Busan, South Korea – September 21, 2025 – Netflix’s animated film “K-Pop Demon Hunters” is rapidly approaching 300 million views, fueled by a narrative centered on empathy and overcoming personal struggles, according to creator Maggie Kang. Speaking at an open talk during the 30th Busan International Film Festival, Kang revealed the film’s core concept draws heavily from Korean shamanistic traditions.
“I think there’s a lot of commonality and shaman’s identity and shamanism.I wanted to melt such a concept,” Kang stated, emphasizing the deep roots of shamanism in Korean culture. She specifically imbued the character rumi with the identity of a “daemon,” explaining that all characters grapple with their own internal ”daemons” – anxieties and weaknesses – ultimately striving for self-acceptance and overcoming past traumas.
Kang acknowledged initial concerns about accurately portraying K-pop idols as demon fighters, admitting she lacked personal experience with the idol lifestyle. “I personally didn’t know the idols, and I didn’t listen to the idol’s experience,” she said, noting a perceived similarity between the pressures of idol life and the need to conceal vulnerabilities.
The film’s unique premise required a collaborative approach to music production.Kang detailed a rigorous process of working with producers, including chris, to ensure the music both advanced the story and reflected each character’s emotional journey. ”I have to contain the story in the music, but simultaneously occurring, I have to reflect the character well, so we discussed a lot,” she explained, adding that character materials were repeatedly refined into detailed briefs for the music team, prioritizing a “music-down pop” sound.
Kang hinted at future projects, including both animated and live-action films, building on the success of “K-Pop Demon Hunters.” She stated, “I have a lot of ideas that I have been thinking about for a long time.”
