Latest news with #Rumi
Time of India
39 minutes 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.
India Today
15 hours ago
- Entertainment
- India Today
How KPop Demon Hunters exposes our fear of imperfection
Have you ever watched an animated film that tells you more than it originally intended to? Or hide the real message behind metaphors and cliches? If yes, then 'KPop Demon Hunters' is another movie on that list, as it disguises itself well with neon lights, razor-sharp choreography, and the blinding veneer of pop perfection on the surface. The film is about a K-pop girl band called Huntrix featuring Rumi, Mira, and Zoey. However, they are not just your everyday pop girl band - they are also supernatural hunters who hunt who are these demons? If you think they are some disgusting-looking creatures with four eyes, crooked teeth and patterns all over their bodies, then you're somewhat right, but there are also some very good-looking 'idol-type' demons too. Think about 'The Vampire Diaries'. Who would've thought Ian Somerhalder would look so handsome as a vampire? If that's your vibe, then you'd love the demon boy band The Saja Boys in the film. The film idolises K-pop culture, which is meticulously crafted to sell the film doesn't just idolise the spectacle - it dismantles it, peeling back the facade to reveal an uncomfortable, familiar undercurrent: in a world obsessed with flawlessness, authenticity is often the first casualty. At its core is Rumi, a pop idol, a monster hunter, and most damningly in her world, part demon. It's the ultimate enemies-to-lovers conflict, except the "enemy" is her own bloodline, her own nature, the thing society demands she erases. It's a subtle take, suggesting that our insecurities, flaws, and faults are what make us demons. And isn't that familiar? Being told to conquer the parts of yourself that don't fit the script - to hide your true self and meet the standards the world has set for you. Many moments in the film will make you pause and introspect. Moments where you will also hide with the characters, believe in the lies they tell themselves, and once again believe that we are not good AlertThe film's defining moment arrives in a show-stopping performance of the song 'Golden'. It unfolds, devastatingly, when Rumi's secret is exposed - her demon patterns, her supposed imperfections, paraded for all to see. Her bandmates falter. The world that once celebrated her falls silent. It makes you think - what would you do if your deepest, darkest secrets were exposed?CELINE'S FLAWED LOVE AND WHY IT MADE US ANGRYFor Rumi, she was crushed beneath the weight of rejection. She returns to Celine, her adoptive mother, the one person who should have seen her beyond the flaw, beyond the scandal. What follows is both layered and infuriating. Celine, trying to shield Rumi, covers her demon patterns with her shrug, a gesture drenched in maternal protection, but also suffocating compliance. She tells Rumi they'll 'fix' this - they'll spin a narrative, blame the demons, and convince the world this isn't "really" her. This is the most relatable scene in the film. How often are we told that we need to be "fixed" when we confide in someone? How often have our closest ones told us that we are not perfect?It's not like we don't know that they mean well, but that doesn't mean they are right. Right? Celine's instinct, just like our loved ones, mirrors society's deepest flaw, the desperate urge to hide imperfection rather than accept it - to polish over the cracks. Her reaction, likely born from fear and love, feels like betrayal. It's the familiar sting of being rejected by those who were never supposed to judge you, the ones meant to accept your unfiltered, unvarnished why Rumi's rage is so raw, so relatable. Her hopelessness, her resignation - feel real because we've all been there. Twisting ourselves into something more acceptable. Her outburst is not melodramatic; it's the sound of a human breaking under impossible standards. Her words slice through the illusion like a blade: 'If this is the world I was meant to protect, then I'm glad to see it get destroyed.'It's defiance, yes. But more than that, it reflects a buried, uncomfortable truth many of us carry - the quiet satisfaction of watching hypocritical systems crumble - the institutions that forced us to hide, that demanded conformity while pretending to champion individuality. The film becomes more than a fantasy flick. It becomes a manifesto - a rebellious whisper urging us to dismantle these fragile societal norms and rebuild something better. A world that doesn't flinch at flaws, that doesn't fear difference.'KPop Demon Hunters' dresses itself in sequins and spectacles, but beneath the surface, it's something raw. It's uncomfortable, it's imperfect, and that's precisely the point. It doesn't just tell us to fight monsters, it dares us to face the ones we've become by silencing our voice.- Ends
India Today
a day ago
- Entertainment
- India Today
KPop Demon Hunters review: This is Netflix's most fun animated film yet
