Latest news with #K-PopDemonHunters
Time of India
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Did BLACKPINK's Jennie inspire HUNTR/X's Rumi? 'K-pop Demon Hunters' creators set the record straight
Netflix's animated film K-Pop Demon Hunters has made a strong impression of fans across the globe since its release on June 20. It has captivated audiences with its bold mix of K-pop glamour, supernatural action, and high-energy songs. With its stunning visuals and thrilling storyline, the film has left fans entertained - and already craving more. While excitement continues to build, with many asking for a sequel, at the same time, fans have been busy drawing comparisons between the film's characters and real-life K-pop idols. While directors Maggie Kang and Chris Appelhans have explained that the characters were inspired by a blend of various idol groups and artists, some viewers remain convinced they've spotted specific resemblances. some boards i worked on for plane fight #KPOPDEMONHUNTERS BLACKPINK's Jennie inspired Huntrix's Rumi? The story follows HUNTR/X, a rising K-pop girl group composed of Rumi, Mira, and Zoey - idols by day, secret demon hunters by night. Beneath the spotlight and infectious pop hooks, the trio is charged with defending the human world from dangerous spirits that slip between realms. Their greatest challenge comes in the form of the Saja Boys, a mysterious group with deep connections to the spirit world. The story unfolds as a high-stakes battle that pushes far beyond choreography and press conferences, blending action, pop culture, and heartfelt emotion into a vibrant fusion of fantasy and fame. Among the buzz, fans of BLACKPINK have pointed out strong similarities between Rumi and Jennie, sparking a wave of comparisons on social media. Even major music charts joined in, amplifying the chatter with retweets on X (formerly Twitter). HUNTR/X's Rumi isn't just Jennie Clearing the air, Maggie Kang posted on X: "Rumi was inspired by many leading ladies, some not even K-Pop. Names are going around (individual idols + groups) bc we only said "yes" as they were mentioned by interviewer to us but list of inspo for both Huntr/x & Saja Boys is endless. This has been clarified by us to press." Rumi was inspired by many leading ladies, some not even K-Pop. Names are going around (individual idols + groups) bc we only said 'yes' as they were mentioned by interviewer to us but list of inspo for both Huntr/x & Saja Boys is endless. This has been clarified by us to press. Origin of 'K-Pop Demon Hunters' Chris Appelhans had shared that the idea for the film was born during the isolation of the COVID-19 pandemic. "Maggie and I began planning this film during the pandemic - a time when people all over the world were struggling to feel connected. Then BTS held an online concert, and suddenly millions of people, including us, were singing and dancing to 'Dynamite' from our homes. For a moment, the world felt a little brighter." Appelhans closed with a heartfelt wish: "Through the characters' journeys and the songs they sing, I hope viewers can feel even a fraction of the joy and light BTS gave us during that time." For all the latest K-drama, K-pop, and Hallyuwood updates, keep following our coverage here.
Business Insider
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Business Insider
A complete guide to every major character in 'Squid Game' season 3, and who plays them
Seong Gi-hun In season one, Seong Gi-hun (Player 456) was a broke divorced father who participated in the games to pay off his debts and his mother's diabetes treatment. However, he loses his sunny personality after witnessing his friends die in the games, and his mother dies of her disease. In season two, he tried to take down the organization running the games, but instead signed up to compete again, hoping to disrupt from the inside. After his rebellion failed, and the game guards kept him alive, Gi-hun is looking for a new reason to live and hope in season three. Gi-hun is played by Lee Jung-jae, who starred in "The Acolyte." Hwang In-ho / The Front Man Hwang In-ho, also known as the Front Man, is the leader of the games. In season two, he infiltrated the games as Player 001 to manipulate Gi-hun and find out his plan to disrupt the