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Hooks, High Notes, and the Honmoon: I Review K-Pop Demon Hunters
- Kaitlyn Liddicoat
- Sep 17
- 14 min read
FOR THE FANS!!!
Production Company: Sony Pictures Animation
Streaming Service: Netflix
Release Date: June 20, 2025
Rating: PG
Description:
I was not a fan of K-Pop Demon Hunters.
There, I said it.
In fact, I was majorly annoyed by it. Why? Despite not having seen the film, a film that had barely been advertised and which initially looks like something made for children, my feed went from a blissful variety of various reels to suddenly being dominated by bootleg clips of the movie. Every reel was some sort of out-of-context spoiler. Every audio was a section of either Golden or Soda Pop. Never the full songs, mind you, but just enough to not get me into the groove.
Very quickly, I grew resentful. How dare this movie take over my whole feed, and seemingly the feed of the whole world? Everyone had something to say about it—and surprisingly, everyone seemed to be raving about it.
Of course, I always take that with a grain of salt because not everything that a mass audience enjoys might be my cup of tea.
And the worst part? As someone without a Netflix subscription, I had no way of watching the film to find out for myself.
That being said, when theaters offered a limited one weekend only showing of K-Pop Demon Hunters just before the beginning of my Senior year, I knew that if I didn’t go see it as a film student, I would be dishonoring my education.
So, I grabbed my friend who had already seen the film and dragged him to see it with me.
The following was my experience. Be warned, there are spoilers ahead, so if you don’t want to know, don’t read further.
Initial Thoughts Before the Movie Started:
As I mentioned above, I was not expecting a great deal to come out of this movie. I paid for my expensive ticket, which made me cry a little inside as I recalled back when I was younger how tickets were at one point $5. Then my friend and I went and found our seats.
Technically, this version of K-Pop Demon Hunters playing was a sing-a-long version, and based off of my feed, my friend and I were expecting a great deal of people to be in the theater to sing to the music like fans at a K-Pop concert. But contrary to what the media showed us, our particular viewing had less than 10 people, consisting of no more than myself, my friend, a couple with one small child, and I think two other young adults who were watching it solo.
Based on my limited knowledge, I knew the movie was going to touch on K-Pop culture, Korean mythology (with major creative liberties taken), and of course, K-Pop idols hunting demons.
Now, for all my doubts, I was looking forward to seeing how Sony Pictures Animations and Netflix were going to address Korean culture. As a fan of K-Dramas, especially that of the supernatural and historical kind, my anticipation was piqued. The last thing I would want is to see Korean culture super westernized just to make a lame attempt at forced diversity.
And then, the movie started.
After Watching K-Pop Demon Hunters
The first thing I did when the credits rolled was turn to my friend and say, “This movie has no reason being as good as it is.”
When I say I was pleasantly surprised, I mean it. K-Pop Demon Hunters is so refreshing for an animation film in an era where reboots and sequels run rampant, and where original concepts are swept under the rug.
I’ve been too often disappointed recently with the animated films being released. Either the concept is so washed out and played out too much, or the film just feels like something is missing from it—albeit a spark of life or creativity or a passionate soul.
After seeing this film for myself, I now understand the hype behind it and why so many people have given this movie such a positive review.
1.) The Soundtrack Is GOATED.
I will be getting into more of the music from the soundtrack towards the end of this article, but WOW. Not often am I someone who likes the entire soundtrack. Usually, I like one or maybe two of the songs overall, with the rest being average or forgettable. That’s not the case with K-Pop Demon Hunters.
Almost every song in the soundtrack is a straight-up banger that will get you dancing and feeling energized in a way that many of us might not have been in a very long time.
Yes, these songs are of the K-Pop and Pop genres, which not everyone likes (plus we do not talk about the K-Pop bands too often because sometimes the K-Pop culture gets WEIRD in not a good way). I myself am an on and off listener to K-Pop. I know the barest-of-bones basics of K-Pop and its culture, but I am no means a “fan” or a professional on the subject.
Yet while this is K-Pop, clearly (at least in the English version of the film) there is a decent amount of English. But Korean language is still sung within the film and in the songs, which I am so happy for.
To me, all the songs were all 8/10s or higher. They added so much to the film and carried it to the finish line for me. In a way, the patterns of the music reminded me a bit of my childhood pop songs in the 2000s/2010s even though the movie takes place in the modern day. The energy that Golden, Soda Pop, and What It Sounds Like embodies the energetic spirit of summer that I haven’t felt since my sophomore year in high school.
