Netflix's KPop Demon Hunters Tops Global Streaming, Spurs Sold-Out Singalongs

The Netflix original film "KPop Demon Hunters," a US-produced animated feature inspired by K-pop culture and Korean demon lore, has become Netflix's most-streamed movie, achieving 314.2 million views in three months. It follows a K-pop girl group descended from demon slayers battling a rival demon boy band, blending traditional Korean elements with a dynamic K-pop soundtrack, which has topped Billboard's Streaming Songs chart. The film has sparked global fan enthusiasm, with singalong screenings in South Korea, the US, and Canada, where audiences dress as characters and engage with the music live, enhancing the concert-like experience. Its cultural impact extends beyond cinema, driving increased visits to Seoul’s National Museum of Korea and inspiring covers by real-life K-pop stars, surges in ramyeon sales, and plans for a themed immersive zone in a major theme park. The film’s co-writer and director, Korean-Canadian Maggie Kang, emphasized authentic cultural representation, contributing to the film's wide appeal and success. This phenomenon reflects South Korea's growing global cultural influence and innovative approach to blending pop culture genres.