games. At the end of season two, he faked his death over the radio to Gi-hun during the rebellion so he could return to his role as leader of the games. Lee Byung-hun, who starred in "GI Joe: The Rise of Cobra" and Netflix's "K-Pop Demon Hunters," plays In-ho. Hwang Jun-ho Hwang Jun-ho is In-ho's brother and a police detective. In season one, Jun-ho infiltrated the games to find his brother. Jun-ho discovers that In-ho is the leader of the games. To protect his secret, In-ho shoots Jun-ho, who then falls off a cliff. Jun-ho survives and, in season two, he works with Gi-hun to track down the games to stop them for good. Wi Ha-jun plays Jun-ho. Choi Woo-seok Choi Woo-seok was introduced in season two as an employee of Gi-hun's former creditor, Mr Kim. He helped Mr Kim and Gi-hun find the recruiter for the games. After the recruiter kills Mr Kim, Woo-seok vows to help Gi-hun take down the organization running the games. At the end of season two, he and Jun-ho use boats to track down the island where the games are taking place. Kang Dae-ho Kang Dae-ho (Player 388) is a former marine and ally of Gi-hun. In the season two finale, he takes part in the rebellion, but his fear takes over him. When he is sent back to the sleeping area to collect more bullets, he doesn't return, which leads to the rebellion falling apart. Kang Ha-neul plays Dae-ho. Lee Myung-gi Lee Myung-gi (Player 333) is a former influencer who tricked many people out of millions of South Korean Won by promoting a crypto scam. He also lost money in the scam and is trying to win enough money to pay his debts and return to his life of riches. Yim Si-wan plays Myung-gi. Kim Jun-hee Kim Jun-hee (Player 222) is Myung-gi's former girlfriend and is pregnant with his child, which slows her down in the games. Though Myung-gi wants to help her in the games, she doesn't trust him after he ghosted her after the crypto scam. She allies with Gi-hun, Yon-sik, Dae-ho, Geum-ja, and Hyun-ju. Park Yong-sik Park Yon-sik signed up for the games to pay off his debts, but he learns that his mother also signed up. He tries to protect her, but he lacks a backbone and is often bossed around by her. Yang Dong-geun plays Yon-sik. Jang Geum-ja Jang Geum-ja is a caring mother who tries to protect Yon-sik and help Jun-hee with her pregnancy. In the season two finale, she stops Yon-sik from joining the rebellion and saves Hyun-ju's life. Kang Ae-sim plays Geum-ja. Cho Hyun-ju Cho Hyun-ju is a former special forces soldier who had to resign after she started transitioning into a woman. She wants to get enough money to leave and finish her transition in Thailand. Hyun-ju joins the rebellion and heads to the sleeping area to find more bullets when Dae-ho fails to return. But Geum-ja stops her from leaving with the bullets, ensuring Hyun-ju is one of the few rebels to survive. Nam-gyu Nam-gyu (Player 124) is one of the main antagonists within the player group. In season two, he and Thanos, another player, bully the weaker people around them and are indifferent to all the deaths that occur in the games. At the end of the season, Thanos is killed by Myung-gi, so Nam-gyu takes his secret drug stash and continues the bullying. Roh Jae-won plays Nam-gyu. Park Min-su Park Min-su (Player 125) is a young, timid man who is forced to ally with Nam-gyu and Thanos. In reality, the only friend he made is a rebellious woman called Se-mi. In the season two finale, Nam-gyu corners and kills Se-mi, and Min-su is too afraid to stop him. Lee David plays Park Min-su. Seon-nyeo Seon-nyeo is a creepy shaman who tries to scare her fellow players. Toward the end of season two, she had formed a small cult. Chae Kook-hee plays Seon-nyeo. Kang No-eul No-eul is a woman who fled North Korea, but her daughter wasn't able to escape. No-eul works hard to get money to be able to search for her daughter, leading her to join the games as a guard. In season two, she tries to stop a group of guards who are harvesting organs of the dying players. Captain Park Captain Park is the fisherman who saved Jun-ho's life after he was shot and fell off the cliff. He helps Jun-ho and a team of mercenaries look for the games' island on his boat. Secretly, he's working for the organization that runs the games and is sabotaging Jun-ho's operation.
