Netflix’s “KPOP Demon Hunters” Wins Two Critic’s Choice Awards

Netflix’s original animated film “KPOP Demon Hunters” secured two awards at the 31st Critics’ Choice Awards, hosted by the United States’ premier critics organization, the Broadcast Film Critics Association (CCA). At the ceremony held in Santa Monica, California, on the 4th local time, “KPOP Demon Hunters” took home the award for Best Animated Feature, while its theme song “Golden” won the award for Best Original Song.

“KPOP Demon Hunters” overcame strong competitors such as “Zootopia 2,” “Elio,” and “In Your Dreams” to claim the Best Animated Feature title. The theme song “Golden” defeated entries like “F1 The Movie” and “Wicked: For Good” to win Best Original Song. This track proved its global popularity by remaining at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart for eight consecutive weeks.

Director Maggie Kang, director Chris Appelhans, and the Korean-American artists IJae, Audrey, Nuna, and Lay Aimi, who performed “Golden,” stepped onto the stage to receive their trophies. In her acceptance speech, IJae said, “I felt like I was living my life indirectly through my character Rumi. This song is an expression of hope that allows one to believe they can write their own dreams and reach for them.” She added, “It is truly the greatest honor to be able to convey hope to countless people around the world through this song.”

“KPOP Demon Hunters” tells the story of a K-pop girl group named HUNTR/X who communicate with their fans while fighting against evil spirits. The film features not only K-pop but also various Korean cultural elements, sparking a new wave of interest in Hallyu amid its global popularity. It became Netflix’s most-watched film in history, and during its release, a special singalong version topped the U.S. box office.

The film had previously been nominated for five Grammy Awards and three Golden Globe Awards. It also received nominations in 10 categories at the Annecy Awards, tying with “Elio” as the most-nominated film. In her acceptance speech, Director Maggie Kang said, “This film’s journey began seven years ago as a personal love letter to Korean culture, a tribute to the power of music, and a message for everyone striving to harmonize who they want to be in the world with who they truly are inside. I am truly grateful to the fans who discovered this film and have supported it from the very beginning.”