Netflix’s KPop Demon Hunters isn’t just a slick animated romp. It’s a glittering homage to the genre that inspired it. Led by director Maggie Kang, the film transforms the electrifying world of K-pop into a demon-slaying fantasy, channeling the glamour, grit, and group dynamics of the idol industry. Drawing on the signature looks, choreography, and group chemistry of some of the genre’s biggest names, the show offers fans a fresh lens to experience their favourite idols as animated heroes.
In an interview with Forbes, Kang revealed how real-life K-pop stars inspired the characters. While steering clear of direct copies, the design team infused each figure with distinct energy and attitude. From the bold stage costumes of Blackpink’s Jennie to the youthful charisma of Stray Kids and the poised confidence of BTS members, KPop Demon Hunters delivers a supernatural thrill ride that doubles as a stylish homage to the industry’s global icons.
From Stage To Screen
The team behind KPop Demon Hunters approached the film with a meticulous eye for detail, working to translate the kinetic glamour of live K-pop performances into animation. The result? A visual spectacle brimming with sleek leather ensembles, futuristic accessories, and impossibly swoon-worthy character design. Yet, it’s not all about aesthetics. The film’s combat sequences draw heavily from choreography, capturing the precision, synchronicity, and intensity of idol dance routines. Each battle unfolds with rhythm and flair. One standout moment: a street dance scene by The Saja Boys clad in resort-inspired outfits that recalls the carefree attitude of After Midnight by K-pop boy group Astro, offering a subtle nod to member Cha Eun-woo’s captivating stage presence.
A Stylish Tribute
Sharp, stylish, and effortlessly commanding, the film’s girl group Huntrix carries an energy that feels undeniably familiar. With sleek hair, sharp eyeliner, and performance looks that evoke 2NE1’s iconic 2015 MAMA stage, it’s impossible not to draw parallels to real-life superstars. “[We looked at] Itzy, Blackpink, and [Twice],” confirms Kang, naming just a few of the girl groups that shaped Huntrix’s visual and emotional DNA.
In KPop Demon Hunters, the lines between fantasy and fandom blur. By drawing from the essence of global K-pop acts, the film crafts characters that feel rooted in reality yet entirely its own. These aren’t replicas—they’re reflections. And for fans, part of the fun lies in decoding which real-life idols might have sparked each animation. The result: a world that feels familiar, but just far enough removed to keep you guessing.
KPop Demon Hunters is now available to stream on Netflix.
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