The Seven-Year Journey Behind the Animated Hit ‘KPop Demon Hunters’

Since its debut on Netflix last month, the original animated film 'KPop Demon Hunters' has captivated global audiences and dominated the streaming platform's charts. This musical fantasy has inspired a wave of memes, dance challenges—including some led by K-pop idols—alongside themed merchandise and vibrant fan art. Its soundtrack has also achieved remarkable success, with eight tracks entering the Billboard Hot 100.

'KPop Demon Hunters' tells the story of a fictional K-pop girl group balancing their demanding music careers with the secret mission of battling soul-stealing demons. Directors Maggie Kang, known for her storyboarding work on films such as 'Rise of the Guardians' and 'Puss in Boots,' and Chris Appelhans, director of 'Wish Dragon,' shared insights into the film’s creation and its unexpected rise as a worldwide cultural phenomenon.

The film originated from Maggie Kang’s vision. She sought to create a movie that celebrated Korean culture by merging diverse elements—K-pop, animation, traditional Korean art, mythology, and supernatural themes. Kang recalls being drawn to the iconic image of jeoseung saja, or Korean grim reapers, which she found both frightening and memorable from her childhood. This inspired the concept of demon hunters, portrayed as relatable female superheroes who are not defined solely by their looks but by their authentic personalities and insecurities.

Combining the secretive nature of demon hunting with the public spectacle of K-pop, Kang wanted to see if these contrasting worlds could coexist on screen. Her passion for K-pop culture and mythology shaped the film’s unique premise.

Chris Appelhans joined the project after being introduced by producer Aron Warner, who was impressed by Kang’s idea. Appelhans was immediately captivated, describing his excitement to collaborate on a story that felt fresh and emotionally resonant. Their complementary skills and shared enthusiasm helped them work seamlessly together throughout the production.

Pitching the film to Sony Pictures Animation came at the height of the global K-pop phenomenon, making the concept timely and appealing. Kang recalls the nearly seven-year journey from initial pitch to release, noting how the project gained momentum with early musical demos by vocalist Ejae, which helped solidify the film’s direction.

Despite occasional doubts about the project's viability, the creative team persevered. Appelhans emphasized that although the story opens with historical Korean settings, its themes of shame, connection, and music’s unifying power transcend cultural boundaries.

Kang explained that while her background includes work on broad-appeal films, she aimed to target a specific audience—teenage fans who passionately immerse themselves in K-pop culture. She sought to create a film that resonates with the intense devotion often seen among young fans, while also appealing universally through themes of romance, friendship, and self-acceptance.

The team recognized the moment they had struck a chord globally when fans began creating passionate TikTok videos and engaging in detailed discussions online. The responses mirrored the emotions and nuances the filmmakers had worked to capture for years.

The film is rich with Korean cultural references, from art and mythology to cuisine and pop culture. Kang, who has lived primarily in North America but identifies strongly with her Korean heritage, infused the project with influences from both Korean media and Western animation styles. Appelhans, who also immersed himself in Korean content, highlighted the diverse Korean talent involved in the production, ensuring authenticity throughout.

This cultural authenticity extended to specific animation details, such as replicating expressions from popular Korean dramas to bring nuanced character emotions to life. The collaboration underscored the importance of diversity at every level of filmmaking in creating something truly exceptional.