Commentary: KPop Demon Hunters

The trio band Huntrix, slaying demons with their song. Credits via Pinterest

Beware review includes spoilers left and right, come at your own risk.

K-Pop Demon Hunters (KPDH) is a slay-demons-underworld-meets-pop-gold kind of movie.

I have been seeing KPDH around my social media for weeks, but my personal preference in movies has never veered into the category of “anime.” On a boring Sunday afternoon, I clicked play and was very surprised at how much I loved it. I cried, laughed and gave it a 5/5 rating. 

KPDH was released on Aug. 23 and, according to Netflix, it was the most-watched movie this summer.  

However, I was late to the game.

The movie follows three girls: Rumi, the lead singer (part demon); Mira, lead choreographer; and Zoe, lyricist and hardcore rapper. The band’s goal is to restore the “Honmoon” (soul gate) to separate demons and humans.  

The trio is faced with demons running rampant along the streets of Seoul, Korea, with a very seductive, abs-glowing boy band named Saga Boys. 

Themes are an array of love, friendship, identity and self-acceptance. 

However, the themes were inconsistent; my questions were left unanswered. 

My biggest one, Rumi accepts her inner demons, while Jinu, the idealistic black haired Asian boyfriend, accepts his demons as well and sacrifices himself for Rumi. But, he still dies? 

What differentiates Rumi and Jinu? 400 years of demon hood? Both characters had shame from which they tried to hide, to then accept it as a part of them.

Still, Rumi turns her patterns into clear and pearl white, while Jinu's patterns remain dark and demon purple while he offers his soul to Rumi.  

Perhaps in the very much needed sequel, these questions will be answered. 

I cannot give factual evidence if another one is in the making, but the rumours are strong like the golden Honmoon.  

Saga boys, being the main antagonist/competition alongside Gwi-Ma, were not the sole creators of the conflict.  

“Our faults and fears must never be seen,” said Celine, the creator of the newest generation of demon hunters in the movie.  

I believe Celine was the full culprit of the destruction of the Honmoon. Her character was a mystery, with approximately a total of five minutes of screen time, showing her hate and unacceptance towards individual insecurities.  

“The scars are a part of me, darkness and paradise,” said Rumi.  

Everyone can relate to KPDH, from children to adults. The easter eggs and the hidden undertones of symbolism can easily resonate for anyone.  

It is no surprise that this was the most-watched movie on Netflix. 

In the end, it proves that you need friends at your side, keeping the demons at bay. 

Without laughter, love and care of friendship, you will be left to Gwi-Ma. 

P.S. To any of those who play Fortnite, KPDM has made its appearance in the item shop. And yes, I spent $20 to play as Rumi and to have her sword Saingeom as my pickaxe.