Overview

Set to premiere on Netflix on June 20, 2025, KPop Demon Hunters is a unique musical action fantasy film that blends K-POP with animation, brought to life by Sony Pictures Animation. Directed by Korean-American filmmakers Maggie Kang and Chris Appelhans, with a screenplay by Hannah McMechan and Danya Jimenez and an original concept by Maggie Kang, the film follows the adventures of the K-POP girl group Huntrix—comprising members Rumi, Mira, and Zoey—who lead double lives as global pop stars and secret demon hunters. 

Plot 

Rumi (Arden Cho), Mira (May Hong), and Zoey (Ji-young Yoo) are world-renowned K-POP stars who captivate fans on stage while covertly protecting them from supernatural threats as demon hunters. Their greatest challenge comes in the form of a rival boy group, the Saja Boys, who are secretly demons plotting to steal the souls of Huntrix’s fans. The film unfolds in Seoul, vividly showcasing Korean traditions and modern culture, with elements like Namsan Seoul Tower, Korean cuisine, traditional tiled roofs, and the geomungo seamlessly woven into the narrative. The story blends music, martial arts, and high-stakes battles in a thrilling showdown. 

Cast and Crew 

KPop Demon Hunters boasts an impressive voice cast. Arden Cho, May Hong, and Ji-young Yoo star as the Huntrix members, while Ahn Hyo-seop lends his voice to a member of the Saja Boys, infusing the film with K-drama flair. The cast also includes Byung-hun Lee, Yunjin Kim, Daniel Dae Kim, Ken Jeong, Joel Kim Booster, and Liza Koshy, adding depth and diversity to the ensemble. Produced by the team behind Sony Pictures Animation’s Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse and The Mitchells vs. The Machines, with animation by Sony Pictures Imageworks, the film is helmed by producer Michelle L.M. Wong, co-producers Scott Berri and Jacky Priddle, and composer Marcelo Zarvos, who crafts the film’s dynamic score. 

Music and Soundtrack 

True to its K-POP roots, KPop Demon Hunters features a stellar lineup of real K-POP artists and producers. TWICE members Jeongyeon, Jihyo, and Chaeyoung perform the film’s main theme, “Takedown,” a powerful track that embodies Huntrix’s fierce determination. The soundtrack includes contributions from K-POP heavyweights like Teddy Park (known for BLACKPINK), 24, Danny Chung, IDO, Vince, KUSH, and DOMINSUK, alongside artists such as EJAE, Audrey Nuna, REI AMI, Andrew Choi, Kevin Woo, samUIL Lee, Neckwav, and Lea Salonga. Director Maggie Kang noted, “Working with TWICE solidified the film’s K-POP identity, creating an authentic girl group vibe.” Co-director Chris Appelhans added, “Music is the heart of the film, and we went through countless revisions to perfect the soundtrack.” 

Cultural Significance 

KPop Demon Hunters goes beyond a musical animation, serving as a celebration of K-POP and Korean culture on a global stage. Maggie Kang shared, “I wanted to bring Korean characters to life in animation. This film is about K-POP, but also about culture, identity, and shining in your own space.” Arden Cho reflected, “Voicing Rumi made me wish I’d had a film like this growing up.” The film playfully incorporates Korean elements—ajummas, hanbok, and traditional tiger motifs—while delivering a vibrant mix of humor and heart. Its animation style, reminiscent of Akira Toriyama’s expressive flair and dynamic 3D character movements, has already garnered praise. 

Expectations and Reception 

Before the trailer’s release, the film’s unconventional premise raised eyebrows, but the high-quality animation and infectious K-POP energy showcased in the trailer have sparked widespread excitement. Fans and critics alike anticipate a visually stunning and culturally rich experience that appeals to both K-POP enthusiasts and animation lovers. KPop Demon Hunters is poised to be a groundbreaking addition to Netflix’s 2025 lineup, blending music, action, and cultural pride in a way that’s never been seen before.