When my friend first asked me if we wanted to see K-pop Demon Hunters together, my first instinct was to cringe. The name wasn’t particularly appealing, nor was the synopsis, and after it ended I convinced myself it had no effect on me. But humming “Golden” absently weeks after proved me wrong.
K-pop Demon Hunters, for those who don’t know, is a movie made by Sony Animations, and was released over this past summer. It drew millions of views from people around the world almost immediately after its release—but why?
In short, it’s the songs. Of course, due credit must be given to the plot, animation, and characters, but the songs were the highlight of it for me. As someone who’s not normally into K-pop, I hit play thinking the songs would be average.
From the catchy beat of “Soda Pop” to the more heartfelt melody of “Free”, it’s no wonder that the movie became so popular so quickly.
But the songs, though they played a large role in the movie’s popularity, aren’t the only thing. The animation was vibrant, leaning into an aesthetic that fit perfectly with the K-pop world. It’s clear the animators had fun blending fantasy and pop culture — and it works.
The plot, in my opinion, is predictable, but it’s well-executed nonetheless. It follows K-pop superstars Rumi, Mira, and Zoey who, when they’re not winning over the world with their music, are playing their role as demon hunters to protect their fans from, well, the demons. Unique, but at the same time… not.
What makes it work is the heart behind it: the little moments that make the characters seem more relatable, like wanting nothing more than to eat their ramen even when they’re fighting demons. Voice performances manage to switch between comedy, sorrow, and sassy one-liners without it feeling forced, and I think that’s what tied it all together.
All in all, I’d give the movie a solid 7/10; while it can be cheesy at times with its predictable story, simplistic plot, and a few over-the-top elements, I appreciate the energetic animation and almost annoyingly catchy music. “K-pop Demon Hunters” is currently only available on Netflix.
