Netflix’s Most-Watched Film Ever, “KPop Demon Hunters,” Showcases Korean Culture to the World

Maggie Kang witnessed her second-grade teacher in Toronto, Canada, fail to locate Korea on a map during her childhood. When Kang pointed out Korea’s position, the teacher was surprised to learn there was a country between China and Japan. “That moment shocked me, but it didn’t take away my pride as a Korean. Instead, it strengthened it. From that time on, I decided I wanted to show Korean culture to the world,” Kang recalled.

More than 30 years later, Kang received the Order of Cultural Merit from the South Korean government in Seoul. This award recognizes her contributions to promoting Korean culture abroad.

“KPop Demon Hunters” is a film that blends traditional Korean mythology with modern Korean Wave content. The HUNTR/X are a girl group that secretly hunts demons, while the Saja Boys are actually male groups composed of demons. Kang and co-director Chris Appelhans incorporated various Korean elements into every detail of the film. From retro color palettes and tile designs to the hair accessories worn by the female members, the film captures the specificity of Korean culture, bridging tradition and modernity.

Released in June, “KPop Demon Hunters” set the highest viewing record in Netflix’s history within 10 weeks. The director was invited to South Korea’s National Museum by its curator to express gratitude for the increase in visitors driven by the film. The movie won 2 Critics Choice Awards, 2 Golden Globes awards, and a Grammy for the song “Golden.” It also received 2 Oscar nominations.

“Golden” became the first K-pop song to win a Grammy. The film’s appeal was universal. Hollywood actor Josh Brolin admitted on Jimmy Kimmel Live that he cried while watching it.

Arden Cho contributed as a voice actor in “KPop Demon Hunters” and won the Best Voice Over Performance award at the 2026 Astra Film Awards. Cho starred in the supernatural hit series “Teen Wolf” from 2013 to 2016 and later appeared in Netflix’s drama “Partner Track.” This project marked the beginning of a new chapter in his career.