Maggie Kang, the visionary creator and co-director behind the animated phenomenon K-Pop Demon Hunters, has expressed immense enthusiasm for the possibility of further adventures with the beloved K-pop group Huntr/x. While confirming that nothing is officially set in stone, Kang revealed to the BBC that she and co-director Chris Appelhans believe there’s a rich universe ripe for exploration with these characters. “We definitely feel there’s more we can do with these characters in this world,” Kang stated. She added, “Whatever it will be, it will be a story that deserves to be a sequel, and it will be something that we want to see.”
Since its release, K-Pop Demon Hunters has captured global attention, even surpassing Squid Game to become Netflix’s most-watched film ever, with an astonishing 325 million views. The film’s success has been multifaceted, with a sing-along cinema version topping the US box office and its soundtrack dominating music charts. The anthem “Golden” by Huntr/x has held the number one spot for eight consecutive weeks, a remarkable feat for an animated act.
Looking ahead, the film is also generating Oscar buzz. Appelhans humorously noted, “The title alone is obviously Oscar bait,” while expressing pride in the film’s unique blend of genres and its hard-won execution. The creators are particularly hopeful for recognition in the Best Animated Feature category and Best Original Song, though they acknowledged the challenge of choosing just three songs from the film for consideration.
The film’s creative team drew inspiration from a wide array of influences, including Korean filmmakers and K-dramas, aiming to create a vibrant and dynamic world rather than strictly adhering to anime conventions. “It was a flavour,” explained Appelhans, emphasizing that their aim was to explore a broad spectrum of tones and styles.
Regarding a potential live-action adaptation, Kang was firm in her stance, believing that the film’s comedic and fantastical elements are best suited for animation. “It’s really hard to imagine these characters in a live action world. It would feel too grounded,” she stated.
Ultimately, Kang expressed that the film’s greatest success lies in its ability to connect with audiences and introduce them to the vibrant world of K-pop. “Just seeing people bond over this movie has been so wonderful,” she shared. “So all the awards would be great, but I think we feel really incredible about what the movie has done already. So it feels like we’ve kind of won in a way.”