K-POP Demon Hunters Directed by Canadian-Korean Director Maggie Kang Sets New Record as Most Popular Netflix Title Ever

Netflix and Sony’s animated series “K-POP Demon Hunters” has achieved the highest success rate in Netflix’s history. Released in June, the series became Netflix’s most-watched film with 325.1 million views. By November, it surpassed 500 million views, overtaking “Squid Game” to become Netflix’s most popular title overall. Co-directed by Canadian-Korean director Maggie Kang and Chris Appelhans, this musical animated series follows Rumi, Mira, and Joy from the K-pop group HUNTR/X as elite demon hunters who protect fans from evil spirits known as “Gwima.” Rumi hides the fact that she is half-demon while serving as the group’s Leader, with the narrative focusing on her fear when her teammates discover her true identity and her journey to find her authentic voice. The musical achievements are even more remarkable. HUNTR/X’s theme song “Golden” topped both the Billboard Global (excluding the United States) and Global 200 charts simultaneously, marking the first time a virtual artist achieved this feat. A total of eight songs from the series made it onto the Billboard Hot 100 chart, while another virtual idol group, SAZABOYZ, had their song reach number one on the U.S. Spotify chart, setting a new record for K-pop groups. The series has also received significant attention at international film awards. “Golden” is nominated for five awards at the Grammy Awards, including Song of the Year, which will be held in Los Angeles on February 1. It is additionally nominated for Best Animated Feature, Best Song (“Golden”), and three Box Office Achievement categories at the Golden Globes, as well as for Critic’s Choice Award and Best Animated Feature at the New York Film Critics Circle Awards. The film also generated $24.6 million in box office revenue through screenings in English-speaking countries. Director Maggie Kang created this work out of her deep passion for Korean culture. She focused on incorporating Korean elements into every scene and design, carefully observing various locations in Seoul, from the alleyways of Bukchon to the brick designs in Myeongdong. Teddy from Double Black Label, choreographer Lee Jung, and members of TWICE contributed to the production of K-pop music, with Korean mythology and the traditional practice of female shamans in modern shamanism serving as core themes of the film. The economic impact of the series is substantial as well. The National Museum of Korea reported that cultural product sales in the first half of this year increased by approximately 34% compared to the previous year, reaching 11.5 billion won. Korean products such as Shin Ramyun and Ppaparo have become popular K-goods on global online shopping platforms. Actor Kevin Wu gained popularity among audiences at Madison Square Garden’s iHeartRadio Jingle Ball in December by portraying Mystery Saza, a member of HUNTR/X, and interacted with fans by performing “Golden” live. This global success, which exceeded the production team’s expectations, is regarded as a masterful achievement by a Canadian-Korean woman driving the globalization of K-culture. Production on a sequel scheduled for release in 2029 is currently underway.