By AMELIE EGAN, LEA LAGACHE, IYLA ROBINSON, EMELIA STEVENSON
of the Peoria Academy Journalism Club

The record-breaking “K-Pop Demon Hunters” has broken the internet. As of recently, the movie has reached another milestone, becoming Netflix’s most viewed film with more than 236 million views since Aug. 23. It’s not only breaking records in the film industry but also in the music space. The film has HUNTR/X topped at No. 1 on the Billboard Global 200 and the soundtrack has 50,289,257 monthly listeners on Spotify. The popular movie has also been mentioned all over the social media world and has a fast-growing fandom. Netflix has produced many animated movies over the years, so what makes K-Pop Demon Hunters different?

Here is a response from a local 13-year-old viewer: “ ‘K- Pop Demon Hunters’ is an outstanding movie. The film is about a girl K-Pop group called Huntr/x who slays demons. The demons come up with the idea to become a rival K- Pop group called the Saja Boys. In hope to steal Huntr/x’s fans. Normally, I am not the kind of person who likes K-Pop or animated movies, but this movie captivated me from the moment I began to watch it. At first, I was suspicious of whether or not I would like this movie because I normally dislike animated films. After watching this movie for the first time I immediately watched it again. Each song was catchy and I loved all the characters. I convinced everyone that I knew to watch this masterpiece because it felt like a crime not to let them experience the joy that I felt. This is a true work of art that everyone should enjoy. I’m not exactly sure why I adore this movie but the animation style and the music made me feel like I wasn’t even watching something animated.”

People of all ages watch this incredible film, but initially the writers intended for the target audience to be much smaller — and younger. It is clear that the original target audience was K- Pop fans, and preteens — particularly female. This is clearly shown in the film that this is a very girly film, making subtle feminist comments and jokes. These girls are traditionally between the ages nine and 19. While the film did catch the attention of this audience, it also attracted so many more viewers through word of mouth and familial bonds. The fast rise in popularity may have to do with its catchy songs, or its clean animation, but another main theme is girl power. The Huntr/x members have no problem expressing themselves, in true K- Pop fashion, and this may cause young girls to follow their lead. The movie also includes a very action-packed plot, and even a romantic subplot, which captivates the audience.

The popularity and success of “K-Pop Demon Hunters” is just another sign of the rise of K-Pop in America. Now wherever you go or whatever you watch there is some form of Korean influence. On social media platforms (such as Tik-Tok, YouTube, Instagram etc.), you’re constantly hearing of Korean makeup; the popularity of the Squid Games; the popularity of BTS and other K-Pop groups. Part of the reason that at least K-Pop music is so popular can be attributed to their purposeful catchiness. We see K-Pop popularity in multiple ages. There are many children at Peoria Academy who are avid fans of many K-Pop groups just as there are many adults caught in the new Korean culture wave. This isn’t to say that a new interest in K-culture is bad. The Washington Post reports that we don’t know if “K-Pop Demon Hunters” is continuing to crescendo, but for now at least there is a dedicated fan base surrounding Korean pop culture.

This film has spread everywhere in the world catching the eyes of younger audiences, adults, and even those who normally don’t enjoy animated movies. This shows how “K-Pop Demon Hunters” has captivated everyone from the old to the young. Overall, this film has taken us through Korean pop culture and made a memorable, action-packed film that everyone enjoys. It’s safe to say that everybody is ready for K-Pop Demon Hunters 2!