Latest news with #K-PopDemonHunters'
Time of India
18 hours 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.
Mint
4 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.
Tom's Guide
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Tom's Guide
Anne Hathaway and Robert De Niro lead Netflix's latest No. 1 movie — and this comedy-drama is full of charm
Netflix's top 10 list is always evolving as fresh titles arrive on the streaming service every month. This time, a charming new comedy-drama starring Anne Hathaway and Robert De Niro has quickly climbed to the No. 1 spot, seemingly capturing the attention of viewers in the U.S. 'The Intern' landed on the platform just two days ago (June 22), and it's already surpassed the new animated original 'K-Pop Demon Hunters' and Gerard Butler's action-thriller 'Plane.' It's actually nice to see this comedy-drama getting some love again, especially since it didn't really win critics over back in 2015. For a little context, 'The Intern' follows an unlikely pairing between a successful, driven woman and a seasoned, wise older man who cross paths in a way that ends up changing both their lives. Sounds pretty charming, right? I can confirm that it is. And anyone seeking comfort food in the form of a movie will find something to enjoy in this one. So, if you've seen 'The Intern' suddenly pop up in your recommendations, here's everything you need to know before adding it to your Netflix watchlist. 'The Intern' follows Ben Whittaker (Robert De Niro), a 70-year-old widower who finds retirement less fulfilling than he expected. Looking to re-enter the workforce, Ben lands a senior internship at an innovative online fashion start-up run by Jules Ostin (Anne Hathaway), a driven young entrepreneur. Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips. As Ben navigates his new role, he quickly becomes a trusted presence among the younger staff, offering wisdom and a calm demeanor. Jules, initially skeptical about having an older intern, gradually comes to rely on Ben's experience and steady support as she manages the pressures of running the company and balancing her personal life. Throughout his internship, Ben builds genuine friendships with various employees and becomes an unexpected mentor to Jules. His old-school manners and thoughtful advice bring a fresh perspective to the modern office. Meanwhile, Jules struggles with the demands of her expanding business and family, and Ben's steady presence provides quiet strength behind the scenes. While 'The Intern' received mixed reviews from critics, I think it still offers meaningful insights, especially in today's world where older generations are frequently overlooked or underestimated for being out of touch or struggling with new technology. Nancy Meyers, the writer and director celebrated for her women-centered romantic comedies like 'What Women Want' and 'It's Complicated,' delivers a charming and clever movie featuring standout performances from Anne Hathaway and Robert De Niro. Ben, the widower and retired executive, applies for a senior intern position at About The Fit, a fast-growing e-commerce fashion start-up in Brooklyn. Assigned to work with CEO Jules, Ben's initial role is to assist her with various tasks. But as you can predict, their professional relationship deepens into a meaningful friendship. It's this heartwarming connection that takes 'The Intern' out of average territory. 'The Intern' actually turned out to be more delightful and thoughtful about gender issues than its trailers suggested. There's charm, a surprising amount of visual appeal, and sometimes humorous escapism. As mentioned, this comedy-drama garnered pretty average reviews. Over on Rotten Tomatoes, it has a score of 60% from critics and a slightly higher rating of 73% from audiences. The site's critics consensus reads: 'The Intern doesn't do enough with its timely premise, but benefits from the unorthodox chemistry of its talented leads.' This is something I can agree with. Despite the somewhat mixed reviews, 'The Intern' is an easy watch. Meyers proves once again why she's a master at delivering cozy, polished movies that feel like a warm hug on screen. It's pure comfort food. The story itself moves at a gentle pace, which includes a small adventure to erase a wayward email, a visit to San Francisco, and plenty of moments showing Ben chauffeuring Jules around New York. While none of these events are particularly dramatic, they're all enjoyable to watch. Even though the movie's message feels a bit muddled at times, it doesn't take away from how entertaining the film is overall. You can stream 'The Intern' on Netflix now. Otherwise, see what else is new on Netflix in June 2025.
Mint
21-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Mint
'K-Pop Demon Hunters' REVIEW: K-pop meets demons in a fun, flashy ride that's more sparkle than substance
If you've ever wondered what would happen if a K-pop girl group secretly hunted demons by night, 'KPop Demon Hunters' gives you exactly that – with a lot of colour, catchy music, and animated flair. The film mixes supernatural action with the sparkle of the pop music world, delivering something that's charming, fun, and light-hearted, though not very deep. The story follows Huntrix, a girl group made up of Rumi, Mira, and Zoey. By day, they're idols with fans and fame, but by night, they hunt demons threatening the human world. Their main enemies are the Saja Boys – a rival boy band whose members are actually demons. The film most likely refers to the Korean word 'jeosung saja', meaning death spirits, which hints at their true nature and dark purpose. The plot is quite straightforward. The girls follow in the footsteps of their predecessors, carrying on the responsibility of keeping evil forces in check. There is a small twist in their story that brings something new, but it's best not to spoil it. Still, the overall storyline is quite standard. Things often resolve too quickly, and some emotional parts – like a major secret involving Rumi – are barely explored. Mira and Zoey accepting it without much reaction feels odd and takes away from what could have been a stronger moment of connection or conflict. Another thing that could have been better was the film's title. There is absolutely no creativity involved in the name 'K-Pop Demon Hunters' and I am sure most watchers and cinephiles would agree. What saves the film, however, is its music. The soundtrack is energetic and very well done, featuring K-pop style tunes that fans of the genre will absolutely love. The musical numbers are not just background; they're woven into the plot and give the film its rhythm and life. If you're someone who enjoys music-heavy animations, this one will likely win you over. Visually, the film is impressive. The animation is slick, colourful, and fast-paced, clearly inspired by Sony's 'Spider-Verse' films. The fight scenes and concert visuals are filled with movement and detail. It also brings to mind 'Turning Red' in terms of themes like growing up, friendship, and family, mixed with fantasy and humour. Another comparison can be made to K/DA, the fictional girl group from League of Legends. The styling, music, and world-building feel quite similar, and fans of that group will feel right at home here. There's also a playful tone throughout. The film is aware of K-pop and K-drama clichés and isn't afraid to poke fun at them. This self-awareness adds a nice layer of humour, especially for viewers familiar with the world of Korean entertainment. The voice cast is another highlight. Arden Cho delivers an emotional performance as Rumi, giving her more depth than the script sometimes allows. EJAE, Audrey Nuna, and Rei Ami – who provide the singing voices for Rumi, Mira, and Zoey – each bring their own style and flair to the music. With supporting cast members like Lee Byung-hun, Ken Jeong, Daniel Dae Kim, and Ahn Hyo-seop, the film boasts a strong and varied vocal line-up. In the end, 'KPop Demon Hunters' is a visually appealing and musically exciting film that's perfect for fans of K-pop, animation, or light fantasy. It's not particularly deep, and the plot can feel too neat or rushed at times, but it's still a good time. If you're looking for something easy to watch, full of charm and fun, this film won't disappoint. Also, if you love music or catchy tunes, then you can surely revisit the film more than once. 3 out of 5 stars – A bright and enjoyable film with catchy tunes and heart, even if it doesn't dig too deep.
