'Kpop Demon Hunters': Maggie Kang says the inspiration came from BTS

Inspiration rooted in K-pop fandom

At the JoongAng Ilbo 60th Anniversary Global Media Conference on September 18 in Seoul, director Maggie Kang shared how a BTS concert planted the seeds for 'KPop Demon Hunters.' She recalled being amazed by 50,000 fans singing in unison to Korean lyrics she herself did not know, a moment that impressed upon her the community and cultural power of K-pop.

That unity, she said, became the cornerstone of her creative vision.

Building a uniquely Korean identity

Kang, who moved to Canada at age five, emphasized that her mission was to make the film as Korean as possible. Partnering with co-director Chris Appelhans, she wove Korean folklore, cityscapes, and music into the story. The narrative began with Korea's rich demonology, later merging with the energy of K-pop to create an original world blending folklore with global pop culture.

Global acclaim and milestones

Since its release, 'KPop Demon Hunters' has shattered records, amassing over 300 million views worldwide to become Netflix's most-watched release. Its soundtrack reached equal acclaim, with lead track 'Golden' rising to the top of the Billboard Hot 100. Kang explained the music was crafted not as background but as an essential part of narrative development, carrying what she described as the "DNA of K-pop."

Redefining cultural representation

The story follows Rumi and her bandmates Mira and Zoey of fictional girl group HUNTR/X, who balance friendships, performances, and battles against demons. With 26 distinct costume changes for Rumi alone, the characters blend fashion, music, and myth. Kang stressed that her goal was to present authentic Korean female leads who are both aspirational and rooted in cultural identity - a vision that has now found global resonance.