‘KPop Demon Hunters’ stars call for Korean culture to be mainstream: “Drop the K”

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The stars of KPop Demon Hunters have called for Korean culture to be considered mainstream, rather than being distinguished with a “K” in front of it.

The Netflix animation has become a global phenomenon, becoming the streamer’s most watched film of all time as well as achieving chart success with the song ‘Golden’ from the movie.

A new interview with Variety brought together the film’s stars: EJAE, Ji-young Yoo, Audrey Nuna, Arden Cho, May Hong and Rei Ami, who provide the singing and speaking voices for the three main characters.

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Discussing the movie’s success, the actors talked about their joy at a story being told from a Korean perspective finding a global audience. EJAE remarked: “I heard from a Korean director who said that if it were made by a Korean director, it would not be the same.

“The fact that it was made by a Korean Canadian means that we were able to make a film like this that can resonate with both Korea and the world, because our perspective of Korea is also very different.”

Arden Cho added: “This movie is now, and I feel this is the beginning of showing the world that K-pop, K-fashion, K-beauty … The K is …”

Rei Ami then interjected: “… It’s no more. Drop the K.”

K-Pop Demon Hunters is part of a larger wave of Korean art that is finding an audience globally. The newly reunited K-pop icons BTS BTS K-POP GROUP BTS is a seven–member South Korean boy group known for their powerful performances, self-produced music, and global impact across pop and hip-hop. are due to embark on a world tour in 2026, beginning with a live Netflix streamed performance, while Stray Kids Stray Kids K-POP GROUP Stray Kids is an eight-member self-producing boy group known for intense performances, experimental sound, and powerful rap lines. are currently in cinemas with their live concert movie Stray Kids Stray Kids K-POP GROUP Stray Kids is an eight-member self-producing boy group known for intense performances, experimental sound, and powerful rap lines. : The dominATE Experience.

Recently, the presidents of Sony Pictures Animation, the studio behind K-Pop Demon Hunters, revealed that a sequel is unlikely to arrive before 2030 due to the process of making animated films.

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