Maggie Kang, the first-time director known for her role as head of story on “The Lego Ninjago Movie,” has brought to life “KPop: Demon Hunters,” a project that fulfills a two-decade aspiration to create an animated film focused on Korean culture. This Netflix and Sony Pictures Animation production combines elements of action and K-pop, offering an exciting narrative twist on demonology through the lens of pop culture.
The film follows the popular K-pop group Huntrix, which includes Rumi (voiced by Arden Cho), Mira (May Hong), and Zoey (Ji-young Yoo), who double as demon hunters. They face off against supernatural entities, particularly the powerful Gwi-Ma (Byung-hun Lee), while contending with a rival boy band, Saja Boys, who are also secret demons. The storyline takes a dramatic turn with a K-drama-worthy twist involving Rumi and Jinu (Ahn Hyo-seop), raising themes of dual identity and the struggle with one’s darker side.
Kang shared her inspirations, emphasizing the importance of representation in superhero narratives. She expressed a desire to depict strong women who are relatable, funny, and unapologetically themselves—qualities often overlooked in traditional superhero genres. This vision allowed for the inclusion of dynamic musical sequences, integral to both K-pop and the film’s action scenes, giving the movie spectacle and excitement.
The visual elements of “KPop: Demon Hunters” were heavily influenced by anime and draw from the aesthetics of K-dramas. Kang and her team worked to create a vibrant aesthetic using CG animation provided by Sony Pictures Imageworks, combining eye-popping colors with stylistic 2D effects. The team faced challenges in animating scenes that captured both glamor and humor while maintaining a sense of dimensionality in their characters, balancing comedy with the action sequences.
The musicality of the film posed unique challenges, especially in synchronizing animated fights with its soundtrack. Highlights include songs like “Takedown,” performed by members of TWICE, which adds depth to the characters’ journey and the emotional arcs they traverse. The action-packed sequences were meticulously choreographed, aiming for an immersive experience reminiscent of films like “Baby Driver,” where movement and music intertwine.
“KPop: Demon Hunters” embraces an innovative approach to storytelling through animation and music, stepping away from conventional animation practices to explore new artistic possibilities. The film’s focus on female empowerment and humor against a backdrop of fantastic action offers a fresh take on the superhero genre while celebrating Korean culture through the lens of K-pop.
Now available for streaming on Netflix, “KPop: Demon Hunters” presents a unique blend of genres, engaging audiences with its action, music, and rich character development. This film not only highlights the talents of its creators but also paves the way for more diverse storytelling in animation.