KPop Demon Hunters took seven years to make, says creator

Since its release on Netflix in June, the original animated film KPop Demon Hunters has burned up the internet — and the charts.

- Regina Kim

NEW YORK — Since its release on Netflix in June, the original animated film KPop Demon Hunters has burned up the internet — and the charts.

The musical fantasy has topped the streamer's global rankings and inspired countless memes, dance challenges, themed merchandise and fan art. The movie's equally blockbuster soundtrack has stormed the music charts, with eight of its songs landing on the Billboard Hot 100.

KPop Demon Hunters follows the members of Huntrix, a fictional K-pop girl group, as they juggle demanding careers and fight to save the world from soul-stealing demons.

The film's directors and co-writers Maggie Kang — a Korean-Canadian veteran storyboard artist on films including Rise Of The Guardians (2012) and Puss In Boots (2011) — and American illustrator Chris Appelhans (who directed 2021's Wish Dragon) spoke about the making of their movie and its unexpected rise as a global cultural phenomenon.

Here are edited excerpts from the conversation.

Maggie, the story behind KPop Demon Hunters was your idea. What convinced you that a film which combines disparate elements like K-pop, animation, traditional Korean art and mythology, and demons could resonate with so many audiences?

Maggie Kang: Well, nothing did. I was just trying to make something I wanted to see: A movie that celebrated Korean culture. And for some reason, I landed on demonology. The