Buffy, the K-Pop-Idol?

When I first heard about KPop Demon Hunters and saw the trailer, I thought, „Okay – Buffy as a K-pop idol? Could work.“ Besides, a complete movie pitch in less than three words – I hadn’t seen anything like that since „MTV Cops.“
But after learning more about the film, especially that it’s a musical with lots of K-pop songs, my interest waned at first. All the hype on Netflix and Spotify didn’t exactly pique my curiosity either. Nevertheless, I finally decided to watch it.

My opinion on KPop Demon Hunters: 

The film leaves me with very mixed feelings, and I don’t know (yet) exactly how to classify it. The story, visuals, action, character portrayal, and pacing are all top-notch – even if the ending was (almost) predictable relatively early on. Based on these criteria alone, it would undoubtedly be my top film of the year.
But then there’s the K-pop musical aspect, and that’s where the problem lies for me. I’m not a fan of today’s pop music, and the film offers plenty of it – very plenty. These catchy K-pop songs are composed in such a way that they immediately stick in your head (Golden and especially Takedown) – it’s very difficult to resist (foot, stop tapping). On the other hand, all of these songs are an essential part of the plot and actively drive the story forward. Nevertheless, this style of music is absolutely not to my taste, and some tracks literally make my ears bleed (Free, Soda Pop, everything by Saja Boys).

That’s exactly my problem:
The story and everything around it is really strong, and yes, the songs are always closely linked to the plot in terms of content. But the way these songs are staged – from the lyrics and tempo to the highly polished production – keeps pulling me out of the immersion. Perhaps this is simply a matter of personal taste, as I don’t really connect with this modern, high-gloss K-pop aesthetic.

In summary I would say that for me, the film is both an A+++ and a D. How you ultimately rate it depends almost entirely on your opinion of todays pop music- especially K-pop – and how much you like or dislike this style. Even if, like me, you’re not a fan of K-pop, it’s worth giving the film a chance because the story, animation, and production are outstanding. However, you should be prepared for the fact that some of the songs can be a test of patience.

BTW: Towards the end, I got some distinct Rock & Rule (1983) vibes – but in my ears(!), that cult film had much better music – worlds better, in fact.

Here is some additional information about KPop Demon Hunters (warning: minor spoilers).

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Plot

KPop Demon Hunters tells the story of Huntr/x, an acclaimed K-pop girl group consisting of Rumi, Mira, and Zoey, who are also secret demon hunters. This dual role forces them to balance their glamorous public lives with a dangerous nighttime mission. Their task is to protect humanity from supernatural threats with the help of music that unleashes magical energies and the protection of an ancient seal called Honmoon. This seal is the last barrier against a flood from the underworld, and each of the group’s performances is not just a concert, but a ritual act to strengthen its power. Harmony is disrupted when the demonic boy band Saja Boys appears – charming, dangerous, and with the ability to corrupt the hearts of fans with their hypnotic songs, thereby weakening the Honmoon. The feud develops not only into a musical competition, but into a battle for the fate of the world. Particularly tricky: Rumi is half-demon herself, a legacy she hides from the others, and she increasingly struggles with the loss of her unique voice – a source of power that is crucial for maintaining the seal.

History of Origins

Director Maggie Kang combined Korean folklore, K-pop aesthetics, and the visual language of anime in this project to create a distinctive style that appeals to both younger and older audiences. She drew inspiration from her own cultural background and wanted to create a work that seamlessly blends Western and Eastern storytelling traditions. The film was produced by Sony Pictures Animation and brought to life by Sony Pictures Imageworks, where an international creative team of animators, music producers, and cultural consultants worked closely together to ensure authenticity. Since the initial concept phase in 2021, when the first storyboards and music demos were created, the project has grown steadily – from a small idea to an elaborate, big-budget animated film. The international Netflix release in June 2025 marked the culmination of this development and opened the film to a global audience. The characters reflect influences from real K-pop groups – Huntr/x is based on bands such as Itzy and Blackpink, Saja Boys on BTS and Stray Kids, with costumes, stage sets, and choreography carefully researched and adapted to appear credible and original at the same time.

Music

Cultural phenomenon

With over 150 million streams, the film is one of the most-watched English-language Netflix productions and remains in the top 10 charts weeks after its release. It has inspired viral dance challenges, elaborate cosplays, fan art in all styles, and the formation of international fan communities that organize themselves online and at conventions. Live performances such as TWICE’s performance of „Takedown“ at Lollapalooza, accompanied by spectacular drone formations, pyrotechnics, and synchronized light shows, further fueled the hype and set new standards for cross-media music events. The enthusiasm has also led to collaborations with brands, limited-edition merchandise, and official fan events. Sequels, spin-offs, and even musical adaptations are already in the works, accompanied by rumors of a possible series adaptation to further expand the universe.

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