As the lights flash on and the bass drops, Sony Pictures’ “K-pop Demon Hunters” dazzles viewers with an experience more captivating than expected. What could have been a musical disaster at mashing two unrelated genres—K-pop and supernatural action—is a masterful and refreshing take that gives viewers something new to appreciate.
Directors Maggie Kang and Chris Appelhans bring viewers to the animated world of “K-pop Demon Hunters,” where famous idol girl group HUNTR/X, comprising Rumi, the leader and vocalist; Mira, the dancer; and Zoey, the rapper, inherit a legacy of demon hunting spanning generations to protect humanity. Utilizing their songs and performances, they are tasked with strengthening the Honmoon, a barrier that, once turned golden, would permanently seal the demons and their leader, Gwi-Ma, from their world. Things go awry, however, when Rumi’s voice shows signs of deterioration, all stemming from a growing internal struggle she keeps hidden, even from her group mates. While HUNTR/X is unable to perform, a rival idol group emerges—the Saja Boys, a five-member demon boy band led by demon Jinu, created to lure away HUNTR/X’s fans. As their popularity skyrockets, tension grows thick, and the internal struggles of each HUNTR/X member, once concealed, grow more apparent. But behind the animosity and conflict between the group lie two leaders—both carrying vulnerabilities and secrets accidentally revealed—whose interactions will drive Rumi to question whether or not their battle is truly so black-and-white as it seems.
Overall, this action and comedy film is a solid animated movie. Its fusion of two usually unrelated genres allows it to stay refreshing, its plot twists are often surprising, and the addition of humor keeps the experience fun for viewers. However, those familiar with stories following a similar narrative arc may find the film’s ending to be somewhat predictable.
On the technical side, while the score was good, what stands out the most in the film is its soundtrack. From over three years of development in collaboration with The Black Label, a K-pop company co-founded by renowned producer Teddy Park, Executive Music Director Ian Eisendrath has brought 12 songs of various genres, many of which have topped charts. From the fizzy, cheerful energy of Saja Boy’s “Soda Pop” to the intensity of “Takedown” sung by HUNTR/X, each song is a track worth exploring.
Another one of the film’s biggest strengths is its emotional and thematic depth. Though “K-pop Demon Hunters” is full of humor and lightheartedness, it also sheds light on a variety of harsh realities and internal struggles. The inner conflicts that are built behind each main character allow for the examination of several real-life struggles faced by many today, such as the expectation that one’s “faults and fears must never be seen” in the K-pop industry, and the shame and guilt experienced in self-hatred. It is the emotional journey the viewers are taken on that builds emotional resonance and connectivity, ultimately expanding the film’s emotional impact.
Nevertheless, while the protagonists are multi-dimensional and receive satisfactory character development, the film would have benefited greatly if it had expanded on the characters of the rest of the Saja Boys. Their limited character development feels like a wasted opportunity for further theme development.
As for the film’s visuals, its development over a lengthy nine-year period shows quite clearly in the animation quality. Adopting a “hybrid 2D-3D style,” the animation is consistently smooth and visually stunning. Each fight sequence is flawlessly animated, and even the most mundane moments of the movie seem to have been created with care.
Despite its minor flaws, “K-pop Demon Hunters” is a wonderful animated work that not only gives viewers something to laugh and think about but also a soundtrack worth trying out. With a sequel expected to be in the works, there is certainly more to look forward to.