Demons, drama and a whole lot of K-pop - sounds exciting, isn't it? A new animated title on Netflix delivers on all three fronts with surprising flair and how! 'KPop Demon Hunters' is everything its title suggests. A high-energy blend of bubblegum pop, mystical demon lore, and the kind of emotional storytelling that hits all the right notes. It's loud, flashy, heartfelt, and just the kind of chaotic fun you expect when K-pop idols moonlight as supernatural in a universe where pop stars double as demon hunters (naturally), the story follows Rumi, a half-human, half-demon high schooler who leads the girl group Huntrix alongside Mira and Zoey. Together, they must balance their rising music careers with the not-so-small task of saving humanity from the demon world's overlord, Gwi-Ma. Along the way, Rumi develops a bond with Jinu, a former human-turned-demon, and their complicated, slow-burn relationship quietly becomes the emotional backbone of the makes 'KPop Demon Hunters' work is that it doesn't try too hard to be taken seriously. The narrative is fully aware of its own theatricality, and leans into it with a wink. It's 'Think Boy With Luv' meets 'Buffy the Vampire Slayer', but in pastel tones. The songs are absolute bops, reminiscent of the early 2000s K-pop era of pop-punk playfulness. Soda Pop might even bring to mind tracks like ASTRO's 'Candy Sugar Pop' or BTS' 'Boy With Luv' - light as they share the same DNA of being catchy and The animation deserves its own shout-out, and it's gorgeously rendered and sharply choreographed. The facial expressions are hilariously dramatic, an anime influence that adds to the campy fun, and the fight scenes are stunningly kinetic without ever getting too dark or gory. One of the film's strengths is its voice acting. The performances feel natural and immersive and the chemistry between the main trio is equally strong. Each girl has a distinct personality, yet they bounce off one another effortlessly. What truly lingers, though, is the connection between Rumi and Jinu, voiced by K-drama favourite Ahn Hyo-seop. Their relationship is simple, sincere, and emotionally grounded, with their bond forged due to shared pain, which adds an emotional arc to their stories without overpowering the film doesn't shy away from heavier themes either - be it shame, identity, and self-acceptance; it quietly weaves itself into the plot. While it stays largely on the surface, there's enough depth to give the glitter some Gwi-Ma, while not overly active, leaves a strong impression as the puppet master of chaos. He raises the deeper question: Are demons evil by choice, or by design?That said, 'KPop Demon Hunters' isn't without its flaws. Some secondary characters, like Jinu's bandmates, the Saja Boys, deserved more development. A longer format might have given room for their arcs and added depth to Rumi and Jinu's these are small quibbles in what is otherwise a thrilling ride. The movie hits the right balance between emotional beats and comic relief, making you chuckle and soft sighs in equal measure. And just when you think it's all fluff, it throws in a moment of genuine pathos that compels you to take note and 'KPop Demon Hunters' succeeds because it knows what it wants to be - a fun, emotionally sincere, musically rich ride that celebrates friendship, courage, and finding yourself in unexpected film is not perfect, but easily one of Netflix's most refreshing animated films in recent memory. And yes, we're hoping for a sequel, or better yet, a full-fledged series.- Ends3.5 out of 5 stars for 'K-pop Demon Hunters'.
Forbes
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Forbes
‘KPop Demon Hunters' Director Thought About A Live-Action Version
KPOP DEMON HUNTERS - When they aren't selling out stadiums, Kpop superstars Rumi, Mira and Zoey use ... More their secret identities as badass demon hunters to protect their fans from an ever-present supernatural threat. Together, they must face their biggest enemy yet – an irresistible rival boy band of demons in disguise. ©2025 Netflix Since its release last week, Netflix's KPop Demon Hunters has reached No. 1 in 26 countries and the Top 10 in 93 countries. Critics and fans have praised the animated feature, directed by Maggie Kang and Chris Appelhans, with a 96% Rotten Tomatoes score. The soundtrack has also generated buzz, hitting No. 1 on the iTunes Top Album and K-Pop Charts, as well as the Apple Music Pop and K-Pop Album Charts. The film centers on Huntrix, a K-pop girl group who are secretly demon hunters sworn to protect their fans from supernatural threats. One of the hunters, Rumi (Arden Cho), has demon blood running in her veins, as we find out that her Hunter mother had a relationship with her Demon father. The circumstances of their relationship are never disclosed. Celine, a former Hunter and Rumi's guardian, avoided talking about Rumi's parentage, disregarding her demon side. Rumi – and the audience – are never given answers about her past. Though Netflix hasn't