And when Netflix recently released the Deluxe Version of the soundtrack and we were able to listen to the introduction song without someone’s voiceover? I ascended and got literal chills.
Without these songs, I fear the movie would never have gotten as much recognition as it did. No wonder that so many of the songs on this soundtrack were in the Top 100 billboards for the entire summer.
2.) It Addresses K-Pop and Korean Culture.
K-Pop Demon Hunters does more than lean on catchy beats and flashy choreography. This movie is a celebration of the culture that inspires it, shown in a western interpretation.
From traditional motifs woven into the countless costumes to sly nods to Korean folklore, the film captures the vibrancy of K-Pop while honoring its Korean roots. It’s a love letter to both the global phenomenon of idol culture and the distinct Korean artistry that makes it shine.
Contrary to the typical demon interpretation that western culture has, none of these demons have red horns or a pointy, forked tail. Instead, there are several different types of demons, which are inspired by Korean folklore.
This film could have easily Americanized its media by replacing the Korean culture with that of the west, but thankfully, they don’t go this direction. Instead of cliché foods like pizza, they actually include Korean cuisines, like kimbab, ramyeon, hotteok, and more. I’ve only just started exploring Korean foods in the past year, but to see this not normalized or heavily advertised types of food being presented on screen? Let’s just say I was super impressed and happy.
And you can’t have K-Pop Demon Hunters with the K-Pop. This film touches on K-Pop culture from the perspective of the idols instead of just the fans. Of course, some of this is clearly fictional—after all, have you ever heard of an idol being able to eat loads of carbs before a show? Or having a loving, understanding manager? Yeah, right!
But the fans being a bit intense and borderline obsessive about their bias? They nailed that concept!
To see Korean culture in something other than a K-Drama is really refreshing and interesting, and I am very glad they did not pull back on Korean culture.
And the reference to the K-Drama Business Proposal? I was both laughing and squealing at the callout when they included the song Love, Maybe.
3.) Girlbosses of Different Calibers Shine as a Group.
Too often women are told that we can only be two roles in media: the gentle feminine woman or the tomboy warrior female.
What makes K-Pop Demon Hunters stand out is how it provides the female leads a space to be powerful in different ways.
Mira is the wild child who is bold, tough, takes-charge, and will brutally tell you something to your face. (Pretty sure most people would like her to step on their faces to be honest.) Yet even as she kicks demon butt, she has her moments of vulnerability with her friends, showcasing that she is still human and has insecurities deep within herself. Plus, she is an icon. Who else could wear a sleeping bag to the Met Gala?
Zoey is the energetic golden retriever of the girl group HUNTR/X. She grew up with divorced parents and misunderstood, often feeling out of place because she was both Korean and American, and was trying to embrace both sides of her heritage while being pulled by each parent. So, when she is able to be herself with Mira and Rumi and embrace both sides without judgement or resentment, she truly flourishes and retains a positive attitude and quick thinking, even if sometimes her ideas are a little eccentric.
Rumi is more understated, yet her quiet resilience becomes one of the most vital strengths when the group faces overwhelming odds. Someone who has had to hide part of herself from everyone from a child onwards, Rumi, being a half-demon, finds herself losing her voice and pushing hard to make the golden Honmoon happen, if only to finally be rid of the part of her she has been told is pure evil just for existing. While this is happening, she also has to be the leader and always know what to do, which obviously doesn’t always happen, especially when she starts interacting with Jinu. But eventually Rumi learns to accept all of herself, and only when she does this is she able to fully become the powerhouse that she is.
Women are multidimensional. Media tends to forget that, though clearly we are starting to get better with that. The vulnerability that they allow the female leads to show, and the duality of personalities, really gives each character more range and shows that there is more than just the “tough girl” or “damsel in distress” when it comes to women. Together, they prove that “girlboss” isn’t a one-size-fits-all label.
It’s about embracing individuality. The film celebrates their uniqueness, showing that their quirks, flaws, and distinct personalities are what make them unstoppable when they come together.
4.) Overall Message of Acceptance Applies Across a Broad Spectrum.
While the movie is packed with flashy fight sequences and chart-worthy bops, its emotional core is surprisingly thoughtful and deep.
The characters’ journeys emphasize that acceptance of yourself, friends, and even former enemies is the true key to inner and outer strength. The story doesn’t shy away from addressing prejudice and misunderstanding, whether it’s between humans and demons or even between members of the same group.
