Netflix Animated Film “KPop Demon Hunters” Confirms K-pop’s Global Standing with Dual Oscar Nominations

The Netflix animated film “KPop Demon Hunters,” produced by Sony Pictures Animation, has proven K-pop content’s global influence by receiving dual nominations at this year’s Oscars for Best Animated Feature and Original Song.

Directed by Korean-Canadian filmmakers Maggie Kang and Chris Appelhans, the film follows a fictional K-pop female group named Huntrix who hunt demons at night. The movie features music composed by Korean music producer Teddy Park, with voice performances provided by Korean-American actors such as Arden Cho, Ji-young Yoo, and Audrey Nuna.

Having become one of Netflix’s most-watched titles, “KPop Demon Hunters” has already achieved strong results at major pre-Oscar awards shows. It won both Best Animated Feature and Original Song at the Golden Globe Awards in January, and it also took home the Best Animated Feature award at the Critics Choice Awards.

The film’s theme song, “Golden,” is performing well on U.S.-based music streaming platform charts as well. On the 2026 Brit Awards nominees released by the British Phonographic Industry on January 23, “Golden” was nominated for International Song of the Year, while the K-pop group HUNTR/X—comprising singers EJAE, Audrey Nuna, and Rei Ami—was named for International Group of the Year.

A total of five films are competing for Best Animated Feature at the Oscars. “KPop Demon Hunters”’ main rival is Disney’s new animated film “Zootopia 2.” Film critics from Variety and major betting agencies consider “KPop Demon Hunters” a strong contender to win this award. The film is praised for introducing a new animation style by combining the energy of K-pop music videos, the grandeur of superhero action, and the emotional depth of classic animation.

“KPop Demon Hunters” demonstrates Korea’s global cultural influence even in its visual elements. The film’s protagonists wear traditional Korean hats from the Joseon Dynasty era, and tigers—viewed as protective spirits in Korean culture—appear in the story. In particular, the folk art style used to depict the mischievous tigers in the film highlights a distinct Korean context, offering a clear cultural identity that differs from typical attempts to break stereotypes or “whitewash” Asian characters in Western popular culture.

The Oscars ceremony is scheduled to take place on March 15.