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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.
Hype Malaysia
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Hype Malaysia
'K-Pop Demon Hunters' Review: Netflix's Animated Fantasy Slays!
At some point in human civilisation, we decided that the logical next step after 'K-pop idol' was 'demon slayer.' Maybe it was inevitable. After all, if you can survive a world tour, synchronized choreography, and the wrath of K-pop stans online, what's a little movie about hellspawn combat on the side? That's the pitch behind 'Kpop Demon Hunters', Netflix's glittery fever dream of an animated action comedy where stage makeup doubles as war paint. It's part girl group fantasy, part supernatural smackdown, and 100% chaos—in the best and occasionally weirdest ways. It sounds ridiculous—and it absolutely is—but somehow, it works. Mostly. So let's talk about what 'Kpop Demon Hunters' actually does with all that glitter and astral energy. To begin with, there's lore. Ancient, magical, girl-power lore. Long ago, three women fought off a wave of soul-devouring demons led by Gwi-Ma, the Demon King. Their voices, charged with raw emotion, formed a barrier called the Honmoon and sealed the underworld shut. Since then, each generation has passed the mic—and the monster-fighting duties—to a new trio of chosen idols. Wait, the power of music… And fighting demons… Hmm, that kinda seems familiar. Fast forward to today, that legacy lives on in Huntrix, the hottest girl group on the planet. They're your new favourite demon-slaying trio. And yes, it's time to pick your bias. Mira (May Hong) is the edgy rebel—rumour has it she once wore a sleeping bag to the Met Gala. Zoey (Ji-young Yoo), the Burbank-born rap goddess, delivers bars as sharp as her weapons. And Rumi (Arden Cho), the group's emotional centre, carries a tragic past and a secret even she barely understands. Naturally, we meet Huntrix in classic idol fashion: slurping down instant ramyeon en route to the grand finale of their world tour. The stadium is packed. Fans are screaming. Their manager, Bobby (Ken Jeong), is losing his mind. Why the delay? Their plane was hijacked by demons. Obvi. What follows is a mid-air brawl that sets the tone: kinetic, flashy, and choreographed to slay. The animation leans heavily into anime territory, with bold lines and stylised movement. If you've seen Riot's K/DA videos, the DNA feels familiar—and honestly, we were hyped! The girls crash into the arena, strike a pose, and launch into a high-energy performance while still swatting away the last of the demons. As far as entrances go? Ten out of ten. BLACKPINK might dap them up respectfully from the VIP box. However, beneath the glamour and glitter, something darker begins to stir. Rumi has always known about her demon blood. But Mira and Zoey don't. As her old marks resurface and her voice begins to falter, the pressure quietly builds. She's not just battling monsters on stage—she's battling herself. And if she can't hold it together, the group might fracture entirely. Meanwhile, a flashy new boy group enters the picture: the Saja Boys. Five flawless men. Perfect hair. Jawlines carved by the gods. And yes, they're demons too. In fact, their plan is simple: steal enough fan energy to collapse the Honmoon and unleash Gwi-Ma back into the world. With Huntrix faltering, the Saja Boys start to eclipse them completely. The world isn't just in danger—it's getting distracted by six-packs and the new 'gochujang sauces.' So, how are Rumi, Mira, and Zoey supposed to fight back against a group powered by shame, insecurity, and sheer thirst-trap energy? At its core, 'Kpop Demon Hunters' isn't just about vanquishing monsters—it's about confronting the ones you carry inside. The film explores shame, identity, and the fear that if people saw the 'real' you, they'd walk away. For Rumi, that fear is all-consuming. She believes that if she hides the truth, she can protect her group and her legacy. However, by bottling everything up, she's slowly silencing herself—literally. As a result, her voice begins to falter. Her greatest gift becomes her curse—not because of what she is, but because of how deeply she believes she shouldn't be. The film suggests that healing doesn't come from hiding or even from strength. Instead, it comes from vulnerability and trust. You have to share your whole, flawed self with the people who love you. So when the truth finally comes out—when Rumi's marks reappear and she can no longer pretend—it isn't just a dramatic reveal. It's devastation. Mira and Zoey feel betrayed, confused, and hurt. But that reaction makes it feel real. Because closeness