Premiered on Netflix this past June, the current viral movie sensation “KPop Demon Hunters” was a massive hit across both young and adult audiences globally. With the film, directors Maggie Kang and Chris Appelhans worked the core concept of Korean demon mythology into the music-filled storyline. The development of the movie from beginning to end took a total of nine years to complete.
KPop Demon Hunters follow the storyline of the main characters Rumi, Mira, and Zoey who are a part of a group called HUNTR/X. The group HUNTR/X live a double life being K-Pop idols and demon hunters with the purpose of strengthening the Honmoon. The Honmoon is a barrier that blocks demons from entering the human world and is essential to blocking demons from entering and attacking humans. All the while, the group performs in order to gain fans from their singing career in order to strengthen the power of the Honmoon.
The antagonists of the movie are a group of idols called the Saja Boys. Members of the group are Jinu, Abby, Mystery, Baby and Romance. They also live a double life as K-pop idols, however, rather than being demon hunters, they are the demons. The Saja Boys take souls from their fans and feed them to their demon king, Gwi-Ma, who is attempting to enter the human world. Fans love this dynamic between the two groups in the storyline and viewers are kept on edge as the two groups struggle for the attention of fans.
The musical concept has produced a catchy soundtrack accompanied by signature dances that have made rounds on social media. Songs such as “Golden” and “Soda Pop” have become fan favorites for their addictive melodies and beats. The soundtrack has resonated so much with the public that celebrities have hopped onto the trend with mentions of songs or videos dancing along to the songs, garnering even more of an audience. For example, popular K-pop idol Eunchae from the girl group LE SSERAFIM performed the dance “Soda Pop” from Saja Boys and garnered large traction towards the video, growing their fanbase.
With all the attention on the soundtrack and storyline of this movie, fans continue to spread content relating to the movie. Even real K-Pop idols have gone on livestream to sing snippets or dance to parts of the songs. These videos have gone viral gaining immense praise and viewership. After the ending of KPop Demon Hunters, fans are eager for a sequel.