And as I’ve had discussions with others, it can be argued that Rumi’s journey to accept the part of herself she had to hide for years can apply to more than just being authentic to yourself. Those in the queer community relate to Rumi by applying her journey of self-acceptance to their journeys of self-acceptance of their own identities.
In the end, K-Pop Demon Hunters suggests that acceptance is not just an act of kindness. It’s a radical form of courage and strength. That message resonates across cultures, generations, and experiences, making it universally relatable to both adults and children alike.
5.) Bobby Is HOT. And So Is Mira, Zoey, Rumi, and Almost Every Character According to A Survey (My Friends).
It has to be said: the cast is unfairly attractive.
I know my friend is a simp for Mira (well, everyone actually, but he definitely has a bias towards Mira).
The internet has taken Bobby by storm, which probably was surprising for the major industries releasing the film because he does not fit the “conventional” type of attractiveness. I say to that: good for us.
And of course, who could forget any of the Saja Boys?
According to an entirely scientific (read: highly biased and very passionate) survey of my friends, nearly every single character in this movie qualifies as “hot.” It’s the kind of energy and enjoyment that makes you want to pause scenes just to appreciate the character designs and personalities. Honestly, you’ll leave the movie with at least one new fictional crush.
And if you don’t, well, you’re probably lying to yourself.
6.) The Saja Boys Would DEFINENTLY Have Succeeded In Their Mission If They Were Real.
If the Saja Boys somehow leapt off the screen and into the real world, they’d have an idol empire in no time. The chemistry and charisma that they possess make them feel like a group you’d actually stan.
And with the amount of people who are learning the moves to Soda Pop and singing their hearts out to Your Idol? We’d be totally cooked, fam.
I just know people would buy their merch or stream their comeback album. Heck, I think they already are. (The AI shirts make me cry though.)
7.) Lee Byung-hun is the Best Villain when it comes to Korean Media.
Lee Byung-hun proves once again why he’s one of Korea’s most magnetic actors even when he isn’t shown on screen. The former Squid Games actor takes to the voice acting stage in this film to play Gwi-Ma, the lord of the underworld and leader of all demons who wants to feed on the souls of humanity.
His portrayal of the Front Man in Squid Games is layered and from what I’ve been told absolutely diabolical. Meanwhile, his portrayal of Gwi-Ma reminds us who really is in control of the demons. He’s got a sense of dark charm and humor to him while being equally dangerous and manipulative in order to get what he wants.
Based on what I’ve seen, Korean media has a history of compelling villains, but Byung-hun’s performance here easily earns him a top spot. It’s the perfect mix of theatrical flair and grounded menace, showing why he remains one of the industry’s best.
8.) The Animation is Phenomenal.
Visually, K-Pop Demon Hunters is a knockout. The animators pull no punches when it comes to spectacle, delivering dazzling fight sequences with fluid choreography that feels as meticulously crafted as any K-Pop stage performance. But what else do you expect when Sony Pictures Animation gets involved?
Sony Pictures Animation has been making a huge name for itself in the past decade with their animation. Instead of sticking with just the Disney-fied 3D animation style that has been taking most remaining animation studios by storm, Sony continues to experiment with different techniques.
While Disney faces tend to still look conventionally attractive no matter what emotion they portray, K-Pop Demon Hunters instead decides to push that boundary by allowing their characters to show a very exaggerated art style reaction. It reminds me of Manga or Anime art expressions, and I am glad they decided to explore that in this film.
The neon-drenched cityscapes pop with color while the character designs strike a balance between idol glam and supernatural flair. Even quieter moments in the film, like a character’s subtle expression shift or the way light reflects during an emotional beat, are rendered with breathtaking care. The film’s animation doesn’t just support the story; it elevates it into something that feels vibrant, stylish, and alive in a way that most other mainstream animation right now seems to be lacking.
No wonder why it took seven years to make. And still, I'm not mad.
I do want the three-hour cut though.
9.) The Relationship Between Rumi and Jinu Is Heartbreaking and Full Of Yearning.
In full K-Drama glory, the relationship between Rumi and Jinu is truly a tragic but heartwarming tale, yet doesn’t actually embrace a romantic relationship—though if they had more time in the film, I guarantee they would have.
Rumi, the half-demon hunter, and Jinu, a several hundred-year-old demon plagued by guilt from his past decisions, embody the perfect enemies to friends (to lovers) pipeline.
Romantasy boys and girls know what I’m talking about.