isn't about always agreeing—it's about letting people into your pain and hoping they stay. The same inner turmoil plagues Jinu (Ahn Hyo-seop), the heart of the Saja Boys. While the rest play their roles as flashy villains, Jinu carries a quiet ache. Long ago, he made a choice: he accepted Gwi-Ma's offer in exchange for a beautiful voice that could lift his family out of poverty. Yet once fame arrived, he abandoned them—and he's never stopped regretting it. Unlike Rumi, whose shame is about her origins, Jinu's shame stems from his actions. Still, both characters carry their pain in silence, convinced they're unworthy of forgiveness. And when they meet, it's not as enemies, but as kindred spirits. Rumi sees in Jinu the worst-case version of herself. In trusting him, she starts to heal. Their duet is 'Kpop Demon Hunters' most powerful scene. It's not about flash—it's about honesty. Two people, broken in different ways, letting their walls fall just long enough to feel whole again. For a film that's so kinetic and loud, this moment hits the hardest. Visually, 'Kpop Demon Hunters' slays. Sony Pictures Animation, the same studio behind the 'Spider-Verse' films, doesn't hold back. The colours are vivid. The action is dynamic. And the stylised music video sequences explode with flair. Each one becomes its surreal concert moment—think fight choreography meets comeback stage. For example, one MV-style battle features surreal lighting and shattered crystallised effects. As we said, it's pulled from the distinct K/DA style. And other moments are quite literally MVs. But they help tell the story in a cool, flashy way that helps to externalise a lot of the emotions that these characters are going through. And let's not forget the music, because 'K-Pop Demon Hunters' delivers more than just fight choreography and sparkly lore. The songs are genuine earworms, slipping seamlessly between fierce performance numbers and emotionally charged ballads. The Saja Boys' hit single 'Soda Pop' in particular? Completely unserious and somehow still a total bop. Yeah, it's gonna get stuck in our heads till it becomes annoying. Still, the film isn't flawless. The third act feels a bit rushed. Character threads that seemed crucial—like Rumi's relationship with her foster mother Celine—don't get the space they deserve. Their emotional fallout feels underdeveloped. We get hints of tension and disappointment, but no true resolution. It's a shame, because that dynamic had real potential. Likewise, the world-building has rich foundations, but doesn't fully land. The lore is fun but underexplored. The stakes feel huge, yet the showdown wraps up a little too neatly. After so much build-up, it ends with more style than substance. Honestly, we'd like the team behind this to maybe do a spinoff to explore more of it? Because there is stuff in there that does feel undercooked at times. Even so, the film's heart remains in the right place. 'Kpop Demon Hunters' is vibrant, sincere, and full of chaotic charm. It might be messy in places, but it also bursts with feeling. It's a celebration of identity, girlhood, fandom, and glitter bombs. And it understands that even idols, the ones who seem perfect, have demons to face. It's also worth noting that 'K-Pop Demon Hunters' marks another chapter in Sony Pictures Animation's growing slate of Asian-fronted stories. Following 'Over the Moon' and 'Wish Dragon', both vibrant, culturally grounded animated films also released via Netflix, this movie continues the studio's investment in diverse, emotionally resonant storytelling with global roots. It's heartening to see major animation players spotlighting Asian narratives not just as backdrops, but as central, dynamic forces in genre storytelling. For anyone who loves K-pop, anime, or the idea of your favourite artists wielding crystal blades, this one's for you. It may not be perfect, but like any good idol, it shines brightest when it's being unapologetically itself. 'K-Pop Demon Hunters' is currently slaying exclusively on Netflix. 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The Review Geek
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Review Geek
KPop Demon Hunters (2025) Movie Review – A funny and energetic animated musical for everyone
