Just when you thought K-pop couldn’t get more dramatic, KPop Demon Hunters swoops in with glitter, high notes, and glowing swords. Released on Netflix on June 20, 2025, this animated action-musical from Sony Pictures Animation follows the badass trio Huntr/x – Rumi, Mira, and Zoey – as they juggle screaming fans by day and soul-sucking demons by night. Think Sailor Moon, Blackpink, and Dante’s Inferno had a neon-lit baby – and yes, it sings. Loudly.
Plot: The Devil Wears Glitter
There’s trouble in Seoul. Literal demons, led by the brooding Gwi-Ma, are feeding off fans’ souls to break a magical barrier (called the Honmoon) that keeps evil in check. It’s up to Huntr/x, the girl group that’s part BLACKPINK, part Buffy, to slay demons with bangers and dance breaks. But plot twist – Rumi, the group’s fierce leader, is part demon herself. Add in a cursed ex-boybander turned villain (Jinu) and his demonic boy band Saja Boys, and you’ve got the most high-stakes K-pop comeback of the year.
Meet the Idols (and Demons)
- Rumi (Arden Cho) – Half demon, all diva. Rumi’s vocals can kill—literally—and her inner struggle gives the film emotional teeth.
- Mira (May Hong) – The group’s fashionista. Sings, slays, and styles her demon kills.
- Zoey (Ji-young Yoo) – The maknae with an attitude. She might look soft, but she’s sass and spells.
- Jinu (Ahn Hyo-seop) – Emo demon prince who moonlights as a K-pop heartthrob. Half regret, half eyeliner.
Bonus points for cameos and voice work from Ken Jeong, Daniel Dae Kim, Yunjin Kim, and Byung Hun Lee – because what’s a K-pop epic without a star-studded lineup?
Animation: Sparkle, Slay, Repeat
The film’s visual style is a love letter to K-pop aesthetics and anime action. Directed by Maggie Kang and Chris Appelhans, it’s a full-blown sensory overload in the best way possible. Neon cities, mythological beasts, and arena-stage showdowns all blend seamlessly. It’s like watching a Twice music video directed by Guillermo del Toro.
Soundtrack: Certified Bops Only
The Huntr/x track “Golden” smashed the Billboard Global 200 faster than you can say “Stan Huntr/x.” It’s catchy, empowering, and now officially TikTok royalty. Then there’s “Takedown,” a battle anthem that pairs existential angst with fire beats – a real “cry while dancing” situation. K-pop producers and composer Marcelo Zarvos understood the assignment and then some.
Themes: Fandom, Identity & Demon Drama
Beneath the eyeliner and epic fight scenes lies a surprisingly emotional story about identity, shame, and the pressures of perfection. Rumi’s part-demon dilemma mirrors real-world struggles with image and authenticity, especially in the hyper-curated world of K-pop. Meanwhile, Jinu’s redemption arc hits harder than a chorus drop.
It’s not just about fighting monsters. It’s about fighting the ones inside you – with glitter cannons.
Final Encore: A Perfect K‑O
KPop Demon Hunters is proof that animation, when paired with a great soundtrack and strong storytelling, can do what even the most iconic K-pop choreo does – leave you breathless, hyped, and maybe a little teary. Whether you’re here for the girl power, the demons, or the dance breaks, this one delivers on all fronts.
Verdict: 10/10 glitter bombs.
If you haven’t watched it yet… what are you waiting for? Gwi-Ma’s not going to banish himself.
