KPop Demon Hunters Stars Light Empire State Building in NYC Celebration

The animated film "KPop Demon Hunters" has become a global phenomenon, blending K-pop culture, Korean mythology, and vibrant animation to create an unprecedented audience experience. Its theatrical release in August 2025 has drawn comparisons to Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour, with screenings turning into lively sing-along events that engage fans as if at live concerts. The film's soundtrack has achieved remarkable success, with tracks like "Golden" by HUNTR/X reaching number two on the Billboard Hot 100 and the movie becoming the most-watched Netflix Animated Original ever, accumulating over 210 million views worldwide. Celebrating its success, the Empire State Building was lit in gold during a star-studded event in New York City featuring the film's leading voice actors Arden Cho, May Hong, and Rei Ami, who expressed pride in the film's impact and its power to unite fans through music. Co-writer Chris Applehans highlighted the collaborative nature of the animation and credited the voice cast for bringing the characters and songs to life, reinforcing the film's role as a beacon of connection and joy. The film's narrative centers on the K-pop band Huntr/x fighting against a rival group, the Saja Boys, who threaten to steal the souls of their fans, further enriching its unique blend of thrilling action and musical elements.