How does a niche movie about K-pop, demons and idols who battle each other through song come to rule the summer of 2025? “KPop Demon Hunters” did exactly that. From being a movie with little expectation, “KPop Demon Hunters” has shocked everyone by taking over social media, inspiring a passionate fandom and leaving audiences replaying “My Little Soda Pop” on loop.
The “KPop Demon Hunters” universe is set in a colorful world rich with vibrant blues and glowing pinks, capturing the movie’s charming vibe. At first, the universe seems almost absurd, with the introduction of demons threatening to take over and “suck” the souls out of ordinary people. Huntrix, a girl group led by main characters Rumi, Mira and Zoey, wields music as their weapon and uses the power of a “Honmoon,” a barrier powered by the fans’ devotion, to save the world.
The main cast looks visually stunning and unique: braided neon hair, dazzling outfits and an untouchable presence. However, behind their powerful voices and fame lie silly personalities that make them all the more lovable for fans. The depth of their characters, crafted by Danya Jimenez, Hannah McMechan, Maggie Kang and Chris Appelhans, deepens their relatability and humanity.
Rumi, the ambitious leader of the group, carries the shame of being part demon and hides by covering up her demon patterns; Zoey, though bright and bubbly on the outside, struggles with being a people pleaser; Mira, who comes off as rebellious, sharp and a “problem child,” longs for acceptance. Viewers cannot help but become invested in their journey, growth and friendship. Their experiences not only resonate with Asian audiences seeking representation but also with global audiences who desire stories about identity and belonging.
The introductions to the main antagonists of the movie, the “Saja Boys,” a demon boy band, is when the movie starts kicking off the plot — Huntrix must stop this demon boy band from destroying the Honmoon. The boys themselves are quite literally physical representations of stereotypical K-pop idols. Even their names —“Mystery,” “Abby” and “Romance” spell out their roles in the group. Though arguably only Jinu, the leader of the group, gets fleshed out as a character, the diverse personalities of the group make them chaotic and fun villains.
Interactions between the Saja Boys and Huntrix are both hilarious and tense. Multiple fight scenes play out, highlighted by the smooth and stylish animation done by Sony Animations. The movie teases a relationship between Rumi and Jinu, but it does not feel forced. Many praise the chemistry between the two characters who start off as enemies, but ultimately become the only people they show their “true selves” to: Rumi shares her demon patterns and Jinu shares his guilt of abandoning his mother and sister to obtain power.
However, what really steals the spotlight for this movie is truly the music. From upbeat to poignant to enchanting, the whole discography of “KPop Demon Hunters” has captured the hearts of viewers, much like it does in the film. The songs never feel out of place. In fact, they bring harmony to the movie and make it unforgettable, which is why it remains a topic of discussion even months after its release. The song “Golden” is radiant, highlighting the girls finally accepting their identity and standing in solidarity with each other. The airy and lyrical “Free,” on the other hand, illustrates the desire to be honest and authentic, with Jinu and Rumi uplifting each other. The intense electro-pop track “Your Idol” is powerful and edgy, embodying the alluring nature of the demon idols.
Fans are starving for more “KPop Demon Hunters” content, with a second season already announced to be in the works. The small details left by the animators make the film highly rewatchable, with fans delighting in spotting background characters and hidden meanings. Amidst the chaos of the world, “KPop Demon Hunters” brings joy to viewers. It is the complete package of fun and meaningful, something that many other movies struggle to balance. Now becoming Netflix’s most viewed movie in any genre, it would be no surprise if other studios take inspiration from its playful and inventive nature.
