Latest news with #MaggieKang
Time of India
5 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
'K-pop Demon Hunters' Saja Boys x BTS? Creators tease possible collab
Since its release on June 20, Netflix's animated film K-pop Demon Hunters has got everyone talking. The vibrant mix of K-pop glamour, supernatural action, and high-energy music got fans hooked. With dazzling visuals and an action-packed narrative, the film has left audiences thrilled - and hungry for more. As anticipation grows, calls for a sequel have already begun. In response, directors Maggie Kang and Chris Appelhans have shared insights into the film's origins - and revealed that BTS played a key role in sparking its creation. The origin of 'K-pop Demon Hunters' Chris Appelhans revealed 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 added: "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." 'K-pop Demon Hunters' story At the heart of the film is HUNTR/X, a rising K-pop girl group consisting of Rumi, Mira, and Zoey. By day, they dazzle the world as idols under bright lights and infectious pop beats - but by night, they take on a secret role as demon hunters, protecting the human world from malevolent spirits that slip between realms. Standing in their way are the Saja Boys, a mysterious and powerful group with deep-rooted connections to the spirit world. As the two forces collide, the story unfolds into a high-stakes showdown that stretches far beyond choreography and fame - blending supernatural action, K-pop culture, and emotional depth into a vivid and fantastical adventure Saja Boys and BTS: A dream collab? Recently, it was reported that BTS and the fictional Saja Boys are the only K-pop boy groups to reach the Top 10 on the US Spotify Chart. BTS have been on hiatus since 2022, and no other group had achieved this milestone - until now, when it took an animated boy group to become the second to do so. Reacting to the news, Maggie Kang took to X (formerly Twitter) and wrote: "Hey ARMY, how about a collab with Saja Boys? The Pride is ready @bts_bighit." Hey Army, how about a collab with Saja Boys? The Pride is ready @bts_bighit ARMY reacts Fans wasted no time lighting up social media with excitement and wild ideas: One wrote, "The amount of hype that would be generated could power the entire world for generations." The amount of hype that would be generated could power the entire world for generations. Another said, "Dude, I would absolutely die happy to see a collab between Saja Boys and BTS. My body is ready!" Dude, I would absolutely die happy to see a collab between Saja Boys and BTS, my body is ready! One added, "Make Saja Boys reincarnated as BTS in season 2 of K-pop Demon Hunters and then it'll be possible." Make saja boys reincarnated as BTS in season 2 of kpop demon hunters and then it'll be possible🫣 Another stated, "That would be super awesome, please!!! They've done songs for animated features before, so I'm sure this would be monumental." That would be super awesome please!!! They have done songs for animated features so I'm sure this would just be monumental. About BTS As of June 2025, all BTS members who enlisted in the South Korean military have officially been discharged. They've returned to civilian life and have already resumed their roles as brand ambassadors for various global campaigns. ARMY witnessed an emotional reunion on June 13 during BTS' debut anniversary celebrations and J-Hope's HOPE ON THE STAGE concert. Since then, fans have been eagerly waiting for the first official OT7 group photo, a live reunion broadcast, and - most of all - the group's long-anticipated return to music. For all the latest K-drama, K-pop, and Hallyuwood updates, keep following our coverage here.
Malay Mail
7 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Malay Mail
Not (just) like Jennie: ‘KPop Demon Hunters' director/writer clarifies Blackpink's Jennie only one of many references
SEOUL, June 28 —There has been a lot of online speculation as to which K-pop idol specifically inspired the K-pop idol groups Huntrix and Saja Boys in Netflix's KPop Demon Hunters. The show has proven to be quite a hit, with a very warm reception from K-pop fans. Unfortunately, if there's one thing fans are a little too good at is starting conflicts between fandoms, so it's not surprising that writer and director of the show Maggie Kang decided to clear the air in a post 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,' Kang said. She said it in a post quoting an X account stating that the character Rumi of Huntrix was reportedly inspired by Blackpink's Jennie. 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. — Maggie Kang (@maggiemkang) June 27, 2025 Some Blackpink fans were upset by Kang's post, with one fan accusing her of 'targeting Jennie alone' and complaining that she 'quoted a tweet about BTS' before posting about it. Hopefully the online vitriol doesn't scare off Kang from making more stories from the Kpop Demon Hunters universe. Right now Netflix is already selling merchandise from the show and has even opened preorders for a plush version of the blue tiger Derpy.