Time of India
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
K-Pop Demon Hunters 2 coming? From Rumi and Jinu's love story to origins of HUNTR/X, here's what fans are hoping for next
K-Pop Demon Hunters 2: Netflix's animated film K-Pop Demon Hunters, which blends K-pop glamour with supernatural action, has made a major splash since its release on June 20, soaring to the No. 1 spot in Netflix's movie category in 26 countries within just two days. In just two days, it topped charts in regions including South Korea, the U.S., Japan, the U.K., France, and Germany. According to global content tracker FlixPatrol, it also entered the Top 10 in 93 countries overall. In North America, the film pulled off a surprising feat by overtaking Tyler Perry's latest release, Straw, to claim the top spot, making waves for an animated title rooted in K-pop and occult fantasy. While it delivered on visuals and thrills, K-Pop Demon Hunters also left viewers wanting more. And now, fans are already speculating about what a potential sequel could explore. If you're just as hooked as we are, here are five fan theories that could shape K-Pop Demon Hunters 2, or even its spinoff. What is K-pop Demon Hunters about? K-Pop Demon Hunters tells the story of HUNTR/X, a rising K-pop girl group made up of Rumi, Mira and Zoey, who live double lives as pop idols and secret demon hunters. Beneath the glittery stage lights and catchy songs, the trio is tasked with protecting the human world from dangerous spirits that slip through the cracks. They are up against the Saja Boys, a mysterious group with deep ties to the spirit realm, and take on battles that go far beyond dance rehearsals and press tours. The film blends pop culture, action and heartfelt moments in a way that feels a perfect combination of fantasy and pop culture. Will there be a K-pop Demon Hunters 2? Fan theories explored Netflix has yet to officially renew K-Pop Demon Hunters for a sequel or announce any plans to expand it into a series. However, given its soaring popularity, especially overseas, and what many fans are calling a deliberately loose ending, it feels like this universe is just getting started. Until we get confirmation, here are five intriguing fan theories that could be explored in a potential K-Pop Demon Hunters 2. Rumi and Jinu's unfinished love story One of the most talked-about possibilities for a sequel is diving deeper into Rumi and Jinu's relationship. After discovering that Rumi is secretly part demon, Jinu chooses to protect her secret, hinting that there's more to him than meets the eye. Although HUNTR/X has returned as the world's protector, Jinu's two spirit pets remain with Rumi, suggesting a strong connection between them. The ending left fans speculating that Jinu didn't actually die but may have transferred his soul into Rumi, setting up an emotional arc for K-Pop Demon Hunters 2. Umm, hello, I need a sequel to a prequel because there are a lot more story to uncover like rumi past, jinu betrayal, what the heck was that demon flame and make them coexist together because I know jinu soul got sick but trust me he can come back !!#KPOPDEMONHUNTERS Rumi's parents and their mysterious past Another theory fans are eager to see explored is the untold love story of Rumi's parents. While we know Rumi is part demon, the series offers only glimpses into how her human and demon lineage came to be. A sequel could dive into how her parents met and fell in love and the sacrifices they made to protect Rumi from both the human world and the demon realm. Their backstory could reveal crucial lore about the origins of her powers and possibly uncover secrets that even Rumi doesn't know yet. Rumi s pastShe is half demon and we got small info on her parents I need a sequel or a prequel with their backstory I just need to learn more #KPOPDEMONHUNTERS How did HUNTR/X come together? Fans want answers Another question left unanswered in the film is how HUNTR/X was formed. While we know Rumi, Mira, and Zoey make up the trio under Sunlight Entertainment, there's little explanation about how they became both pop stars and secret demon hunters. Fans are eager to learn how they were discovered, what drew them into this double life, and whether their supernatural talents played a role in their selection. A sequel is the perfect chance to explore their origin story and reveal what truly unites them beyond the stage. Some fans just want a HUNTR/X world tour. Not all fans are chasing lore. Some are simply here for the music, the fashion, and the full K-pop fantasy. After watching HUNTR/X light up the screen with their high-energy performances, plenty of viewers are hoping a sequel leans into the concert side of things. A world tour storyline would give us more choreography, original songs, and a chance to see the group shine on a global stage, demons or no demons. Honestly, who wouldn't want a front-row seat to that? the concept of this movie's sequel pulling a trolls 2 & having the huntrix go on a world tour where we get to see other hunter trios across the globe from different cultures & representing different music genres #KPOPDEMONHUNTERS Whether a sequel happens or not remains to be seen, but for now, fans are simply enjoying the chance to dive deeper into the whimsical world of K-Pop Demon Hunters. For all the latest K-drama, K-pop, and Hallyuwood updates, keep following our coverage here.
