Netflix’s global phenomenon ‘KPop Demon Hunters’ clinched the Oscar for best animated feature, celebrating Korean culture with its unique blend of music and mythology.
HOLLYWOOD: Netflix’s smash hit “KPop Demon Hunters” won the Oscar for best animated feature on Sunday. The film, a vibrant tale of good and evil set to a thumping soundtrack, incorporates traditional Korean mythology.
Co-produced with Sony Pictures Animation, the movie premiered on Netflix in June 2025. It quickly became the streaming giant’s most-watched original film of all time.
A special singalong version also topped the North American box office during a limited theatrical run. “This is for Korea and Koreans everywhere,” co-director Maggie Kang told the audience.
The film follows HUNTR/X, a popular K-pop girl group whose members lead double lives as demon slayers. Their songs create a magical barrier called the Honmoon that protects humanity.
The current trio—Rumi, Mira and Zoey—are sassy women who balance performances with hunting missions. They must battle a demon boy band, the Saja Boys, sent to weaken the Honmoon.
The project draws from the idea of shamanism and features sweeping recreations of Seoul’s skyline. Kang said the film was years in the making.
“This silly K-pop movie idea could represent so many aspects of my culture,” she told The New York Times. “Once I realised that, it was full force, making the most Korean movie I could make.”
The film’s anthem, “Golden,” is nominated for best original song. The track topped charts in more than two dozen countries and serves as the movie’s musical centerpiece.
“Golden” is Rumi’s battle cry as she reveals she is also a half-demon. The song was written by a team including Korean-American singer EJAE, who provides Rumi’s singing voice.
The tune has already won a Golden Globe, a Critics Choice Award and a Grammy. EJAE has spoken about her own past rejections from the K-pop industry.
“Rejection is redirection,” she said while accepting her Golden Globe. “And so never give up. It’s never too late to shine like you were born to be.”
