'K-pop Demon Hunters' Director Faces Backlash Following Character Inspiration Revelation
Netflix's latest animated film, 'K-pop Demon Hunters', has proven to be a global hit. Not only did it receive overwhelmingly positive reviews from both K-pop and non-K-pop fans alike, but the film's soundtrack also debuted in the top 10 of the Billboard 200 chart. Even actual K-pop idols themselves are taking part in the dance challenges on social media.
Naturally, when a film performs this well, fans are eager to learn more about the creative process. Who were the singers? How long did it take to bring the idea to life? Which K-pop idols inspired the characters? Director Maggie Kang has answered many of these questions, but unfortunately, her latest clarification has not been well received. Here's why:
'K-pop Demon Hunters' creator and director Maggie Kang has addressed several questions regarding the inspiration behind the character designs. Previously, she and her team revealed that Huntr/x were primarily inspired by girl groups such as BLACKPINK, TWICE, and ITZY, while the Saja Boys drew inspiration from BTS, Stray Kids, TXT and ATEEZ. As for the individual characters, BLACKPINK's Jennie (제니) was named as one of the inspirations for the main character, Rumi.
Following that revelation, numerous reports and social media posts began circulating, claiming that Jennie was the main inspiration behind the beloved fictional idol. Maggie Kang recently took to Twitter to clarify that Rumi was, in fact, inspired by many leading women in K-pop. 'Names are going around (individual idols + groups) because we only said 'yes' as they were mentioned by interviewers to us, but the list of inspirations for both Huntr/x and the Saja Boys is endless. This has already been clarified to the press.'
One might have thought that this clarification would put an end to the discussion. Unfortunately, many BLACKPINK fans were not pleased and accused the director of using Jennie for clout. Some expressed disappointment, pointing out how closely Rumi resembles Jennie during her 'Kill This Love' era, while others accused Maggie Kang of favouritism, noting that she is also a fan of BTS.
Fortunately for the creator, many came to her defence, pointing out that she never denied Jennie was one of the many inspirations behind Rumi. Others criticised fans for overreacting to the clarification, while offering insights into how character design typically works. Who would have thought that a simple clarification could spark a fan war? Hopefully, Maggie Kang remains unfazed by the criticism, as many fans are still holding out hope for a sequel to 'K-pop Demon Hunters'.
If you haven't seen the film, be sure to read our review or watch the trailer down below:
What's your Reaction?
+1
0
+1
0
+1
0
+1
0
+1
0
+1
0
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Star
2 hours ago
- The Star
K-drama 'When Life Gives You Tangerines' that made the president cry — and why it matters for South Korea's cultural policy
SEOUL: President Lee Jae-myung (pic) on Monday (June 30) underscored the power of culture in enhancing Korea's global standing, sharing how a hit drama series moved him to tears and convinced him of the nation's untapped cultural potential. Speaking at a meeting with cultural figures at the Presidential Office in Yongsan, Lee said watching the Netflix hit "When Life Gives You Tangerines" reassured him the industry could provide a turnaround in the nation's growth. 'It made me realise that Korea's cultural capabilities go beyond just music, and that we have new strengths to offer,' Lee said, adding that the drama's universal resonance, despite its deeply Korean themes, was proof of culture's ability to connect across borders. 'Now, I find myself thinking deeply about how we can nurture this potential, provide our people with access to high-quality culture, create jobs, and strengthen our national power through culture,' he said. Monday's event gathered some of Korea's leading cultural figures who have recently gained international recognition. Attendees included Kim Won-seok, director of "When Life Gives You Tangerines," which topped Netflix's Global Non-English TV chart; Park Chun-hue, who won multiple Tony Awards for the musical "Maybe Happy Ending"; and soprano Sumi Jo, who received France's prestigious Commandeur of the Order of Arts and Letters in May for her contributions to music and the arts. Emerging artists were also present, including Huh Ga-young, winner of first prize in the La Cinef section at this year's Cannes Film Festival with her short film "First Summer," and Park Youn-jae, a 16-year-old who became the first Korean male dancer to win the Prix de Lausanne in its 53-year history. Kim, who has yet to receive a formal award, made light of the moment. 