A funny and energetic animated musical for everyone In KPop Demon Hunters, the latest Netflix original animation, demons invade our world to eat our souls, and our only salvation is girl groups! A trio of girls has to fight the creatures with songs, strengthening the barrier that protects Earth from the beasts. After a long time, Mira, Zoey, and their leader, Rumi, can finally complete this barrier, bringing peace to their world. If this sounds too serious, don't worry, as the movie perfectly balances its drama and cartoonishness. You can see that by the main antagonist, a demonic, evil boy band stealing their fans. However, they have one more problem: Rumi is half-demon, but none of the other girls know. That adds intensity to her, as strengthening the barrier isn't only a duty to the girl but a necessity. At the same time, it highlights her sacrifices. That part of her presents itself through marks on her body, meaning she has to give up on a few things. Skipping going to public baths with her friends or never being truly comfortable around them is a bigger and more relatable loss than the end of the world. Someone must give this movie an award for its soundtrack because every song here is a banger. From 'How it's Done' to Twice's 'Takedown,' all of them intensify the moment they're played in. So, 'Golden,' an inspirational song about fulfilling their dreams, becomes ten times more heartbreaking when we find out Rumi's secret. Their work on 'Golden' is astounding, as they even have an MV that feels like an actual official music video. Netflix would be crazy if they didn't release that on YouTube. The fight scenes are incredibly well-animated and fluid, but they pop even harder with the right soundtrack. It's hard to stay still in your chair watching them when you feel you're in the girl's latest show at all times. However, one song choice is a fatal mistake, and right at the end of the movie. In the final battle, 'What It Sounds Like' fails to match the epic atmosphere of the confrontation. Even though its lyrics are great, encapsulating Rumi's journey, its rhythm isn't as energetic as necessary. The song is good, but it doesn't hold a candle to the others, and it comes at the wrong time. But that's only a small part of the film's biggest problem. Throughout the story, we follow Rumi as she loses her connection with her friends and gets closer to the leader of the demonic boy band. But when that development reaches the climactic point, the next thing we know, it's all solved. We're left with a hollow, rushed ending, stripped of almost all emotions. It's a shame because KPop Demon Hunters could have been even greater with 10 more minutes or so. Rumi's demonic side is a smart detail, so seeing her deal with it properly would elevate the story. We get to see her talk about it with her mentor, the only other person who knows her secret, but it's only a fast interaction. Still, there's one thing that works incredibly well even in the ending, and that is the animation. It's simply stunning. The lights and colors fit that world so much that it's hard to imagine the movie with a different aesthetic. Beyond that, it's very creative. Like the Teen Titans cartoon did back in the 2000s, it emulates Far East anime aesthetics without abandoning its own style. The crazy visuals and expressions will get you laughing out loud when you least expect it. And sometimes, when you fully expect it, too. The K-pop culture is in full play in the movie. We see signing events, ships, boy bands participating in weird TV programs to showcase their songs, and so on. The first contact we have with the main girls is through their fans saying what they love about each of them. And the funniest joke of them all is when the movie satirizes the 'meet-cute,' so popular in K-dramas, between Rumi and another singer. But that goes deeper into the movie's message. Rumi also has a troubled relationship with her demonic side because she must present herself perfectly at all times. She has been taught that if she shows any kind of flaw, it's all done for her. That definitely hits close to home for K-pop idols, as they have to do the same to please their fans. In an industry that puts them on extremely high pedestals, minor and humane flaws can spark giant backlashes online. Fans might love you now but hate you the next day because of your appearance, dating choices, and even acting 'too normally.' One such example is when rumors about BTS' Jungkook dating sparked hashtags saying he betrayed the fans. In a way, Rumi's dilemma criticizes this idealized view of artists that the industry and the fans create. KPop Demon Hunters is both ridiculous and as deep as it needs to be. Despite its short runtime damaging the conclusion, it's still one of the best-animated flicks of 2025 so far. The fun characters and animation won't leave your head so soon. And neither will its songs leave your playlist. Read More: KPop Demon Hunters Ending Explained
The Review Geek
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Review Geek
KPop Demon Hunters (2025) Ending Explained – Does Rumi fix the Honmoon?
