On June 20, 2025, “KPop Demon Hunters” was released exclusively on Netflix. Produced by Sony Pictures Animation, the film follows three young women—Rumi (Arden Cho), Mira (May Hong) and Zoey (Ji-young Yoo)—as they advance their careers as successful K-pop idols in the group HUNTR/X. However, there is more to the trio than meets the eye.
Not only are they idols, but sacred Demon Hunters, chosen to protect the world from Gwi-ma’s (Lee Byung-hun) malevolent influence in a task that spans millennia. The only way to seal away the Demon Realm is to summon a Golden Honmoon, but for that to happen, HUNTR/X must harness the power of their fans. The task has long been considered impossible, but Rumi is confident that HUNTR/X can make it happen.
Failure is not an option. Not when Rumi has everything to lose.
Even so, Gwi-ma is nothing if not stubborn. Unwilling to lose what little control he has over humanity, he begrudgingly agrees to send the Saja Boys, a demon boy band, to Earth. Jinu (Ahn Hyo-Seop), the head of the band, is determined to steal HUNTR/X’s fans and destroy the Honmoon for good.
The Saja Boys’ arrival brings Rumi’s insecurities to the forefront of her mind, leaving her torn between the shame of her past and her desire to move beyond it.
“KPop Demon Hunters” takes cues from Japan’s “mahō shōjo”, or “magical girl”, genre. Notable examples include “Sailor Moon”, “Puella Magi Madoka Magica” and the “Pretty Cure” franchise. “Mahō shōjo” focuses primarily on platonic bonds between young women and the struggles they can overcome when they work as a team. The heroes must juggle their alter egos with the mundanities of everyday life, which intersect in unexpected—and often hilarious—ways. Many “mahō shōjo” shows are targeted toward young girls, but series for adults have ballooned in popularity, such as the aforementioned “Puella Magi Madoka Magica”.
“KPop Demon Hunters” is special in that it can be enjoyed by children and adults alike. Children appreciate the bright colors and expressive animation, of which Sony Pictures Animation is known for, while adults can enjoy the catchy tunes and numerous allegories: Rumi’s journey, for example, can be likened to modern experiences with depreciating mental health.
The film is undeniably popular. Within a month of the release of “KPop Demon Hunters”, it became the #1 Most Watched animated movie on all of Netflix, and a song from the soundtrack, “Golden”, topped international charts. Not only that, but it has amassed a dedicated fandom of cosplayers, artists and writers.
Considering the movie’s success, Netflix is allegedly considering not only two sequels, but a live-action rendition. While many fans are dissatisfied with the possibility of a live-action version, likely due to Disney’s numerous cash-grabs, they are equally excited for the world to be fleshed out even further.
