Why Netflix's KPop Demon Hunters is Breaking the Internet

Shelbi Baker
Jul 12
5 min read

If you've been on any social media in the past month, you've probably seen a lot of content surrounding the explosively popular Netflix film, "KPop Demon Hunters". K-pop music has been around for ages, but what is it that makes this movie so special? Well, that's what we're here to discuss! So, grab your light sticks and come along as we talk about why "KPop Demon Hunters" is absolutely breaking the internet right now. Heads up, there are spoilers ahead, so if you haven't seen the film, this is your final warning!

The Story

Let's start with the basic premise of the film. In the KPDH universe, demons have invaded the Earth and terrorized mankind. Of course, it can't end there. Three singing warriors emerged, defending their people with their voices and insane fighting skills. Through singing, the warriors created a glowing shield around their city called the honmoon. Throughout generations, new singing warriors have trained and fought the demons until the present day where we see the current girl group, Huntr/x. Huntr/x is a globally recognized K-pop group consisting of three charismatic members, Rumi, Mira, and Zoey. Rumi's story is the focus of the film, as she is secretly half demon. As a child, Rumi was told she could change her fate if Huntr/x could one day turn the honmoon gold with their voices. The girls work super hard toward this goal, but are met with a powerful villain and rival k-pop group, the Saja Boys. The leader of the Saja Boys, Jinu, has a complicated past. The film tells his tragic story of becoming a demon and how shame keeps demons inescapably bound to their ruler, Gwi-Ma. Although rivals, Rumi and Jinu find that they actually have a lot in common. Over time, they realize that they aren't necessarily enemies and that working together helps them overcome their shame, which could be the key to defeating Gwi-Ma, freeing them both. Of course, there are far more details in the film, so obviously, you should go watch it, but it's a captivating premise that draws in viewers whether or not they were fans of k-pop already.

The Musical Talent

It's no secret that the music in KPDH was executed beautifully. The writers and artists behind the OST are some of the best in the business. Ejae, the singer and voice of Rumi is known for writing some of the most iconic k-pop songs of all time, including Red Velvet's "Psycho", Twice's "Pieces of Love" and "Last Waltz", and Aespa's "Drama. Her musical talent is no doubt a vital part of this soundtrack's appeal alongside other experts. Twice themselves have two songs on the album, including a cover of "Takedown" and their own original song, "Strategy". Mira's voice actor, Audrey Nuna, is also a well-known singer rapper, famous for her edgy and raw emotional sound that speaks to listeners on a deeper level. Zoey is actually played by two different actors. She is voiced by Ji-young Yoo when speaking and Rei Ami when singing. Ji-young Yoo has an impressive portfolio of K-dramas and films under her belt and Rei Ami is a singer and rapper best known for her original song, "Freak". On the Saja Boys side of things, Jinu's voice actor, Ahn Hyo-seop also has an impressive background in acting . He has played the lead character in K-dramas like "Abyss", "Dr. Romantic", and "Lovers of the Red Sky". Jinu's singing voice, Andrew Choi brought a strong performance as well, having gained his fame in season two of a singing reality show called, "K-pop Star". Choi is also a songwriter for many k-pop boy groups like EXO, NCT (127, Dream, and U), and SHINee. It's clear to see that the talent behind this OST is unmatched in terms of experience and expertise. Not to mention how impossible it is to stop listening to!

The Animation

KPDH has some of the most creative animation out there right now. It's digital 3D, similar to something Pixar would do, but a little different. The film was produced by Sony in a truly unique artistic style. (Bare with me now if I use some incorrect terminology. I'm not an animation expert!) The style is meant to mimic the smaller amount of frames used in some anime like "DragonballZ". There's a certain roughness to the movement. Things are a little, choppy, so to speak. This gives the film a nostalgic vibe, but at the same time, it makes the 3D models look more realistic. The fantastic character design also makes everyone eager to cosplay these stars!

Meanwhile, the facial expressions in KPDH are just HILARIOUS. Some of the comedic scenes of Huntr/x are just too funny and creative. I mean, eyes turning into popcorn? Come on, now, that's creative! The opening plane scene where the girls are feasting on sushi and ramen is one of the most relatable depictions of how sometimes, girls just like to eat! From beginning to end, the exaggerated, vibrant style of KPDH brings it to life in the most appealing way.

The Culture

KPDH respects both Korean culture and global k-pop fans alike by incorporating elements of both throughout the story. For instance, the weapons the group uses to fight demons in the film are all traditional Korean weapons. The outfits worn by the Saja Boys in "Your Idol" and the dresses worn by the original three singing hunters are traditional Korean outfits called hanbok. Of course, the story itself respects Korean culture by basing the hunters on mudang, female shamans who play an important part in Korean spiritualism. Meanwhile, the Saja Boys are based on Jeosang Saja, or the grim reaper.

As far as music history goes, the writers respected that too! In the film, we see a scene of each generation of hunters leading up to Huntr/x in the present day. Each group embodies the style of the time period, with previous groups dressed in fashion corresponding to the decades. The attention to detail in the flashbacks adheres to k-pop history, showcasing the different visual style of girl groups since the 1920s. The modern depictions of Huntr/x and the Saja Boys are also spot on. Huntr/x seems to take inspiration from 4th and 5th wave k-pop groups like BlackPink, Le Sserafim, and of course, Twice, taking on a fierce, unstoppable idol persona. The Saja Boys have obvious parallels to modern giants like BTS, Stray Kids, and NCT with their ability to switch from bubblegum style (featured in "Soda Pop".) to a darker, more wild tone (featured in "Your Idol".). The references to things like fan signings, ships, and social media are just the icing on the cake when it comes to being a modern k-pop fan.

In Conclusion

"KPop Demon Hunters" is a beautifully crafted animated film with iconic music and brilliant attention to detail all around. Fans love it because of the memorable characters, multicultural storytelling, and respect for history. Musicians love it because it inspires us to create something bigger than ourselves. The animation is eye-catching. The references are relatable. It truly is becoming something that people will be talking about for decades. Passionate people make great art, and it shows.

So, what do you think? Have you seen the film? Did you love it, hate it, or think it was just okay? Feel free to let us know your thoughts at any of the socials below!

Written By Shelbi Baker