KPop Demon Hunters Breaks Records With Global Success

When Netflix released KPop Demon Hunters in June 2025, few could have predicted the animated film would become a global sensation, let alone Netflix’s most-watched film of all time by year’s end. But that’s exactly what happened. The movie, which follows the adventures of the fictional K-pop girl group HUNTR/X as they battle a demon army, has not only captivated audiences with its dazzling animation and action-packed storylines but also made waves for its cultural impact and record-breaking soundtrack.

According to NPR, the trio at the heart of HUNTR/X—Mira, Zoey, and Rumi—are brought to life by the real-world talents of Audrey Nuna, Rei Ami, and EJAE. These artists, already established in their own right, have found their voices reaching new heights as the film’s popularity has soared. The movie’s critical acclaim is undeniable: it won the Golden Globe for best animated feature and snagged two Oscar nominations, including best animated feature. And that’s just the start.

What truly sets KPop Demon Hunters apart is its soundtrack, which has taken on a life of its own. The album earned five Grammy nominations—a rare feat for an animated film—while its breakout single, "Golden," became a cultural phenomenon. Not only did "Golden" hit No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, but it also won the Golden Globe for best original song and received Grammy nods for best pop duo/group performance and song of the year. The song’s infectious energy and empowering message seem to have struck a chord with listeners around the world.

The creative force behind much of the soundtrack is EJAE, who not only voices Rumi but also contributed as a songwriter and producer. In a candid interview with NPR’s Ailsa Chang, EJAE reflected on her journey and the unexpected recognition she’s now receiving. "It feels very serendipitous. I’m glad it happened now, than when in my twenties, figuring life out," she shared. EJAE’s path to success was far from straightforward. She recounted, "When I was a K-pop trainee—I got dropped, first of all. But I also really intentionally chose not to go that route because I don’t think I would—it’s kinda dark—but I don’t know if I’d be here." The industry’s intensity and pressures, she explained, made her grateful to have found her voice and success on her own terms, and at her own pace.

For Rei Ami, who lends her voice to Zoey, the film’s runaway success represents more than just professional achievement. "I think the world, the universe, they were yearning for something new and refreshing. New faces, new ways to show Asian women that are multifaceted, that are not just one character, like that nerdy schoolgirl, you know, that’s quiet and submissive. Like, you look at Mira. She’s so cool and she’s not eager to please. But Zoey, she’s very eager to please and she’s very loud. And then we have Rumi, who’s just very like…" she said, trailing off with a laugh as EJAE jumped in to describe Rumi as a "workaholic." The trio’s easy camaraderie and humor shine through, both on and off screen.

Audrey Nuna, the voice behind Mira, echoed these sentiments, highlighting the importance of representation and authenticity in the film. "I feel like it’s deepening roots for sure," she said, describing how the project has helped her reconnect with her Korean heritage. She recalled a powerful moment after the film’s release, performing at Korea’s Pentaport Festival: "I saw a Korean grandpa street-performing ‘Golden’ on this traditional Korean instrument outside of Dongdaemoon station. And I was like, okay, that’s crazy. And then when I played Pentaport a few days later, I remember just looking into the crowd. This was one of the few moments in my life where I really felt so emotional. Like I almost cried on stage. Because just staring into a sea of Korean faces—and I can just see like the raw heart and soul. And it just rocked me to my core. I was just like, what a resilient culture."

The artists’ pride in their Korean identity and their determination to challenge stereotypes are woven throughout the film and its music. Rei Ami reflected, "I think this movie kind of validated my expressiveness. Because I’m very expressive now. I refuse to dim, water down any color because all my life I spent doing that. And so I just refuse now. The most validating thing is seeing other Korean girls look at me and be like, ‘Thank you. Thank you for teaching me that it’s okay to be expressive, and to show myself and be emotional.’ Because as a culture, especially as Korean women, if we’re not submissive, quiet or docile, or if we’re taking up too much space, we are punished. I just was so inspired to maybe break those generational curses and inspire this new generation of people that it’s okay to feel. It’s okay to express."

It’s not just the film’s message and music that are making waves. The trio’s lightheartedness and willingness to subvert expectations have also resonated with fans. As Rei Ami put it, "We’re super silly, we have funny jokes, and we make funny faces and we’re not always perfect." The film even delights in showing its heroines enjoying food—a small but meaningful act of representation that’s rarely seen in mainstream animation.

With the film’s massive success, it’s no surprise that a sequel is already in the works, slated for release in 2029. The artists are eager to see the HUNTR/X universe expand. Audrey Nuna shared her hopes: "I think it would be cool to see us or see the characters in different cities—and kind of explore the lore of different demon history throughout different cultures. I think Huntr/X should go global for this one." Rei Ami chimed in enthusiastically, "Yeah. World tour fighting Chinese demons, Brazilian demons, Mexican demons. There’s demonology everywhere, and they’re all very unique. Fighting Bigfoot. Is he a demon? I don’t know. I don’t care. We’re fighting him."

The anticipation for the sequel is matched only by the buzz surrounding the upcoming Grammy Awards, where KPop Demon Hunters is a first-time nominee in multiple categories. The interview with the artists, which NPR published on January 27, 2026, is part of a special series spotlighting Grammy newcomers ahead of the February 1 ceremony. As the world watches to see if the film’s chart-topping soundtrack will bring home more hardware, it’s clear that HUNTR/X—and the women behind them—have already left an indelible mark on pop culture.

In the end, KPop Demon Hunters isn’t just a movie or a collection of catchy songs. It’s a celebration of resilience, creativity, and the power of authentic representation. As the story of HUNTR/X continues to unfold on screen and in music, fans everywhere are eager to see where this adventure leads next.