‘K-pop Demon Hunters' directors Maggie Kang and Chris Appelhans on representing Korean culture and creating Huntr/x

The Hindu

2 days ago

Weeks after the release of Netflix's most-watched original animated film of all time, Kpop Demon Hunters, people still can't seem to stop dancing and singing to 'Soda Pop', 'Golden' or 'Your Idol'. This week, four songs from this American animated musical-fantasy film have made it to the top 10 of the Billboard Global Music Chart, even as fan theories continue about whether the film will get a sequel.
The film follows the lives of a fictional K-pop girl group, Huntr/x, belonging to a long legacy of female demon hunters, tasked with keeping a magic barrier strengthened through their singing. The 'honmoon' seals demons from stealing souls of people and feeding them to their demon overlord. It isn't long before they face hurdles in the form of the Saja Boys, demons disguised as a preppy boy group. Since the movie's release, the girls have gone on to become badass superhero inspirations and fashion icons.
For directors Maggie Kang and Chris Appelhans from Sony Pictures Animation, who co-wrote and co-directed the film, the film's global success has been exhilarating. 'At the core, it's a story about people trying to find love and acceptance in the world, despite their imperfections,' Chris says, of the film resonating with audiences across the world.
Global themes
'In a movie like this, one that is set in Korean culture and features Korean characters, it tells an audience that no matter who you are and where you come from, we all want love and acceptance. It's a very global theme,' adds Maggie.
The challenge for Maggie and Chris was in creating main characters who were believable as real K-pop stars, and as real people. 'A lot of hard work went into creating their musical identities, casting vocal talent, unique choreo, and of course, writing great songs. But it was just as important to develop them as humans — their friendship, their fears, their favourite snacks and pajama pants,' says Chris, of Zoey, Mira and Rumi, the three main protagonists.
'We've both wanted to see more relatable female characters, ones that are messy, act silly, make stupid faces, and we thought it would be especially refreshing to see that in the superhero space. It felt like a new take on the female superhero,' says Maggie, adding that she wanted the film and the trio to look 'fashionable and editorial'.
The team spent a considerable amount of time getting the casting right. Arden Cho, who voices Rumi, and Ahn Hyo-Seop, who voices Jinu in particular, Chris says, had to balance a lot in their characters. 'Beyond being talented, they were both really dedicated. It took many hours and many recording sessions to find that balance, but they both determined to nail it,' Chris recalls.
Since its release, the film has garnered much praise for its referencing of Korean culture, mythology, and even how real locations in Seoul were turned into visually stunning animated frames in the film. Maggie, who was born in Korea and brought up in Canada, says they travelled to South Korea as a team to research locations. 'You can't feel the energy of a city from photos. You can only get that by being in it, and I think that trip really helped us capture all the special details of our locations — the narrow alleys of Bukcheon Hanok Village, and the nature and beauty of Jeju Island,' she says. The area of Myeongdong, which features prominently in the film, holds a special place in her heart as she was born there, and it was also where her parents met for the first time.
Representing Korean culture onscreen
'I grew up in Canada during a time when Korea wasn't really known. My third-grade teacher couldn't even find Korea on the map when I told him where I was from. That was kind of the norm for years for me — Korea being this insignificant country between powerhouses China and Japan. So to see Korean culture embraced and loved globally, it's unbelievable,' Maggie says, when asked about how important it was to represent Korean culture the right way onscreen. 'It makes me so proud that the beauty of our culture and our people is appreciated, so I wanted to celebrate that through the movie,' she adds.
Chris, too, has a Korean connection; his wife is Korean-American, and he jokes that if they had gotten anything wrong, he would have been the shame of his in-laws for all of eternity. 'But in all seriousness, we had an incredible crew with many Korean members who brought their own knowledge and personal experience, and that added so much depth and authenticity. It shows how important it is to have diversity in animation, not just in a leadership role like Maggie's, but across every department,' he says.
Theories have been swirling about which specific idol or K-pop group inspired the Saja Boys, but Maggie is quick to set the record straight. 'We were inspired by all of K-pop,' she says. 'Yes, we built reference boards, but really, it's not fair to name specific groups because so many were on them. For me personally, one of the biggest references was H.O.T., which is my original favourite group from the '90s. They used to go from a very cutesy, bubble gum single, do a complete 180 and go dark and hard for the next single, and that was one of the references for the Saja Boys going from 'Soda Pop' to 'Your Idol,' she adds. The Jeoseung Sajas, or the grim reapers of Korea, were what the Saja boys were always going to be, Maggie says, which is why while they begin with the breezy 'Soda Pop', they end with the dark and brooding 'Your Idol'.
Movies centred around music are now truly having a moment in the spotlight. Closer home, the title track of Ahaan Pandey and Aneet Padda's Saiyaara is also on the Billboard Top 10 global chart this week, alongside four songs from K-pop Demon Hunters.
So what does it take to get that perfect soundtrack for a film where everything hinges on the music? 'We really worked to make sure the songs had a pop catchiness but also a story purpose. In hindsight, I think it helped us write great pop songs because each one had a compelling story to tell,' Chris says. Music Producer Ian Eisendrath and Spring Aspers at Sony were instrumental, he adds, in giving them talented songwriters to collaborate with and, more importantly, creative protection to develop the songs without too much interference.
'We also made sure no two songs feel the same. Our movie has many different tones throughout, and so it meant naturally our soundtrack would feel like that too. Every song has a different vibe and a different kind of message, and I honestly think that's what makes the soundtrack so exciting,' Maggie says of the smash-hit soundtrack.
When asked about the possibility of a sequel for a film that seems to have so much more of a story to take forward, both directors remain mum. So until an official announcement comes by, it's endless rewatches and the soundtrack on loop for the fans.
Kpop Demon Hunters is currently streaming on Netflix