announced if there will be a sequel, Kang says there's more to the story they wanted to tell – especially when it came to Rumi's heritage as part Hunter and part Demon, and the reason behind Celine's aversion towards demons. KPOP DEMON HUNTERS - Celine (voice by YUNJIN KIM). ©2025 Netflix 'There are different versions [of Rumi's story],' says Kang. Ultimately, we felt like that whole part of the story didn't need to be told here. It was a tricky thing with the story. There are so many questions that are left unanswered.' Some scenes were cut that answered these questions, but it didn't feel like they belonged, as they changed the overall story. There's so much they wanted to add – Rumi's parentage, Celine's background, and the mythology behind Derpy the tiger and Sussie the six-eyed bird. '[Derpy and Sussie] live between these two worlds,' Kang reveals. It's not a Demon. It's not a Hunter, obviously. So, what is it? There's a lot of mysteries and question marks that even I have thought about what that could be. We're definitely thinking about that stuff.' KPOP DEMON HUNTERS - (Right) Rumi (voice by ARDEN CHO). ©2025 Netflix The KPop Demon Hunters creatives, crew, and actors all expressed their interest in a sequel. Kang has many more ideas for her characters and the story. After finishing her film, she did think about a live-action version of the animated film. After watching the new live-action How To Train Your Dragon movie, she mentioned that director Dean DeBlois, who directed the original animated films, did a wonderful job. She thought what it would be like to have a live-action KPop Demon Hunters. She understands that comes with its own challenges. 'I really enjoyed [How To Train Your Dragon],' says Kang. I was sitting in the theater thinking, I wonder if anybody would want to see a live-action KPop Demon Hunters. What would that be like? How would that go?' KPOP DEMON HUNTERS - When they aren't selling out stadiums, Kpop superstars Rumi, Mira and Zoey use ... More their secret identities as badass demon hunters to protect their fans from an ever-present supernatural threat. Together, they must face their biggest enemy yet – an irresistible rival boy band of demons in disguise. ©2025 Netflix For now, everyone seems to be waiting for Netflix's decision to greenlight a second film. Until then, Kang is enjoying the response to the film and the music. She's so proud to see a Korean story resonate with everyone. 'I had so many crew members [and people] tell me how much this movie meant to them – and they weren't even Korean,' says Kang. 'They loved learning about our culture and being part of something different. [People have told me], 'I'm watching more K-dramas,' and 'I'm going to Korea,' or 'I'm taking K-pop dance lessons.' It was just so amazing as a director to see people love this movie and fall in love with the culture. I really appreciated the studios for taking a risk on something that is a full Asian cast, too. I couldn't have believed we could make this. It's very surreal.' KPop Demon Hunters is streaming now on Netflix.
Express Tribune
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
KPop Demon Hunters tops Netflix charts in 41 countries with action, folklore and star-studded voice cast
The animated action-musical KPop Demon Hunters has become a global sensation, topping Netflix's movie charts in 41 countries just days after its release. According to streaming analytics platform FlixPatrol, the film claimed the No. 1 spot in major markets including South Korea, the United States, Taiwan, Thailand, the Philippines, Singapore, and Portugal as of June 24. The movie debuted globally on June 20. *KPop Demon Hunters* follows the story of Huntrix, a fictional K-pop girl group composed of members Rumi, Mira, and Joy, who lead double lives as secret demon hunters when they're not performing on stage. The film combines fast-paced action with musical elements, blending modern K-pop with fantasy and traditional Korean folklore. The film attracted early buzz with a star-studded voice cast, including Lee Byung-hun and Ahn Hyo-seop. The theme song, performed by TWICE members Jeongyeon, Jihyo, and Chaeyoung, boosted its appeal among global K-pop fans. Behind the scenes, the film was directed by Chris Appelhans (Hotel Transylvania) and Korean Canadian filmmaker Maggie Kang, and produced by Sony Pictures Animation. Kang, who was born in Seoul and raised in Toronto, emphasized her intent to weave Korean culture into the film's design and narrative. She cited early influences from first-generation K-pop stars like Seo Taiji and H.O.T. Visually, the film is celebrated for showcasing uniquely Korean aesthetics. Iconic landmarks such as N Seoul Tower and traditional giwajip rooftops appear prominently, alongside folklore-inspired figures like the jeoseungsaja, a traditional grim reaper. With its mix of cultural authenticity and international appeal, KPop Demon Hunters has quickly earned acclaim and chart-topping success on Netflix across diverse global audiences.
