Netflix’s “KPop Demon Hunters” and K-POP Idols Drive Global Spread of Korean Culture Through Hanbok and Traditional Instruments

Netflix’s action fantasy animation “KPop Demon Hunters” has generated enthusiastic responses from global fans by blending K-POP culture with Korean traditions. Featuring K-POP superstar characters named Rumi, Mira, and Joy as hidden heroes who protect the world behind the dazzling stages, this series stands out as an original creation that fuses K-culture with genre-specific imagination. Director Maggie Kang explained her creative intent by stating she wanted to create a work that could showcase Korean culture and mythology. The production team visited Korea in person to experience hanoks, Korean cuisine, street scenes, and more, carefully integrating these elements into the series. Given that K-POP is a central theme, they conducted in-depth research on music, performances, and styles, with many talented individuals possessing Korean expertise contributing to achieve a perfect portrayal of K-POP. The girl group TWICE also participated in creating the original soundtrack, further enhancing the quality of the series. Meanwhile, K-POP idols are actively incorporating Korean traditional culture into their music and performances. NewJeans appeared on stage at the “2024 Korea On Stage - New Generation” concert held in Gyeongbokgung’s Geunjeongjeon Hall in 2024, wearing hanbok reinterpreted with a modern aesthetic. Danielle of NewJeans, though born in Australia, grew up in Korea and said she “experienced both Eastern and Western cultures,” expressing her desire to contribute her “small part” to the preservation and promotion of Korean culture. Danielle wore a bright pink skirt paired with a purple jeogori made of organza, while Mira, Haerin, and Hanni wore light tops over hanbok skirts with ruffles. The Korean clothing company Hapley, which created the hanbok, explained its design philosophy on Instagram by stating it “reinterpreted hanbok in a balletcore style, adding a tutu-like flare to the dresses.” BLACKPINK has also worn outfits inspired by hanbok, and SUGA incorporates melodies from Korean traditional instruments into his music. IVE includes elements of Korean folklore in its lyrics, showing how various K-POP groups integrate Korean culture into their music in different ways. These efforts are regarded as successful examples that convey the appeal of Korean culture to fans around the world by overcoming barriers of nationality and language. By combining artistic expression with traditional culture, K-POP idols are leading the global expansion of Korean culture.