There’s sass, tension, and vulnerability that dances between the two should-be enemies who I suspect are soulmates.
It’s what makes Jinu’s death even more heartbreaking in the end, because he became a better person and got his soul back, only to give it to Rumi and end up sacrificing himself to save her. They never got the chance to be free together and explore the what ifs together.
When I accidentally bullied my sister into watching the film, she was equally as devastated when Jinu died, just as many of the people were at the cons who were setting up shrines.
If there’s something I like about media, it’s when they have a relationship between a couple that isn’t just based on raw physical attraction that ends up getting speed-run just to fit within a time limit.
But if Sony feels inclined to release the three-hour cut of the film, I certainly will not object.
Final Thoughts On The Movie
Will I be watching this film again? Absolutely. In fact, I’ve been finding TikTok LIVES playing this movie, and I’ve been watching it on and off when I have the time just when I need a break from college.
Would I recommend this film to others? Yes. I know it seems and sounds silly, but I promise, it holds up way more than you think.
My Rating Of The Songs:
This is my rating of the songs on the soundtrack from the songs I liked the least to the songs I liked the most. I will only list the songs that I’ve listened to fully. Again, these songs were all 8/10s or higher for me, so please keep that in mind.
Album: K-Pop Demon Hunters: Soundtrack from the Netflix Film & K-Pop Demon Hunters: Soundtrack from the Netflix Film – Deluxe Version
Artist: K-Pop Demon Hunters Cast | HUNTR/X | Saja Boys
Label: Republic Records
Description:
12.) Your Idol – Saja Boys
Again, this song is an 8/10 for me. However, it was darker than what I usually like, and while I know that it was the point of the song to be darker because it was the song that was meant to suck the souls from people to feed the demons, it still just wasn’t my favorite.
11.) Strategy – TWICE
This song was good, but I feel as though others stand out more within the film enough that this one gets forgotten.
10.) Takedown - JEONGYEON, JIHYO, CHAEYOUNG and Takedown – HUNTR/X
Both versions of Takedown are entertaining, I will say that. But they are meaner spirited, as the movie does on purpose, and that isn’t really my vibe. I’ll still listen to it if it pops up on shuffle, but I’m not going out of my way to listen to this particular song.
9.) Love, Maybe - MeloMance
A classic throwback to a K-Drama. It will give you first meet-cute vibes.
8.) Path – Jokers
This song is older sounding from a more romantic period of music. Kind of sounds like Elvis if you squint your ears really hard. (Yes, I’m aware you can’t squint with ears.)
7.) Jinu’s Lament – Jinu
Another banger. It’s a softer and gentler tone song compared to the vibrant K-Pop songs we get, and also a lot shorter, but it gives traditional historical K-Drama feels.
6.) Free – Rumi and Jinu
You will literally ascend into the sky when listening to this one. A beautiful duet between Rumi and Jinu as their relationship deepens.
5.) Prologue (Hunter’s Mantra) – Marcelo Zarvos, EJAE
When I say you will get chills, I mean it. The choir voices are hauntingly beautiful. No wonder the Honmoon sealed the way it did back in the day.
4.) How It’s Done – HUNTR/X
When I think of more modern K-Pop, this song comes to mind. It’s fast paced, high energy, and full of rap moments. I personally love the part that leads up to the first chorus and that builds to the “That’s how it’s DONE, DONE, DONE.”
3.) Golden – HUNTR/X
I can totally see why this song was Number 1 on the Top 100 Billboard for weeks. It’s energetic, got high notes, and embodies pure positivity.
2.) Soda Pop – Saja Boys
This one has grown on me. For awhile there, I hated this song. But once I listened to it in full, I cannot deny that, like what Mira said in the film, “It’s infectious.” You will get this song stuck in your head and find yourself shimmying your shoulders to this tune. Would I give my soul away for this? No, of course not. But I can appreciate a good song when I hear it.
1.) What It Sounds Like – HUNTR/X
My personal favorite and the climax of the songs. It’s brutally honest with itself and blends both the flaws and positives of acceptance together to create this wonderful and powerful girlboss song. Maybe it didn’t turn the Honmoon golden, but a holographic colored Honmoon has got to be 10x stronger anyways.
To Sum It Up
If you haven't seen K-Pop Demon Hunters, please do go see it at least once in your life. I promise you'll have a good time and a refreshing break from the monotony of live action remakes and countless sequels.
Reviewer Name: Kaitlyn Liddicoat
Date of Review: 16 September 2025
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