'I'm the only one among the five of us here who didn't receive an award, yet I'm still here. It seems the tears of the president and first lady were the award,' Kim joked, adding that he intended to make viewers laugh, not cry. 'I never expected the entire nation to resonate and shed tears with us, but people liked it much more and for much longer than I had imagined.' The president shared that his vision aligns with that of independence leader Kim Gu, who once said that military power should be just enough to protect ourselves, economic power just enough for us to live well, but that culture is different because it only does good in the world and spreads positive influence. He hoped for Korea to become a nation with truly strong cultural power. "I feel that we are now standing at the entrance of becoming the kind of cultural powerhouse Kim Gu envisioned," Lee added. "I believe that if we, as a nation, significantly increase investment and support for the cultural sector, provide opportunities for the next generation, grow this into an industry and expand Korea's cultural influence globally, we can become a leading nation — a true global powerhouse. I think this could become our greatest strength. These days, just thinking about it makes me feel proud," he noted. He also acknowledged the challenge of appointing a culture minister capable of realising this vision. 'That's why I still haven't been able to appoint a Minister of Culture yet,' Lee said with a laugh. 'It's such a complex task that it needs to be someone who can handle all of this. I hope all of you will think about it too.' As of Monday, Lee has appointed 17 out of 19 ministers, with the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport still led by ministers retained from the previous administration. - The Korea Herald/ANN
The Star
2 hours ago
- The Star
Hybe to open India office this year, testing K-pop playbook from America to Asia
SEOUL: Hybe, the K-pop powerhouse behind BTS, Seventeen and Enhypen, is preparing to launch a new overseas branch in India between September and October, according to the company on Monday (June 30). The announcement comes just a month after Hybe announced its new office in Beijing, its fourth global subsidiary following Japan, the US and Latin America. The expansion is part of chairman Bang Si-hyuk's vision to export the K-pop production system -- a tightly integrated structure of talent scouting, training, music-making and fandom management -- into new markets. India, home to 1.4 billion people and one of the fastest-growing entertainment sectors in the world, is his next big bet. The new Indian office reflects Bang's longstanding belief that K-pop needs to evolve to survive globally. In a 2023 interview, Bang warned that while K-pop fandom is intensely loyal and engaged, that very focus may limit its global reach. 'To truly grow, we must remove the 'K' from K-pop and meet wider audiences in wider markets,' he said, pointing to the genre's relatively small global market share -- about 3 per cent -- and the rising popularity of Latin pop and Afrobeats. Though he has since stopped publicly using the phrase 'K-pop crisis' due to industry backlash, insiders say Bang has not backed away from the idea. 'He realised the weight his words carry in the industry, so he's been more discreet -- but his belief hasn't changed,' said an industry source. Hybe has moved quickly. It opened its Latin America and China branches in November 2023 and April 2024, respectively, and will follow with its India office in just a few months. 'This shows just how timely Bang wants to be in redefining the global K-pop model,' the source added. Among Hybe's global ventures, its US efforts show the most tangible results. Girl group Katseye -- launched through Hybe America -- made its debut in June 2024 and has already cracked the Billboard Hot 100, widely seen as the 'dream chart.' The multinational group applies Hybe's full-stack production approach, combining talent development, music production, management and marketing under a single chain. Bang personally oversees the group's music, choreography and visuals. Its debut EP, 'SIS (Soft Is Strong),' featured the double main track 'Touch,' which entered Billboard's Bubbling Under Hot 100 chart at No. 22. The follow-up digital single, 'Gnarly,' released in April, landed on both the Billboard Hot 100 and the UK Official Singles Top 100. Still, Katseye's impact remains mostly confined to the K-pop community. 