KPOP Demon Hunters Takes the World by Storm
The animated musical KPOP Demon Hunters has climbed to the top of Netflix’s charts, becoming the most respected film ever. Since its release in June, the film has been viewed over 236 million times, overtaking the action comedy Red Notice to take first place. This achievement is the latest in a series of chart-topping accomplishments by the film, which has become a surprising global hit.
A Global Phenomenon
Songs from the film have also been among the most streamed online on Spotify, with the track "Golden" reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 earlier this month. The film’s soundtrack has been a huge success, with many praising its catchy K-Pop songs and representation of traditional and modern Korean culture.
The Story Behind the Film
KPOP Demon Hunters is produced by Sony Pictures Animation and follows the adventures of the fictional K-pop girl band Huntr/X. The band’s three members use their music and combat skills to protect people from demons. The film was launched in June with a relatively low-key premiere in the Tudum Theater in Netflix in Los Angeles. However, over the summer, the film gained momentum through word of mouth and was boosted by viral videos and memes on social media.
The Music that Made it Happen
The film’s K-Pop songs have been a major attraction for many fans. Some of the producers and songwriters of the soundtrack are K-pop industry veterans who have worked with groups such as BTS and Twice. Maggie Kang, the Korean-Canadian co-director of the film, said that the music "really resonates with K-pop fans and legitimately fits into the K-pop room." Netflix has capitalized on the popularity of the songs, releasing a sing-along version in cinemas in the US, Canada, UK, Ireland, Australia, and New Zealand.
A New Level of Success
The sing-along version brought Netflix its first film number one at the US box office. Since then, the sing-along version has been released on the platform worldwide. Many songs on the soundtrack have entered the top 10 of Spotify’s Global Chart, with "Golden" still holding the top spot. The track, along with "Idol" by Saja Boys, the arch-enemies of Huntr/X in the film, has topped the US Spotify chart at different times. This achievement has put Huntr/X and Saja Boys on the same level as real-life K-pop juggernauts BTS and Blackpink.
What’s Next for KPOP Demon Hunters?
Talks of a film sequel are reportedly in the early stages. The KPOP Demon Hunter’s soundtrack has also achieved four simultaneous top-10 hits on the Billboard Hot 100. With its unique blend of music, action, and Korean culture, KPOP Demon Hunters has become a cultural phenomenon that shows no signs of slowing down.
