The premise is boldly inventive – popular K-pop idols who are also demon hunters. It’s a love story, a redemption story, and a story of friendship. We follow ‘Huntrix’ (also stylized as ‘HUNTR/X). The group is made up of trio – Rumi (Arden Cho), Mira (May Hong), and Zoey (Ji-young Yoo). They must use their voices and their powers to continue to strengthen the “Honmoon” barrier against the soul-sucking demons. But the three main characters must go head-to-head with the new five-piece demon boy group, the Saja Boys who threaten to steal their dedicated fanbase… and the city’s souls too.
The best scenes include the airplane sequence and the introduction to the Saja Boys. Although, I had hoped some scenes would be more memorable. Act one is very fast-paced and throws us straight into the action. Act two then becomes a little repetitive in showcasing the competitiveness between Huntrix and the Saja Boys. And Act three unravels Rumi’s career as her real identity is revealed to the world at the worst possible timing.
Although, Derpy the Tiger had a tendency to steal scenes whenever he appeared. But the highlights were really Act one and Act three. The musical trio named Huntrix was also created for the film with Ejae, Audrey Nuna, and Rei Ami having performed hit song, ‘Golden’ at The Brit Awards, the BAFTA Film Awards, and the Academy Awards.
Made For Kpop Fans
If you’re a K-Pop fan, you’ll notice all of the industry’s easter eggs. Everything from Twice and Meovv posters to K-pop lightsticks and dedicated fanbases. At times, the Huntrix girls resemble BLACKPINK-esque performances. With their charming high fashion, highly-stylized stages, and bold performances – K-pop stages go all out to be the very best.
You gave me your heart, now I’m here for your soul.
‘Your Idol’ by the Saja Boys
The target audience is no doubt children to young adults and all ages of K-pop fans. If you’re a Twice fan it’s even more targeted toward you with the catchy, ‘Strategy’ as a nice addition to the KPop Demon Hunters (2025) soundtrack. However, what we don’t see here is the gruelling process of becoming an idol. The film doesn’t touch on the strict dieting, long training hours, and tough contracts many idols in the industry are placed under. Instead, it forms a more positive view on the industry.
But we still get glimpses like the trouble idols face with achieving viral success, topping the charts, and maintaining their fans. The competitiveness between groups forces idols to be pitted against one another as Huntrix competes with the Saja Boys for popularity on Korean Variety Shows. But then we remember it’s a children’s movie. And perhaps the most extraordinary aspect of this film lies in the scary demons. Yet the use of weapons and scary demons is usually against what we imagine a cookie-cutter children’s film to look like. Although, the film’s themes and messages of self-acceptance, identity, and belonging are extremely relevant to the industry today.
Speaking on Identity
K-pop idols have a huge responsibility to protect their image and public personas. However, Rumi is not only battling with trying to maintain the Huntrix fanbase amongst the looming threat of the Saja Boys but how she hides her demon markings too.
That’s the funny thing about hope. Nobody else gets to decide if you feel it. That choice belongs to you.
Rumi says to Jinu in K-pop Demon Hunters (2025)
KPop Demon Hunters (2025) main song, ‘Golden’ recently won an Oscar. However, the track that stood out to me the most was ‘Free’ which featured excellent lyrics. I think the songs are not as catchy as I had hoped. But the lyrics are where the talent lies here. ‘Free’s’ emotional lines – ‘We can’t fix it if we never face it/ Let the past be the past ’til it’s weightless.’ Here Rumi develops feelings for Jinu (leader of the Saja Boys). And they both battle with their vulnerabilities. But with the evil demon king Gwi-Ma (Lee Byung-hun) planning to take over the world, Rumi must learn to not let her feelings cloud her judgment.
Shaping a Sense of Belonging
Their ‘love story’ has reminiscence to Shakespeare’s Romeo & Juliet. The idea of forbidden love between a demon hunter (Rumi) and a demon (Jinu) makes their relationship one to truly root for. Afterall, we always want to see the “star-crossed lovers” succeed. But Rumi is certainly a likeable protagonist. She’s loyal to her adoptive mother – Celine (Yunjin Kim), her group members, and her fans. Rumi and Zoey act like her other personalities and this shows their strong group bond.
But overall, KPop Demon Hunters (2025) had some memorable moments. These came particularly at the opening scene, the introduction to the Saja Boys, and all of Huntrix’s stage performances. Although as the target age is for a much younger audience, I think it has a few great meanings to take away. This includes seeking comfort in your identity and feeling a sense of belonging. But I understand it’s not really a film for me.
Rating: 3 stars
KPop Demon Hunters (2025) is available to stream on Netflix now. Be sure to check out our merch guide here. And our interview with Jessica Yoon – the author of KPop Demon Hunters: The Official Junior Novelisation here.
