Burgeoning like a dream about a decade ago, developing from various iterations and evolving to the film that is beloved by millions around the globe, K-Pop Demon Hunters is taking over the charts and media like a wildfire.
Maggie Kang, creator of K-Pop Demon Hunters, had the desire to produce a visually appealing film catered towards the general public, combining Korean heritage, K-Pop culture, and mythology to build the film. However, the main protagonist, Rumi, was initially created for another project by Rad Sechrist, Plastic Walrus. Despite this, Rumi was initialized as the main character for K-Pop Demon Hunters. Not only this, but the name had been passed down to Kang’s daughter, who provided the voice for the younger iteration of Rumi in the film.
Beginning production in 2021, the film was originally being overseen by Sony Pictures Animation. However, during the worldwide pandemic, Sony sold the rights to Netflix. Sony Pictures Animation hadn’t been confident of the film’s success, believing that it would be a one-hit wonder, before fading into obscurity. However, K-Pop Demon Hunters has become Netflix’s most streamed film to date, capturing the hearts and minds of millions around the world.
Other than its phenomenal impact, the soundtrack itself has had a significant contribution to the film’s popularity. Upon the release of K-Pop Demon Hunters, the soundtrack had a steady release, gaining a moderate amount of streams on various platforms. It wasn’t until the feature began gaining traction on social media that the score erupted in streams. Even months later, the soundtrack tops the charts on the Billboard Hot 100, with tracks like “Golden” and “Your Idol” claiming a spot in the top five for over ten consecutive weeks. In response to the soundtrack’s popularity, a Sing-Along version was released in select theaters Aug 23, generating over $18 million in a single weekend.
In addition to the soundtrack, the immense praise of the flick also comes from the elements within the story. The main protagonist and lead singer of Huntr/x, Rumi, rises to the top of the world along with her peers, Mira and Zoey. In the movie, the three are well-known for their phenomenal impact across the globe, topping the charts and selling out any concert that comes their way. However, despite the fame, Rumi struggles with self-conflict, yearning to hide the past of her demon heritage from both her fan base and friends. Though, along the way, she meets Jinu, the front man of rival group, Saja Boys. The two overcome their differences, promising each other to aid one another to achieve peace for the both of them. Conversely, tragedy strikes as betrayal takes place, the demonic antics of Jinu overcomes him, causing him to break the trust between him and Rumi. Additionally, this public betrayal caused her to lose the trust of not only her fan base, but also her peers. In response, Rumi takes action, taking down her rival group through the power of song with her companions, Zoey and Mira. In the end, the legacy of Huntr/x is saved, and the three members overcome their differences as they learn to accept each other for who they are.
The origins of K-Pop Demon Hunters started as a dream. Sprouting from different concepts, the film has evolved into the global phenomenon that it is today. The feature still continues to rise in the global charts even months after the initial release, maintaining a prominent fan base of devotees. K-Pop Demon Hunters continues to be a phenomenon, leaving an everlasting mark in both pop culture and the animation industry as a whole.
