K‑Pop Demon Hunters, the animated action-fantasy musical from Netflix, has broken new ground, earning the highest combined critic and audience score ever for a Netflix original on Rotten Tomatoes. The film holds a 96% critic rating and an 85% audience score, making it one of the most celebrated animated features to debut on the platform.
A Double life of idols and demon hunters
Directed by Maggie Kang and Chris Appelhans, K‑Pop Demon Hunters follows HUNTR/X, a hit K-pop girl group made up of Rumi, Mira, and Zoey, who secretly live double lives as demon hunters. Their music acts as a mystical shield, protecting the world from soul-stealing demons. That mission is threatened when a rival boy band, the Saja Boys, led by the enigmatic Jinu, are revealed to be demons determined to tear down the barrier between humans and the underworld. Since its release on June 20, the film has taken Netflix by storm. According to data from FlixPatrol, K‑Pop Demon Hunters, topped Netflix’s movie charts in 41 countries by June 25, including the United States, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, Singapore, and Portugal. It maintained the top global movie spot on Netflix for four consecutive days, starting with 17 countries and quickly expanding its reach.
Star-studded voice cast
The film’s success is further elevated by its all-star voice cast. Arden Cho, known for her role in Teen Wolf, voices Rumi, while K-drama actor Ahn Hyo Seop lends his voice to Jinu, the enigmatic leader of the Saja Boys. May Hong and Yoo Ji Young bring life to Mira and Zoey, the remaining members of HUNTR/X. The supporting cast features prominent names such as Kim Yun Jin, Daniel Dae Kim, Ken Jeong, and Squid Game star Lee Byung Hun, adding depth and star power to the film’s vibrant ensemble.
Inspired by real K-Pop legends
In interviews, Kang shared that the characters were heavily inspired by real-life K-pop idols. The Saja Boys drew influence from groups like BTS, TXT, Stray Kids, ATEEZ, BIGBANG, and Monsta X, with Cha Eun Woo (Astro) and Nam Joo Hyuk serving as visual references for Jinu. The girl group HUNTR/X was modeled after Itzy, Blackpink, and Twice, while Mira’s character design was inspired by Korean model Ahn So Yeon. According to Kang, fans have enjoyed identifying real-world counterparts for each character’s style and role.
Music is more than a backdrop, it is central to the story and the film’s emotional resonance. Co-director Chris Appelhans explained that the idea of music as a force against darkness was inspired by BTS’s virtual concert during the COVID-19 pandemic, which offered a moment of joy and connection during global uncertainty.
A soundtrack by K-Pop’s biggest names
The soundtrack of K‑Pop Demon Hunters is crafted by some of the most celebrated names in both the K-pop and global music industries. Teddy Park of THEBLACKLABEL, known for his work with Blackpink and Taeyang, contributes alongside Grammy-winning producer Lindgren, who has collaborated with BTS and Dua Lipa. The music team also includes Stephen Kirk and Jenna Andrews, frequent collaborators with BTS, with executive production by Ian Eisendrath, whose credits span Broadway and popular television. Among the standout tracks are “Takedown,” performed by Twice members Jeongyeon, Jihyo, and Chaeyoung, and “Soda Pop” by the Saja Boys, a viral hit praised for its infectious beat and dynamic choreography. K‑Pop Demon Hunters has managed to combine pop culture, fantasy, and powerful music into a global sensation. With critical praise, strong audience reception, and cultural relevance, it’s not just a hit—it’s a landmark moment for animated storytelling on Netflix.