Malay Mail
8 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Malay Mail
Not (just) like Jennie: ‘KPop Demon Hunters' director/writer clarifies Blacpink's Jennie only one of many references
SEOUL, June 28 —There has been a lot of online speculation as to which K-pop idol specifically inspired the K-pop idol groups Huntrix and Saja Boys in Netflix's KPop Demon Hunters. The show has proven to be quite a hit, with a very warm reception from K-pop fans. Unfortunately, if there's one thing fans are a little too good at is starting conflicts between fandoms, so it's not surprising that writer and director of the show Maggie Kang decided to clear the air in a post 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,' Kang said. She said it in a post quoting an X account stating that the character Rumi of Huntrix was reportedly inspired by Blackpink's Jennie. 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. — Maggie Kang (@maggiemkang) June 27, 2025 Some Blackpink fans were upset by Kang's post, with one fan accusing her of 'targeting Jennie alone' and complaining that she 'quoted a tweet about BTS' before posting about it. Hopefully the online vitriol doesn't scare off Kang from making more stories from the Kpop Demon Hunters universe. Right now Netflix is already selling merchandise from the show and has even opened preorders for a plush version of the blue tiger Derpy.
UAE Moments
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- UAE Moments
Why is Everyone Obsessed With Netflix's K-Pop Demon Hunters?
Summer got hotter, but not with the latest K-drama releases, instead with Netflix's American-South Korean animated feature 'K-Pop Demon Hunters'. The animated film is directed by Maggie Kang and Chris Appelhans, who have created an exciting story about a K-pop girl group, Huntrix, who fight demons with their music to protect humans from getting their souls taken by the demon's leader, Gwi-Ma. They use their voice to maintain a barrier called the Honmoon, which protects the human world from the demons. However, they are challenged by the demon K-pop boy-group Saja Boys, who are trying to take over the human world with their music. K-Pop Culture Since the movie revolves around K-pop, fans love the representation of the K-pop fandom. From fan signings to stans shipping K-pop idols, fans find the representation of this pop culture phenomena authentic, relatable, and funny. The directors and writers received assistance from K-pop fans and writers Bo Yeon Kim and Erika Lippoldt, authentically representing various aspects of this global phenomenon. The movie would be nothing without its soundtrack, with catchy and relatable songs like 'Golden', 'Soda Pop', 'Free', and 'How it's Done'. It was composed by Marcelo Zarvos, while the lyrics were written by Danny Chung, Ido, Vince, Kush, Ejae, Jenna Andrews, Stephen Kirk, Lindgren, Mark Sonnenblick, and Daniel Rojas. Singers of the famous K-pop group, Twice, Jeongyeon, Jihyo, and Chaeyoung, have sung the lead single, 'Takedown', representing the heart and soul of K-pop. Catchy Songs The lyricists and producers have created memorable songs that mimic the nature of trendy K-pop music, combining rap, addictive beats, and meaningful lyrics to connect with K-pop fans. The songs also perfectly complement the action and plot development of the film, enhancing the distinctness of this animated film because we have never had a story of demon hunters fighting demons with their K-pop music? Is it just a Good Vs. Evil Story? The story itself is a typical good vs. evil story; however, it is presented in a modern and urban context, especially the connection between Korean demon mythology and K-pop culture. Kang created a unique combination of these two phenomena, which allows the story to connect with viewers instantly. Huntrix includes Rumi, Zoey, and Mira, but Rumi, as the protagonist, is not the typical heroine, hiding secrets of her own. However, Saja Boys' lead Jinu discovers her secret, and the story moves forward from there. With