Netflix’s “K-pop Demon Hunters” Ranks No. 1 in 22 Countries Worldwide Shortly After Release

Netflix’s animated series based on K-pop, “K-pop Demon Hunters,” rose to the top of the global film rankings just one day after its release on the 20th, earning praise from fans around the world. According to FlixPatrol data, as of the 21st, it held the first position in 17 countries including the United States, France, Germany, Thailand, and Hungary, and later achieved the top spot in 22 countries total. The series features Rumi, Mira, and Joy from the superstar girl group HUNTR/X as hidden heroes who protect the world behind the dazzling stages. It was produced by Sony Pictures Animation, the same studio behind works such as “Spider-Man: Across the Universe.” It was co-directed by Canadian-Korean director Maggie Kang and Chris Appelhans, who used K-pop not merely as a backdrop but as a core element of storytelling, impressing international audiences. The production team accurately captured the essence of the K-pop industry, as stated in reviews that highlighted its clever humor in poking fun at highly produced pop culture elements ranging from K-pop and K-dramas to singing competitions. Variety analyzed that the series stood out from other works thanks to its catchy choreography and dance moves. On Rotten Tomatoes, it received high ratings with a freshness score in the 95% range from both critics and average users. Overseas viewers praised the meticulous attention to detail in Korean culture and design, including hanbok, designs of Korean folk monsters, the HUNTR/X logo, stage costumes, and weapons. The combination of the tiger and magpie motifs from traditional Korean culture, along with background inserts of classic K-pop songs, also received positive feedback. Actor Ahn Hyo-seop participated in the English dub as Jin-woo, the leader of the male group Sazaboyz who acts as a messenger to the afterlife, while Lee Byung-hun took on the role of the evil spirit Gwi-ma, delivering voice performances in both English and Korean. TWICE members Jeongyeon, Jisoo, and Chaeyoung contributed to the OST “Takedown,” and three hit songs by HUNTR/X — “How It's Done,” “Golden,” and “Takedown” — are included in the soundtrack. Music producers such as TEDDY, co-founder of THEBLACKLABEL, Grammy winner Lindgren, and Grammy nominee Steven Kirk helped elevate the musical quality. This film is currently the most popular title on Netflix, and its OST, “K-pop Demon Hunters (Soundtrack from the Netflix Film),” has surpassed 1 billion streams. International K-pop fans desire for HUNTR/X to become a real group and are calling for sequels and a series continuation. They express enthusiastic support, stating that these characters should truly become a K-pop group.