'They haven't yet become part of mainstream or subcultural America. They're still being consumed within the K-pop bubble,' said music critic Lim Hee-yun. In Latin America, Hybe's business is just beginning to take shape. After opening its regional office in late 2023, the company launched two major artist discovery projects. One includes a TV audition show in collaboration with Mexican broadcaster Telemundo, and another aims to form a Latin boy band. All trainees go through a K-pop-style mentorship and training system -- a first for the region. Hybe Japan, meanwhile, has found clear success. Its Japanese boy band &Team surpassed 800,000 shipments with its third physical single, 'Go in Blind,' and received triple platinum certification from the Recording Industry Association of Japan in April. The group also topped Oricon's weekly single and composite single rankings in May. Hybe's second Japanese boy band, Aoen, also hit No. 1 on the Oricon chart with its debut this June. The group was formed through a televised audition show, a strategy that aligns with Bang's belief in localization through familiar media formats. In China, Hybe is treading carefully. Although it launched a branch in April, the company has no current plans to debut a local group. Instead, Hybe China will support promotional activities for existing Hybe artists and assess the market over time. Not everyone in the industry agrees with Hybe's vision. Grace Kao, a sociology professor at Yale University and longtime K-pop fan, says part of K-pop's global appeal is that it's distinctly Korean. 'K-pop stands out because we rarely see Korean or Asian faces in Western pop. Its unique songs, choreographies and aesthetics are a big part of the attraction,' Kao said. Paul Thompson, an American K-pop songwriter who worked with SM Entertainment artists like Exo, NCT and Taemin of SHINee, sees fundamental challenges in the localization effort. 'It might work in some ways, but it won't in others -- especially in cultures like the US that are very individualistic,' he said. 'In America, most pop or hip-hop artists write their own music and tell personal stories -- their heartbreaks, scandals, life struggles. That authenticity is key and K-pop's system doesn't allow for that,' Thompson added. Former YG producer Sinxity, however, sees Hybe's efforts more positively. 'Hybe is creating new demand by evolving its business model,' he said. 'K-pop may face limits within Korea, but globally it still has room to grow -- especially in niche markets.' - The Korea Herald/ANN
Sinar Daily
2 hours ago
- Sinar Daily
BTS to release first-ever live album "Permission to Dance on Stage" on July 18
It hopes the album serves as an opportunity for fans to "recall the memories" of the concerts and wished for "every moment spent with BTS to shine brightly in your hearts for a long time." 01 Jul 2025 02:17pm South Korean boy band BTS performs onstage during the 64th Annual Grammy Awards at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on April 3, 2022. Photo by Valerie Macon/AFP FILE PIX SEOUL - K-pop supergroup BTS will release its first-ever live album this month, the group's agency, BigHit Music, announced Tuesday, offering fans a chance to relive the global "Permission to Dance on Stage" tour, Yonhap News Agency reported. The album, "Permission to Dance on Stage -- Live," will roll out July 18, featuring 22 tracks recorded during the 2021-2022 tour, including live renditions of hit songs, such as "On," "Fire," "Dope" and "Idol," according to the agency. It said in a statement that it hopes the album serves as an opportunity for fans to "recall the memories" of the concerts and wished for "every moment spent with BTS to shine brightly in your hearts for a long time." Fans of K-pop boy band BTS pose for photos as they queue up for the annual 'BTS Festa' celebrating the group's debut anniversary at KINTEX exhibition centre in Goyang on June 13, 2025. Photo by Jung Yeon-je/AFP The "Permission to Dance on Stage" tour spanned 12 shows across three cities: Seoul, Los Angeles and Las Vegas. It drew a total of four million members of ARMY, the group's devoted fan base, through various platforms, including online livestreaming. The tour also marked a significant milestone for the septet, as they became the first Korean artists to perform at major United States (US) venues, including SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles and Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas. For the record, all seven BTS members have now completed their mandatory South Korean military service. Suga was the last member to be discharged, finishing his alternative service as a social service agent on June 21. This marks the end of the group's hiatus and fans are excited for a full reunion and potential new music from the group. - BERNAMA-YONHAP Permission to Dance on Stage
