Christopher Appelhans, an Idaho Falls native, has found immense success in the film industry, notably through his role as co-writer and director of the animated musical urban fantasy film “KPop Demon Hunters.” Released on Netflix last summer, the film features a trio of female Korean pop singers who lead a dual life battling demons. Since its premiere in June, “KPop Demon Hunters” has amassed over 500 million views, making it Netflix’s most-watched original title to date.
Not only did the film achieve remarkable viewership, but it also made history by becoming the first soundtrack to feature four songs in the Top 10 of the Billboard Hot 100 simultaneously. Its critical recognition included winning two Golden Globe awards for “Best Original Song” and “Best Animated Feature,” alongside two Academy Award nominations in the same categories. Reflecting on the film’s success, Appelhans expressed his gratitude for the audience’s positive reaction, stating, “It’s really wonderful.”
The creative process for “KPop Demon Hunters” was deeply personal for Appelhans, who collaborated with co-writer and director Maggie Kang, a fellow creatives with Korean heritage. His connection to Korean culture is influenced by his wife, novelist Maurene Goo, who has Korean ancestry. This shared background helped foster a strong chemistry between Appelhans and Kang, allowing them to craft a narrative that resonated with their experiences.
Prior to this project, Appelhans made waves with his directorial debut in “Wish Dragon,” released in 2021. This animated feature, which tells the tale of a working-class college student in Shanghai, drew inspiration from Appelhans’ friendship with Michael Wu, whom he met during a design project in China. This film also achieved commercial success and received accolades in China before its U.S. release.
Appelhans’ journey into filmmaking began in a lighthearted manner during his high school years in Idaho Falls, where he engaged in creative storytelling and art with friends. Inspired by his artistic surroundings, including the encouragement of art educators in his family, he honed his talents. After college, he entered the animation industry, working on acclaimed projects such as “Monster House,” “The Princess and the Frog,” and “Puss in Boots,” and he even wrote children’s books.
With the impressive success of “KPop Demon Hunters,” there is a strong demand for a sequel; however, Appelhans expresses a desire to step back and savor the achievements prior to embarking on another project. He continues to cherish his roots, often visiting family in Idaho Falls and acknowledging the supportive foundation laid by his parents. “My parents were an incredible combination,” he reflects, attributing his accomplishments to their encouragement in pursuing his passions and building self-confidence.
As Appelhans looks to the future, he remains optimistic and excited about the opportunities ahead, hoping to continue telling stories that connect with diverse audiences and honor cultural narratives. With his remarkable background and a promising trajectory in the animation industry, he stands as an inspiring figure for aspiring filmmakers everywhere.