Netflix’s “KPop Demon Hunters” Song Banned at an Anglican School in the UK

The song from Netflix’s animated film “KPop Demon Hunters” has been banned in a school due to religious concerns, sparking debate over freedom of faith and access to cultural content. Lilyfoot Church of England nursery school in Poole, Dorset, southern England, sent a message to parents on the 14th stating that some members of the school community felt deeply uncomfortable by references to “demons” in the film. The school explained that such themes are linked to “spiritual forces opposing God and goodness,” and asked parents to prevent their children from singing these songs at school as a way of respecting those who believe it conflicts with their faith. The film features a female K-pop group of three members named HUNTR/X, who use their musical talents and combat skills to protect humans from demons. It set a record for the highest number of views in Netflix history back in August, and its theme song “Golden” topped British charts for 10 consecutive weeks. Parents reacted differently to the school’s decision. An atheist parent told the BBC, “I think it’s absurd. My daughter is obsessed with K-pop, and her friends all like it too. It’s just a harmless and positive thing for kids to do to build confidence.” She added that her daughter and her friends performed with this song in after-school classes, calling the move “a bit forced and an unfair action.” On the other hand, Christian mother Becky Hunter Kellum supported the school’s decision, stating that some Christian families believe the spiritual themes in K-pop content can conflict with their faith. A fifth-grade student of Islamic faith also expressed the opinion that “KPop Demon Hunters” is inappropriate as children’s content because it does not align with Islamic values. In a follow-up message on the 17th, the school said it had received feedback from other parents indicating that the songs in the film convey positive messages such as teamwork, courage, and kindness. Acting headmaster Lloyd Arlington explained, “We fully respect parents’ rights to choose the content their children are exposed to at home, but we also want to take into account the diverse beliefs within our school community.” He noted that “for some Christians, references to demons can be extremely uncomfortable because they are perceived as spiritual entities opposing God and goodness,” and emphasized that it is the school’s role to help students understand that some of their peers may hold different views, while also supporting and respecting them as they uphold their beliefs. He added, “It was not our intention to tell parents that it is wrong for their children to enjoy this film or songs if it aligns with their beliefs and perspectives.” The school’s decision raises questions about how schools with students of various religions and faiths can maintain inclusivity while respecting the beliefs of all families.