K-pop is not my jam. K-pop with context might be.
Actually, any movie with catchy tunes that drive the story forward will catch my attention. But I was not expecting the biggest streaming movie of the summer — a K-pop musical about popstar monster hunters — to grab hold of me like it did.
I swear I haven’t been ignoring KPop Demon Hunters. I’d say it’s more of an evasion. Not a God of War-style dodge button mash. More of the eye contact-aversion you do when a person with a clipboard tries to talk with you outside Whole Foods.
On reflection, though, it’s clear I’ve been neglecting my duties. I should have done this review months ago when KPop Demon Hunters first debuted on Netflix. I left you directionless on this one. Is it a minefield of terror? Is it a modern classic? Surprisingly, I’d say it’s closer to classic than minefield.
Maybe it’s the beautiful, frenetic, and playful animation that’s half anime and half Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse. Maybe it’s the earworm songs that burrow in and scratch the back of your brain like an old radio tune you haven’t heard in years. Maybe it’s the unexpected thematic depth about identity and the mental health impact of hiding your true self from those you love.
I found my head bobbing frequently. To the music. To the moments of personal breakthrough that resonated with me.
I found myself laughing. To the one-liners. To the absurd bits that often don’t belong in a movie with serious themes.
But they should. For people like me. That’s how I connect with movies.
As characters and stories arched compellingly across this vibrant world, another theme took shape. It’s about the power of artistry. Art can expel demons. It can save lives — because it can make people feel connected to something bigger than themselves.
I’m now a KPop Demon Hunters fan. I have no shame in that. It’s who I am. Will I suddenly buy a BTS album? Not likely. K-pop is still a little too bubblegummy for me.
But in the context of this film, that bubble gum is the sweet sugar that helps the medicine go down. Medicine that tells me it’s okay to be who I am. I know most modern movies have a similar message, but in KPop Demon Hunters, it resonates. The theme struck a chord that, unlike the singing, was not autotuned. I felt the soulful pitch of the message.
And I’m sure my girls felt it. They’re now on multiple viewings. Every morning and every evening, they dance-off to the album, now on constant repeat.
As I rewatched the film, I noticed one other interesting theme about identity and the perception of one’s place in culture. There were references to Korean folk traditions, whose character representatives offered a level of understanding those a generation away did not. It’s saying, no matter how your parents’ or grandparents’ generation connects with you, you are connected to centuries of culture and history before them.
That kind of social grounding is important for those who struggle with identity. Knowing you fit in to your world makes you feel less like an impostor in the world around you.
Alright, this pint-sized review is now a liter-sized boot stein of a review. Bottom line is: Skip the booze. Sip a THC water and let this explosion of expressionism wash over you. You’ll laugh. You’ll bob your head. You may even have an existential breakthrough.
🎬🎬🎬
Where to watch
Rating: PG (Me: 6+)
Directors: Chris Appelhans, Maggie Kang
Starring: Arden Cho, May Hong, Ji-Young Yoo
Run time: 1h 39m
Post-credits scene: A quick behind-the-scenes of music recording after the animated credits.
Bathroom breaks: You’re at home. Pause it. Refill your drink. Jam on.
Sequel? Certainly.
If you liked KPop Demon Hunters, check out these films:
- Belle (2022) (8+)
- Monster High: The Movie (2022) (7+)
- Trolls Band Together (2023) (5+)
- Sailor Moon Eternal: The Movie (2021) (6+)
- Next Gen (2018) (7+)
- Yobi, the Five-Tailed Fox (2007) (4+)
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Find this title on the Family Film Recommendations list
