KPop Demon Hunters has been riding a wave of massive success since its release on June 20, topping global music charts with its hit soundtrack and winning praise for its fresh take on the K-pop world. However, the spotlight on the film’s triumph has now shifted towards controversy, centering on its director, Maggie Kang.

What started as widespread praise for Kang’s vision has turned into fierce criticism, as fans of BLACKPINK’s Jennie accused the filmmaker of using the idol’s name as clickbait to boost the movie’s buzz. The backlash erupted after spreading rumours suggested that the film’s lead character, Rumi, was heavily inspired by Jennie — a claim that fans say was amplified in interviews and promotional discussions.

Fans of the Netflix film were quick to draw parallels between its characters and popular K-pop groups like BTS, ATEEZ, and BLACKPINK. This connection to real-life idols fuelled significant interest among fans, who enthusiastically engaged with the characters, especially the lead character, Rumi. 

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Director Maggie Kang’s Response

Director Maggie Kang’s recent comments on the inspiration behind Rumi further fuelled the controversy. Kang acknowledged multiple inspirations for the character, including prominent female figures within and outside the K-pop industry. However, her specific mention of Jennie sparked backlash from Jennie’s fans, who accused the film of exploiting her name for publicity.

In response to the criticism, Kang defended her remarks, emphasising the diverse inspirations behind not only Rumi but also other characters like members of the fictional bands HUNTR/X and Saja Boys. She expressed her understanding for the community’s passionate reactions while asserting the creative liberty taken in character development.

Fan Reactions to the Blackpink Debate

Fans are flooding social media with criticism, arguing that KPop Demon Hunters would not have gained the same hype without the repeated references to Jennie. Some even went as far as to label the film a “flop” without that association.

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However, not everyone agrees with this outrage. A large number of viewers have come forward to defend Director Kang, arguing that her comments were taken out of context and that drawing inspiration from multiple icons is common in creative projects. In response to the backlash, many are now calling out these ‘hardcore’ fans, describing their extreme reactions as toxic and mindless, and labelling this as yet another example of the unhealthy side of K-pop fandom culture.

The controversy has shed light on broader issues within the K-pop fan community, notably the toxicity and over-obsession often directed towards idols and their portrayals in media. Critics of the film’s portrayal argue that such controversies underscore underlying stereotypes and exploitation within the industry.