh, graphic look that stands out while still feeling vibrant and alive.
Breaking Records with Its Soundtrack
The “Kpop Demon Hunters” soundtrack made a huge splash in the United States, debuting as the highest-charting soundtrack album of 2025 and the first to reach the Billboard 200 top ten this year. It is also the highest-charting animated film soundtrack since “Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse” in 2023.
On streaming platforms, both Huntr/x and the Saja Boys topped the US Spotify charts with their hit songs “Golden” and “Your Idol.” Notably, Huntr/x surpassed Blackpink as the highest-charting female K-pop group in the US, while the Saja Boys beat BTS to become the top male K-pop group on the platform.
A Nodding Connection to Business Proposal
Right at the start of “Kpop Demon Hunters,” there is a playful nod to the popular drama “Business Proposal” when Jinu accidentally bumps into Rumi. This reference is especially meaningful since “Business Proposal “starred Ahn Hyo Seop, who inspired Jinu’s character.
Real Kpop Voices Behind the Music
“Kpop Demon Hunters” features more than just a strong voice cast—it brings real Kpop talent into the mix. The theme song “Takedown” is performed by Jeongyeon, Jihyo, and Chaeyoung from Twice, adding an extra layer of authenticity to the picture’s music.