A massive global phenomenon and Korea’s most exciting commercial export, K-pop has been taking the world by storm since it first came to prominence in the 1990s. What happens when a genre of music with chart-topping success collides with an animated world occupied by demons? With the upcoming release ofKPop Demon Hunters, we’ll soon find out.
The animated movie, which will hitNetflixon June 20th, promises to deliver non-stop action, catchy hooks, and the larger-than-life personalities that have become synonymous with the genre. The movie, which follows a musical group that slays demons when they’re not performing, has the potential to be one of this summer’s biggest animated hits. Here’s everything we know about the upcoming release from Netflix and Sony Pictures Animation.
What Is ‘KPop Demon Hunters’ About?
KPop Demon Hunters
As one can ascertain from the title,KPop Demon Hunterscombines colorful pop music with a world inhabited by demons.Mira (May Hong), Zoey (Ji-young Yoo), and Rumi (Arden Cho) are a highly successful girl K-pop group, selling out arenas and hunting down demons in their spare time. Their success on the charts and as hunters becomes threatened when a group of demons disguised as a K-pop boy band comes after the souls of their fans and the group’s popularity.
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KPop Demon Huntersoffers an exciting premise that follows in the long line of features where musical artists transcend being entertainers and take on the mantle of superheroes (a laKiss Meets the Phantom of the Park).With K-pop being a genre full of unique personalities seen as larger than life by many of their fans, andKPop Demon Hunterstaking place in the world of animation, where more creative freedom exists, audiences can expect a spectacle on an astronomical scale. Director Chris Appelhans spoke highly of his cast and how they helped bring the narrative ofKPop Demon Huntersto life:
“Arden, May, and Ji-young blend the charisma of legit K-pop stars with the vulnerability and comedy of real young women juggling a dual life like no other.”
Who’s Involved with ‘KPop Demon Hunters’?
While Netflix will distributeKPop Demon Hunters, the production company behind the animated feature is Sony Pictures Animation. They have already achieved commercial and critical success withSpider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse,The Hotel Transylvaniaseries, andCloudy With a Chance of Meatballs.The trailer forKPop Demon Huntersdisplays the type of frenetically paced animation we’ve come to expect from the production company.
There’s a fair amount of experience bringing the K-pop animated film to the screen, especially from the directing team of Chris Appelhans and Maggie Kang. Appelhans has spent much of the past two decades involved with highly acclaimed animated featuressuch asCoraline,The Princess and the Frog, andFantastic Mr. Fox. Kang has also been highly prolific in the world of animation, as her credits includePuss in Boots,Minions: The Rise of Gru, andThe Lego Ninjago Movie.The combination of two experienced directors and a stellar voice cast promises to makeKPop Demon Huntersa sure-fire hit for the summer.
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With the animation, stellar voice cast, and experienced direction,KPop Demon Hunterswill have plenty of authentic K-pop performed by some of the industry’s most popular artists.Jeongyeon, Jihyo, and Chaeyoung of the popular K-pop group, TWICE, have already provided an original song for the animated feature. TWICE is the perfect fit forKPop Demon Huntersin more ways than one. TWICE performs polished pop music that possesses the same type of bright energyas The Jackson 5, which lends itself to several of their music videos, which are just as well-made and exhibit a high level of catchiness and energy.
With their talents being lent to an animated film, it not only gives their music the chance to flourish through a whole new medium, but also allows many new audience members to experience their music for the first time. TWICE has been vocal about their excitement about being involved with the film, stating:
“(We) found it so exciting to be a part of KPop Demon Hunters and connect with these brave characters through music. It felt extra special because it brings together K-pop and animation — two very creative worlds!”
Where Can I Watch ‘KPop Demon Hunters’?
Kpop Demon Hunterspromises to take audiences on a journey into a world inhabited by demons and blessed with the big hooks and catchy tunes that are synonymous with K-pop.KPop Demon Hunterswill begin streaming on Netflix on July 19, 2025.
