KPOP Demon Hunters Reshapes Netflix History by Reaching 2.9 Billion Views, Amplifying K-Pop’s Global Influence

Netflix’s animated film KPOP Demon Hunters continues to perform strongly in its 12th week since release, solidifying its status as the most-watched content in Netflix’s history. Produced by Sony Pictures Animation, the film sparked a worldwide frenzy after being released on Netflix on June 20, 2025. It reached the top daily ranking in 31 countries three days after its release and surpassed 100 million views by the fifth week, becoming Netflix’s most-watched animated film at that point. By the tenth week, it climbed to number one as the most-watched content overall on Netflix, including both films and series. The movie depicts members of the K-Pop girl group HUNTR/X fighting against evil forces to save the world. According to Netflix’s official Tooniverse data as of September 10, the film had accumulated 291.5 million views, with a high likelihood of crossing 300 million views by the end of 91 days, exactly 20 days after its release. The film’s signature song has proven its global popularity with over 500 million streams on Spotify. Two new tracks were added to the deluxe soundtrack released on September 12: “Prologue (Hunters Mantra)” performed by EJAE and “Jinu’s Rain” sung by actor Ahn Hyo-seop. Per a Billboard report, a singalong version of the song was shown in select theaters in North America on August 23 before being uploaded to Netflix, allowing family audiences to sing along with the film’s characters. The two-day theater run generated approximately 28 billion won in revenue, making it the first OTT original film to top the box office charts. The exposure of K-food in the film has also yielded visible benefits for South Korea’s tourism economy. A comparison of credit card usage by tourists from Taiwan, the United States, Japan, and China in 2024 and the first half of 2025 by Shinhan Card’s Big Data Research Center showed a surge in spending on Korean cultural experiences. Usage at instant photo studios like “Life 4Cut” increased by 65%, while spending at museums featuring merchandise from the film’s characters rose by 37%. Usage at Olive Young (up 41%), Daiso (up 18%), and convenience stores (up 29%) also increased significantly, with K-beauty and medical tourism gaining popularity as well. Visits to plastic surgery clinics rose by 16%, dermatology clinics by 11%, and nail salons by 17%. GS25, a convenience store chain, launched collaboration products starting September 17. The lineup features K-food items such as tuna mayonnaise & Jeonju bibim half-roll (3,500 won), Jeonju bibim & jeulyuk couple rice balls (2,200 won), and a variety snack set (3,400 won). New ice cream flavors including “Ice Brûlée Golden Mango” (5,500 won) and “Ice Brûlée Soda Pop” (5,500 won) were also introduced. All products come with randomly included limited-edition stamps totaling 42 types, making them highly anticipated collectible items targeting global fans. The film’s success has dramatically expanded K-Pop’s global influence. Film-related challenges flooded online platforms like Shorts and social media, and the film’s signature song was even performed at a change of guard ceremony by the British Royal Air Force Band. Critics praised the film’s unique worldview, which satirizes K-Pop fandom loyalty while resonating with audiences worldwide by showing how fans’ love and passion can become a force to counter evil forces. In the film, HUNTR/X represents the idea that fans’ devotion and enthusiasm serve as a power to stop evil, honoring K-Pop fandom’s “stan” culture while also reflecting on the sometimes parasitic relationship between artists and fans.