Netflix’s “KPop Demon Hunters” Wins Oscars, Spurring Collaboration with McDonald’s

Netflix’s animated series “KPop Demon Hunters” has rewritten Oscar history. Featuring a unique concept in which K-pop girl groups serve as demon hunters, the show became the most-watched title in the platform’s history and recently won awards for Best Animated Feature and Best Original Song at the Oscars.

The win for the original song “Golden” holds particular historical significance. Composed by EJAE alongside Mark Sonnenblick and the renowned Korean production group The Black Label—composed of Yoo Han-ri, Nam Hee-dong, and Jun—this track is the first Korean song to receive an Oscar. Through this achievement, EJAE has once again written a new chapter in Oscar history.

Having emerged as a global phenomenon, the series is also rapidly expanding commercially. Within two weeks of its Oscar victory, Netflix announced a collaboration with McDonald’s. The fast-food chain released two new menu items inspired by the groups in the film: “Hunter/X Meal” and “Lion Voice Morning Meal.” Limited edition collector cards featuring the voice actors of Hunter/X Meal—EJAE, Audrey Nuna, Rei Ami—as well as those of Lion Voice Andrew Choi, samUIL Lee, Kevin Woo, and Danny Chung—were included with each meal, even giving rise to a secondary resale market.

The cast members emphasized the cultural and personal significance of this collaboration. EJAE stated, “It’s meaningful to see a global brand team up with a film that has become a worldwide phenomenon.” Kevin Woo described McDonald’s as “a symbol of home” for him. He explained, “Even though I lived in Korea and Japan, McDonald’s always provided a consistent and comfortable experience no matter where I was.”

Danny Chung linked the Big Mac to memories of his grandfather. He recalled, “When I first arrived in the United States, my grandfather took care of me. Though he wasn’t familiar with America, he knew McDonald’s. The memory of sharing Big Macs with him continues to this day.” samUIL Lee remembered McDonald’s as a place where immigrant families gathered on special occasions. Rei Ami described it as an affordable option that allowed working parents to spend time together as a family.

The success of “KPop Demon Hunters,” which has transcended the boundaries of the K-pop industry to become a global pop culture phenomenon, demonstrates how Korean culture is consumed across borders. It serves as evidence of how Hallyu is spreading at the intersection of various industries, including global streaming platforms, the Oscars, and international fast-food franchises.