KPop Demon Hunters Plot Summary KPop Demon Hunters is the latest animation movie from Netflix. For centuries, demons have hunted people and eaten their souls. But one day, a trio of girls protects the citizens with their songs, killing the beasts and strengthening the Honmoon, the barrier between Earth and the demonic realm. Now, it's Zoey, Mira, and Rumi's turn to fix the Honmoon for good and banish all demons. How are they going to do that? By becoming Korea's number one girl group, the HUNTR/X (Huntrix). However, as they come close to achieving their goal, Gwi-Ma, the demon king, sends a new threat their way. Jinu and his team could never hope to defeat the girls with brawn, something every demon has learned over the years. So they form an evil boy band to steal their fans and weaken the barrier. The only problem is that Jinu becomes closer to Rumi than he would expect, as he learns the girl is actually part demon as well. Now, the two find a new strength in each other but risk not getting what they've wished for so long. Do the other girls learn Rumi's secret? Demons bear marks that every hunter can see; it's one of the only ways of figuring out if they are real people or not. Since Rumi's father was a demon, she has some of the marks, which grow as the years go by. Because of that, she never could go to a bathhouse or be truly comfortable around her friends. She even has to wear a jacket at all times, or else her friends will see the demonic pattern on her arms. Despite them getting close, Jinu betrays Rumi during one of the Huntrix performances, outing her to them. As Rumi sings, all alone, other demons change their appearances to match Mira and Zoey's. They quickly start bumping into the girl and badmouthing her in the middle of the stage. Ultimately, they take her jacket off, which makes her freak out and use her demonic voice, shattering all the lights in the studio. When she escapes to the backstage area, the real Mira and Zoey find her and see her marks. She tries to explain things to them, but it's already too late. The girls point their weapons at her, and Rumi's only option is to run away. Although they cry doing that, it's Mira and Zoey's duty to defeat all demons, so they see no other choice. Still, they let Rumi escape. Do Jinu and Rumi end up together? Throughout the movie, Jinu and Rumi learn more about each other and become closer. The girl even thinks of a plan in which the demon can stay with her on Earth even after she restores the Honmoon. However, Gwi-Ma can see what's happening and uses the boy's past regrets to control him. With that, Jinu feels forced to betray Rumi and out her secret to her friends. She tries to ask for his help after that, only to learn he was the one who set her up. During the final battle against Gwi-Ma, Rumi has to defend against one of the demon's attacks all by herself. At that moment, Jinu steps up and takes her place as a sacrifice. He saves her and tells the girl how much she helped him, but he unfortunately dies, redeeming himself. In the end, she makes up with her friends but loses the first love of her life. Does Rumi fix the Honmoon? Yes and no. Rumi realizes her demonic marks are an important part of her, and she shouldn't be trying to hide them from her friends. So, if the barrier she has been trying to create will make them go away, that's probably not the right answer. Together, she and the other girls work to destroy the current Honmoon and create a new and better one. After the barrier gets fragile, Gwi-Ma rises to the surface, ready to steal the souls of hundreds of humans. However, Rumi, Zoey, and Mira use their newest song, one about acknowledging who they really are, to power up. With this strength, they manage to defeat Gwi-Ma and the boy band, creating a Honmoon that respects the uniqueness of every individual. Thanks to that, even after its creation, Rumi still has her demonic marks. But now she doesn't feel she has to hide them from her friends. Read More: KPop Demon Hunters Review
Yahoo
13-06-2025
- Yahoo
Man indicted in connection with girl's death at Stillhouse Hollow Lake
BELL COUNTY, Texas (FOX 44) – A Killeen man has been indicted in connection with a girl's death at Stillhouse Hollow Lake. The Bell County Sheriff's Office's Criminal Investigations Division presented information to a Grand Jury on Wednesday. This was in reference to an investigation into the death of eleven-year-old Zoey Rene Walls, who died on Stillhouse Hollow Lake on July 2, 2023. Upon reviewing the information provided, an indictment was given against 44-year-old Joshua Glenn Walls for the charge of Criminally Negligent Homicide. Investigators and members of the Bell County Sheriff's Office's Violent Crimes Apprehension Team found Walls on Thursday, took him into custody, and placed him in the Bell County Jail. Justice of the Peace Cliff Coleman has set his bond at $50,000. This comes after the Bell County Sheriff's Department originally responded to a report of a boat crash on Stillhouse Hollow Lake at approximately 7:58 p.m. on Sunday, July 2. The Central Bell County Fire Department, AMR Ambulance, U.S. Corps of Engineers Parks Rangers, and the Texas Parks and Wildlife Game Wardens also responded. It was reported that an eleven-year-old girl identified as Zoey was struck by a boat. The investigation revealed the victim had been at the lake with her family, riding on a tube drawn by the family boat, when she fell from the towed device. When the father, who was operating the boat, returned to pick her up, she was struck by the boat and suffered fatal injuries. The Sheriff's Office says a bystander witnessed the family's cries for help and assisted, taking the victim to the Stillhouse Hollow Marina located at 4596 Simmons Road. First responders then arrived. Justice of the Peace Nicola J. James pronounced Zoey dead and ordered an autopsy to be performed at the Dallas County Medical Examiner's Office. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
