Netflix Animated Series 'K-pop Demon Hunters' Becomes 2025’s Most-Watched Content, Driving Global K-Pop Craze

The animated series 'K-pop Demon Hunters,' produced by Netflix and Sony Pictures Animation, was named Netflix’s most-watched content in 2025, playing a key role in fueling the global K-pop phenomenon. Directed jointly by Maggie Kang and Chris Appelhans, this series explores the universal theme of "shame and acceptance" through the lens of K-pop culture. By incorporating chart-topping songs, it transcends the boundaries of traditional cinema to exert a worldwide influence.

Australia’s K-pop community has seen rapid growth following the popularity of 'K-pop Demon Hunters.' Approximately 200 performers participating in the BrisAsia Festival in Brisbane are preparing K-pop showcases. Producer Alice Chang stated, "Many children have come forward wanting to learn K-pop since the movie was released." Suzi Coronado Veranes, owner of a dance studio, also confirmed the impact by saying, "Sign-ups for K-pop classes surged right after the movie premiered."

In 2025, the series’ theme song "Golden" topped Australia’s ARIA charts for 10 consecutive weeks and won a Golden Globe award this year. Meanwhile, BTS fans in Australia are excited about news of the group’s world tour. Vivi Pham Dac, a 13-year-old fan, said, "I really love BTS and Stray Kids. They compose their own songs, sing, and dance—they are extremely talented."

The production team behind HUNTR/X, the K-pop supergroup featuring Arden Cho, May Hong, and Ji-young Yoo in roles as Ko, revealed that a sequel is scheduled for release in 2029. While the first installment concluded as a light-hearted, action-focused adventure, the team expressed interest in delving deeper into the film’s darker themes and backstory in the sequel.

Arden Cho outlined the unresolved questions the sequel aims to address by saying, "The world is safe and the demons are gone, but will Seline accept Rumi? We don’t know. Will Rumi have a family? We don’t know. But we do know she has her friends." The team also stated their intention to explore the possibility of other half-demon characters like Rumi existing.