‎'K-Pop Demon Hunters' Review: Netflix's Stylish K-pop Supernatural Comedy Slays with Music, Monsters and Romance

By: Shawn
‎In the universe of K-pop, fans aren't just supporters—they're a vital force. That’s the central message driving K-Pop Demon Hunters, a high-energy animated action comedy from Sony Pictures Animation. The studio behind Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse and The Mitchells vs. the Machines now turns its talents toward a dazzling, genre-bending film that mashes up supernatural battles, chart-topping girl groups, and rom-com tension—all fueled by K-pop fan culture.
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‎From left, the girl group musicians Zoey (voiced by Ji-Young Yoo), Rumi (voiced by Arden Cho) and Mira (voiced by May Hong) in “KPop Demon Hunters,” an animated film on Netflix.
‎Netflix
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‎Premiering on Netflix the same day Pixar's Elio lands in theaters, K-Pop Demon Hunters might just be the surprise animated hit of the season. The film introduces Huntrix—a globally adored girl group moonlighting as demon slayers. The trio includes the blade-wielding Mira (May Hong), bold rapper Zoey (Ji-young Yoo), and mysterious orphan Rumi (Arden Cho). Together, they harness the devotion of their fanbase to generate a magical forcefield, the “Golden Honmoon,” which keeps otherworldly threats at bay.
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‎When the demonic villain Gwi-Ma (Lee Byung-hun) sends his charismatic protégé Juni (Ahn Hyo-seop) to sabotage Huntrix by launching a rival boy band, the Saja Boys, it sets off a battle not only for Earth’s safety—but also for fan loyalty. Add in unexpected romantic sparks between Rumi and Juni, and the stakes soar higher.
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‎Directors Chris Appelhans (Wish Dragon) and Maggie Kang lean into Korean pop culture, blending manhwa-inspired visuals, punchy comedic timing, and vibrant animation. Rather than ultra-fluid motion, characters strike bold silhouettes, a stylistic nod to Korean webtoons and classic anime that gives the film a distinctly Korean aesthetic.
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‎Packed with humor and kinetic flair, the movie also delivers visual gags that feel refreshingly new. From eye-popping heart-shaped pupils to popcorn tears, K-Pop Demon Hunters avoids cartoon clichés while celebrating the over-the-top emotions of K-pop fandom. Even its demon-fighting sequences are more glitter and confetti than gore, keeping things family-friendly and fun.
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‎The movie's heart lies in Rumi’s struggle—torn between her demon heritage and her human side, all while hiding her true identity from her bandmates. Her voice loss subplot slows the pace but allows for poignant character beats and joyful interludes like spa trips and bubble tea breaks.
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‎Musically, the film delivers. With tracks from Ejae, Audrey Nuna, Rei Ami, and a standout duet by Ejae and Andrew Choi, the soundtrack mixes Korean and English lyrics for maximum global appeal. Even Twice joins the party with a dynamic cover of “Takedown” during the end credits.
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‎Smart, stylish, and emotionally grounded, K-Pop Demon Hunters is more than a musical or action flick—it’s a vibrant ode to the power of fandom, friendship, and finding harmony between two worlds.

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