Kang, screenwriters Chris Appelhans, Hannah McMechan, and Danya Jimenez have created an exciting, heartwarming, and empathetic story featuring themes of overcoming one's fears, self-discovery, friendship, and romance. Rumi and Jinu represent various K-drama romance tropes with their constant banter and heartfelt moments, but their relationship is more complicated than a simple love story, which hooks fans from the get-go. Stunning Visuals The directors Kang and Appelhans have created a visually exciting animated feature with Sony Pictures Animation. It is similar to 'Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse', but it stands out with its exciting fight sequences between the Huntrix and the demons, the K-pop performances, and the Saja Boys' final live performance, where the real showdown begins. The animation and the visuals are beautiful and striking, making K-Pop Demon Hunters a thrilling watch. Voice actors Ahn Hyo-seop ('Business Proposal'), May Hong, Ji-young Yoo, Yunjin Kim, Daniel Dae Kim, Ken Jeong, Lee Byung-hun ('Squid Game') have done a fabulous job, creating distinct personalities for their characters. Arden Cho and Ahn Hyo-seop nailed down Rumi and Jinu, creating holistic characters and perfectly depicting the complex chemistry between them. How fascinating is it that Squid Game's Front Man voices Gwi-Ma in this film? Lee Byung-hun perfectly created a terrifying demon leader, who is a bit similar to the Front Man's frightening personality. If you haven't watched 'K-Pop Demon Hunters' yet, you definitely should because it has the story, the visuals, and the K-pop drama to glue you to your screen.
UAE Moments
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- UAE Moments
Lea Salonga Among Voice Actors of ‘K-Pop Demon Hunters'
Filipina Broadway star Lea Salonga is part of the global voice cast of 'K-Pop Demon Hunters,' an animated film that has quickly become one of Netflix's most-watched titles worldwide since its release on June 20. Lea Salonga provides the singing voice of Celine, a legendary demon hunter who now trains a new generation of K-pop idols turned supernatural warriors. K-pop and demons? The plot is just as wild as it sounds Set in a world where K-pop girl group Huntrix performs to keep the planet safe from demonic threats, the movie blends fantasy, action, music, and Korean culture. Their concerts aren't just for fans—they're actually high-stakes battles powered by music that keeps a magical barrier in place. The trio— Rumi, Mira, and Zoey —take on evil spirits sent by Gwi-ma, a villain voiced by Lee Byung-hun (of Squid Game fame). His team? A demonic boy band called Saja Boys, led by Jinu, voiced by Ahn Hyo-seop. Global popularity and critical praise According to FlixPatrol, the film held the No. 1 spot globally on Netflix between June 21–22. It topped the charts in 26 countries and made it to the Top 10 in 93 markets, including the US, France, Germany, and several parts of Asia. As of June 24, the movie holds a 96% critic rating and 91% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes—proof that viewers are loving both the visuals and the music. A cultural crossover done right The movie, directed by Maggie Kang and Chris Appelhans, mixes English and Korean dialogue and features rich cultural references—from Korean folklore creatures like 'dokkaebi' to traditional medicine and bathhouse scenes. K-pop producer Teddy helped create an original soundtrack that includes songs like Huntrix's ' Golden ' and Saja Boys' ' Soda Pop.' Popular tracks like 'Takedown' by Twice members Jeongyeon, Chaeyoung, and Jihyo, and Korean hits from MeloMance and EXO, also feature prominently. Why it matters The success of K-Pop Demon Hunters shows that genre-blending stories with global cultural roots can break barriers. Netflix's Head of Asia-Pacific Content, Kim Min-young, said it best: 'Great stories can resonate everywhere, regardless of language or culture.' For fans of K-pop, animation, or just something refreshingly different— this one's worth the stream.
