“K-Pop Demon Hunters,” the movie many judged at first, has blown up the media, setting several records with its unforgettable characters, amazing music, and cultural significance.
“K-Pop Demon Hunters” shattered Netflix’s records as the most-watched film ever, surpassing the previous top film “Red Notice” (2021) with a grand 325.1 million views as of September 19, 2025. In the music industry, the entire soundtrack achieved several chart successes, including reaching No. 1 on the Billboard 200 and having three songs simultaneously in the top five of the Billboard Hot 100. The film’s song “Golden” reached No. 1 on Billboard Hot 100, setting records for being the first fictional K-pop girl group to do so. Other significant songs include “Your Idol” and “Soda Pop” by Saja Boys.
The film included many aspects of traditional Korean culture by referencing folklore and mythology. The movie also focuses on Korean pop culture by involving music and choreography. “HUNTR/X” themselves are a representation of Korean shaman. They demonstrate shamanism by conquering demons through song and dance, which has been done historically to protect their village from evil. This also includes the famous blue tiger and magpie, which are based on late Joseon dynasty myths and paintings. There are many Korean folklore references regarding the Saja Boys, too. Their name is inspired by the Korean term Jeoseung Saja, which is basically the Korean grim reapers. They typically wore distinctive black clothing, which can be seen in The Saja Boys’ performance, “Your Idol.” Their symbol was also a lion because the word saja means lion in Korean. Finally, both fictional groups showed idol culture with glowsticks, fans, and performances–the source of power literally coming from the fans.
One of “K-pop Demon Hunters” many fans, Alice Kennedy, a freshman English, ethnic studies, and yearbook teacher, made it clear she enjoyed the movie from day one.
“I didn’t think it was going to be as good as it is,” Kennedy said. “I am really excited for potential sequels. I found it nice being able to watch the animation and see places I visited, and discuss the cultural aspects of it. For all the people who are saying they don’t like it and haven’t even watched it, try it, cause it’s really great.”
