Sony Pictures and Netflix Team Up for “KPop Demon Hunters” – Global Release on June 20

The animated film “KPop Demon Hunters,” a collaboration between Sony Pictures Animation and Netflix, will be released worldwide simultaneously on June 20. This hybrid action-musical animation is set in a dual world where the members of the globally popular K-POP girl group HUNTR/X function as dazzling idols on stage while hunting demons offstage. Directed jointly by Maggie Kang from Sony Pictures Animation, the studio behind “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse,” and Chris Appelhans, director of “Wish Dragon,” with producer Aaron Warner from the “Shrek” franchise, the project has generated high expectations among global fans since its production phase. The characters forming HUNTR/X are Rumi (Arden Cho), Mira (May Hong), and Joy (Ji-young Yoo). As a globally renowned K-POP group, they use the power of mysterious music to prevent invasions from the demon world. Meanwhile, the demons plan to steal the hearts and souls of these three members by disguising themselves as a charming boy band named “Saja Boys.” Korean actor Ahn Hyo-seop portrays the lead villain, the boy group leader Jinwoo, speaking in English thanks to his experience living in Canada. Ahn Hyo-seop said, “I still remember the excitement I felt when I first read the script. Acting as Jinwoo allowed me to explore a new way of working, and I enjoyed the process greatly thanks to directors Maggie Kang and Chris Appelhans, along with the excellent production team and cast.” The film was created with K-POP identity at its core. Director Maggie Kang explained the project’s origin by saying, “Koreans wanted to appear as protagonists in an animation and to showcase Korean demons. The idea came from wondering what these demon hunters do during the day if hunting demons is usually done secretly.” The actors and production team emphasized that this work aims for characters different from traditional Marvel female superheroes. Director Chris Appelhans commented, “Arden Cho, May Hong, and Ji-young Yoo bring the genuine charisma of real K-POP stars, along with their real vulnerabilities and sense of humor, while Ahn Hyo-seop and Jinwoo deliver the true emotional depth of a K-drama.” The film’s music features contributions from K-POP legends. Members of THEBLACKLABEL such as Teddy Park, 24, Danny Chung, IDO, Vince, KUSH, and DOMINSUK composed and produced the original tracks, with TWICE’s Jeongyeon, Jihyo, and Chaeyoung contributing an original song titled “Takedown.” The TWICE members said, “It was special to see K-POP and animation, two creative worlds, come together.” Director Maggie Kang stressed, “This ensures that our film and music have a rightful place within the K-POP world.” The voice cast is equally impressive. Actors such as Yunjin Kim, Joel Kim Booster, Liza Koshy, Daniel Dae Kim, Ken Jeong, and Byung Hun Lee are part of the film. Arden Cho, who voices Rumi, described the film’s meaning by saying, “It’s about culture, identity, and finding one’s place in the world. I wish I had something like this growing up.” Ji-young Yoo also commented on her character, saying, “These characters possess beauty, kindness, and strength, and they are not afraid to be themselves.”