KPop Demon Hunters

2025-09-12     김종효 기자
A poster of "KPop Demon Hunters"

                          Fangirl 1: Mira’s my favorite. She’s the visual and lead dancer.
                                                Nobody can move like Mira.
                          Fangirl 2: She’s the black sheep* of her family.
                          Fanboy 1: Even though she’s so cool.
                                                 Who else could wear a sleeping bag to the Met Gala?

From “KPop Demon Hunters”

* Black Sheep: This idiom refers to an individual who is considered an outcast or a disfavored member of a family or group. This person often has a reputation for going against social norms, behaving inappropriately, or living a different lifestyle from the rest. The term originates from the idea that a black sheep in a flock of white sheep stood out as different and was traditionally considered less valuable.

“KPop Demon Hunters” is an animated film that revolves around a K-pop girl group called “Huntrix,” consisting of Rumi, Joy, and Mira. By day, they are idols; by night, they become exorcists who hunt demons. The demons are led by the Demon King, Gwi-ma. Huntrix is tasked with protecting humanity by guarding the Hon-moon, a spiritual shield. Gwi-ma creates a rival K-pop boy group called “Saja Boys” to weaken the Hon-moon and steal Huntrix’s fans. “Golden,” a song from the film’s soundtrack, reached No. 1 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 singles chart last August.

Reviews

Ok Hui-kyeong: A fantasy world of demons and hunters blends seamlessly with the high-energy, vibrant world of K-pop. The animation captivates both visually and sonically, offering a surprisingly cohesive and thrilling experience that celebrates the best of both genres. ★★★★★

Kim Ye-ji: K-Pop Demon Hunters is a movie where music, action, and culture come together. While the narrative may feel familiar, the catchy K-pop songs and dynamic visuals infused with Korean culture make the movie one of a kind. ★★★★★

Choi Ji-Yoon: Rumi, a human-demon hybrid, finds peace by confronting and accepting her true, complex self. The film conveys that everyone has inner darkness, and that accepting it is both the most important and the hardest act of personal courage. ★★★★☆

Kim Jong-hyo: It's interesting to watch such a culturally Korean film. However, the story can be difficult to follow even for Korean audiences. The explanation in this movie is insufficient. Without any background knowledge of K-pop or traditional Korean culture, viewers may struggle to fully understand what is happening in the movie. ★★☆☆☆