Admittedly, even as a slightly obsessed MOA, STAY and an individual who stans about a thousand other groups, when the movie came out on Netflix- I genuinely didn’t think I would watch it. With a name as such, it seemed more fit for Em, so I wasn’t THAT hyped for its release- it was more of a movie I consigned to the back of my mind in the list of things I’ll watch after my list of 500 other shows. Then, it came out, my friends began raving about it, I ended up watching it, and it’s been the third time and I’m still screaming out the songs, crying over RuJinu and sporting heart eyes very much like the Huntrix girls when they first saw the Saja Boys.
Let’s be clear- K-pop Demon Hunters is an ICON. With gorgeous vocals, an incredibly catchy collection of songs with often unachievable high notes, an absolutely ridiculous plot which factors in little moments of pathos that make you want to cry over your popcorn and the fact that you’re single, and complexity shown through seemingly simple symbolism- it’s nothing short of a roaring triumph.
The premise revolves around Huntrix, a female K-pop trio serving chart-topping hits while keeping the world safe from demons. Actual, otherworldly, from another realm demons, not just your ex. They maintain the barrier known as the Honmoon that separates the demon and human world. It is at a dramatic point where they could turn the barrier gold and seal the demons away for good, that a group of demons masquerading as their rival boy group, Saja Boys, decides to apparate into existence.
From the opening scene, you’ve got glitter, eyeliner sharper than my social anxiety, demons with mohawks, and a girl group my inner child dreamed of while holding a hairbrush like a mic in front of a bathroom mirror(and still dreams of the same thing as a 15-year-old). The magical girl transformations made me squeal because I loved My Little Pony as a child and still do(no one judge)! Also, don’t question the logic of the plot when you’re watching a demon be defeated by a key change- enjoy the chaos and abandon all your scepticism. I fell in love with five fictional men who happen to be demons…they’re so FINE.
The fight scenes are STUNNING, the choreography eats so hard, and the girls throw punches in time with the beat. The fashion, the talent to fight off a possessed boy band in five-inch heels and a rhinestone corset is awe-inspiring.
There are hilarious moments, moments that give you second hand embarrassment(Zoey and Abs Saja?) and moments that make you want to melt into a puddle.
TXT, BTS, Stray Kids, ATEEZ, BIGBANG, and Monsta X were some groups named as direct inspiration for the group overall. Each member has a carefully crafted identity. Jinu, the leader, takes cues from actors Cha Eun-woo and Nam Joo-hyuk.
Marcelo Zarvos composed the score. The soundtrack also features the voices of Audrey Nuna, EJAE, Rei Ami, Andrew Choi, Kevin Woo, samUIL Lee, Neckwav and Danny Chung. The lead single “Takedown” is performed by Jeongyeon, Jihyo and Chaeyoung of Twice. Their vocals elevated the movie to a whole other level(listening to Golden right now).
The film, despite appealing to younger audiences, explores insecurity and fear, self-loathing and guilt. It shows these universal feelings through a subtle, yet impactful critique of the pressurising nature of the K-pop industry, where stars internalise their demands, grapple with consequences, maintaining a perfect veneer in the public eye, no matter what goes wrong. The women must be relatable and perfect- too much, you’re a pick me, too little, you’re rude. Every Saja boy represents a stereotype- Abby’s character represents the sexualisation of idols, Mystery’s character is speculated to represent a lack of privacy, Romance represents the romanticisation of idols, Baby signifies the infantilisation of idols even though they’re grown individuals, and Jinu represents the price of fame.
The demons are battled literally but have a metaphorical meaning- be consumed by negative emotions, it leads to personal suffering and divide. It tells us all that despite having our demons, we’re not alone. We have flaws and we have moments where we lose our bravery and confidence, but pushing through, being proud of our own experiences, accepting and acknowledging our faults is an important part of life. It’s better to be “fearless and undefined” then “never show your faults and fears”. And when Rumi showed up, even after saying she was glad this Honmoon built on such rigid ideals was destroyed, singing a new song, with the crowd singing back to her, it felt like they knew what she’d been through- and somehow, it was like this rush of inspiring strength I could feel through the screen too.
Major Spoiler!
Jinu’s death broke me. BRING JINU BACK TO RUMI PLEASE. Time to go find fanfictions of RuJinu and pretend he’s alive☹.
In order of favourite songs:
- Free, What It Sounds Like and Golden
- How It’s Done, Your Idol and Takedown
- Strategy and Soda Pop
Can you tell I’m struggling to choose?
In conclusion, K-pop Demon Hunters is absolutely fabulous, utterly ridiculous, tugs on your heartstrings and exactly what you need after a long day of pretending to proactively pay attention to Logarithms. It’s glittering power, K-pop fantasy chaos, demon-fighting dream fuel and incredibly good-looking animated characters you’ll fall in love with wrapped all in one.
Would I recommend it? YES
Would I watch it again? Already have
Would I sell my soul to join Huntrix and meet the Saja Boys? Most probably, as long as I get the outfits they wore for the Golden performance.
My rating: 100000000000/10
Signing off…