Indian Express
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
Netflix's new Korean movie, slammed for cultural plagiarism, tops global chart with 96% Rotten Tomatoes; beats 28 Years Later, Plane and more
Netflix just expanded its K-content lineup with an unexpected animated movie that blends anime-style fantasy with South Korea's music scene, K-Pop Demon Hunters. Co-directed by Korean-American filmmaker Maggie Kang and Chris Appelhans, the film was released on June 20 and, within four days, shot to the top of Netflix charts. With the silliest premise that somehow works, and critics praising it for staying true to its wild tone, the 1-hour-30-minute flick follows a fictional girl group called Hunterix, who've inherited the mission of using music to trap demons underground. The three-member girl group formed by Celine battles out ridiculously handsome demonic boy band called the Saja Boys. However, the film hit an unexpected setback after some Chinese netizens slammed it for cultural appropriation and plagiarism, claiming certain elements, like character outfits and palace architecture, were heavily lifted from Chinese culture. The movie has since sparked a heated debate online, with netizens divided and taking sides. Also read: KPop Demon Hunters review: From BLACKPINK-esque energy to K-drama jabs, Netflix nails the tone without making a joke of it K-Pop Demon Hunters topped Netflix's global chart, according to FlixPatrol data. Between June 21 and 22, it held the No. 1 spot worldwide. It ranked first in 26 countries and landed in the Top 10 in 93. Netflix originals have clearly become the OTT giant's biggest strength when it comes to pulling in viewership across genres, and this film is proof. The voice cast includes some of the most familiar actors in the industry, including Squid Game 3's Lee Byung Hun as the villain Gwi Ma, along with Arden Cho, May Hong, Ahn Hyo Seop, Ji Young Yoo, Yunjin Kim, Daniel Dae Kim, and Ken Jeong. Netflix data shows the film is performing strong not just in Asia, but also in the U.S. and across several European markets. The movie also features original soundtracks from renowned K-pop idols and soloists of the industry, delivering a full package. On June 25, viewership dipped slightly, with the film slipping to No. 2, one point behind the newly released STRAW. Still, Demon Hunters clocked 9.2 million views this week and remain in the Top 10 in 80 countries, including across America, Europe, Asia, Africa, and Oceania. The unexpected rise seems fueled by the crossover fandom of anime and K-pop. We'll see how the scores hold in the long run, but for now, K-Pop Demon Hunters is outpacing Oscar winners and summer blockbusters. It currently holds a 96% score on Rotten Tomatoes, a rare feat for any Korean film. Also read: BTS' Suga mobilises global ARMY to raise over 200 million won in 24 hours with one quiet, heartfelt gesture China has one of the biggest fan bases when it comes to binge-watching Korean dramas, films, and music shows. In fact, even though Netflix is banned there, the platform still sees considerable viewership, mostly through illegal streaming. But this time, some Chinese netizens were enraged. According to Korean media outlet Chosun Biz, the movie was slammed for plagiarism and cultural appropriation, with critics pointing to visuals like 'traditional knots, herbal medicine, tiger motifs, and architectural styles.' On the Chinese platform Douban, angry comments poured in: 'Korea doesn't hide its theft,' 'Sony is helping Korea,' 'Why are you mixing Chinese elements into Korean culture?' In response, Korean netizens hit back, calling out the same illegal streaming culture during shows like Squid Game, The Glory, and When Life Gives You Tangerines, raising serious concerns about copyright infringement. K-pop producer Teddy, best known for his work with BLACKPINK, contributed to the movie's soundtrack. TWICE's Jeongyeon, Chaeyoung, and Jihyo are in the lineup too, along with EXO, Andrew Choi, Neckwav, Danny Chung, and more. The tracks are now streaming on Spotify.
Mint
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Mint
‘K-Pop Demon Hunters' take over the world: Netflix's newest hit goes global, tops Netflix in 26 countries
Netflix's latest animated sensation, 'K-Pop Demon Hunters', is proving that magical girl groups can do far more than dominate the charts—they can save the world, too. Co-directed by Korean-American filmmaker Maggie Kang and Wish Dragon's Chris Appelhans, the series debuted on June 20 and quickly soared to global fame, topping Netflix's worldwide charts within 48 hours of release. According to data from FlixPatrol, the series claimed the No. 1 spot in 26 countries between June 21 and 22 and secured a place in the Top 10 in 93 nations. While its popularity in Asia was expected, the show has struck a chord with viewers across continents, enjoying breakout success in the US, UK, France, Germany, and India. Blending the high-octane glamour of K-pop with pulse-pounding supernatural action, 'K-Pop Demon Hunters' follows Huntrix, a fierce trio of idol stars whose concerts double as covert missions to protect humanity. Using music to maintain a mystical barrier known as the "honmoon," the trio battles demonic threats under the blinding lights of the stage. Their main adversary is Gwi-ma, a soul-devouring spirit king who sends evil in the form of a rival boy band, the Saja Boys. The series features a star-studded Korean voice cast, including Squid Game's Lee Byung-hun as the menacing Gwi-ma and singer-actor Ahn Hyo-seop as Jinu, the enigmatic leader of the Saja Boys. With its vibrant animation, catchy soundtrack, and seamless blend of pop culture and fantasy, K-Pop Demon Hunters has become more than a hit show—it's a global phenomenon. Fans around the world are already calling for sequels, merchandise, and even live concerts, proving that the fusion of K-pop and demon-slaying might just be the perfect pop culture storm.
