Animated K-Pop Film ‘KPop Demon Hunters’ Becomes Global Sensation

The animated film “KPop Demon Hunters” has taken the world by storm since its June 2025 release, topping Netflix’s global charts with over 33 million views in two weeks and entering the top 10 in 93 countries. The movie’s fictional K-pop groups, Huntr/x and Saja Boys, have even outperformed real-life superstars like BTS and Blackpink on global music charts, with seven tracks entering the Billboard Hot 100 and dominating Spotify’s US chart.

This cross-media success is fueling a merchandising boom. The film’s authentic depiction of Korean culture—thanks to collaboration with top K-pop producers and detailed research in Seoul—resonates with fans worldwide. Its blend of traditional Korean elements, vibrant animation, and catchy music is inspiring new toy lines, collectibles, and digital products. The movie also immerses viewers in K-pop fandom, featuring fan events, light sticks, and synchronized dances, which further drives demand for related merchandise.

“KPop Demon Hunters” sets a new benchmark for cultural storytelling and cross-industry collaboration, offering valuable lessons for the toy and entertainment sectors on leveraging authentic representation and fan engagement to create global hits.

Source: BBC Culture