What happens when a 39-year-old husband and father finds himself unironically obsessed with an animated kids movie about demon-hunting K-pop stars? You get a cultural paradox, a perfect storm of embarrassing “dadness” and genuine feeling for a film that took me by surprise. You can usually spot me around town hauling my kids between extracurriculars, wearing the semi-permanent scowl of a dad who feels out of place in a rapidly changing pop culture landscape. My typical pop culture comfort zone is somewhere between Will Ferrell movie quotes and Seinfeld reruns. You might think it strange to hear me gushing over “K-Pop Demon Hunters.” So why then is an animated kids film my new obsession? Let’s start with a bit of background first.
Almost immediately surging to the top of the streaming charts both as a movie and soundtrack, “K-Pop Demon Hunters” has found broad appeal among a wide audience. The cross-generational success of “K-Pop Demon Hunters” can be summed up by a straightforward phrase: respect for fandom. It’s this respect that makes the film’s premise so universally relatable, even to a middle-aged dad like myself. To understand why, let’s dive into the film’s plot.
(Mild spoilers below, you’ve been warned)
The film wastes no time setting up the central premise of the story: demons exist in the world, and every generation, a trio of singers use the power of their voices to create a magical barrier to prevent demons from preying on the souls of humans, while also using their hunter skills to fight the demons who slip past the barrier. The fictional bands in the film, the demon hunting “Huntrx” and the demon-led boy band “Saja Boys” are brilliantly portrayed by an ensemble cast of Korean-born or descended actors split between voice acting and singing roles.
Of course, the stars of “Huntrx” also have to balance their lives as world-renowned K-pop icons. There are deeper themes in the movie that extend beyond the music and appreciation for fans; a significant part of the plot centers on Rumi’s journey to accept her half-demon nature. This element of the story touches on several clichés and, in my opinion, doesn’t offer any unique takes on the traditional hero’s journey. That’s not a criticism; the movie executes this element well, but it isn’t the film’s strongest aspect. Within the lore of the film’s setting, it is the stirring of fans’ hearts through the songs of hunters that provides the magical power to create the barrier against demons, known as the Honmoon. The adoration of fans, literal and figurative, empowers the hunters and the Honmoon. The villain of the film, a spiritual entity embodying humanity’s personal demons —such as shame and regret —Gwi-Ma, subtly and masterfully played by Byung-hun Lee, seeks to destroy the Honmoon, allowing the demons unfettered access to feast on humanity’s souls. Gwi-Ma is not your traditional villain, as it is not motivated by personal animus toward our protagonists, but rather exists as an intrinsic force found within the fictionalized context of the film. Several memorable characters help flesh out the film’s world and advance the story by providing a grounded approach to fandom and a ubiquitous romantic subplot. The central conflict of the film revolves around Gwi-Ma sending a group of demons disguised as a boy band to compete with Huntrx for fans’ affection, thereby weakening the magic that powers the Honmoon and allowing demons to break into our world.
Now that we understand the film’s premise, let’s discuss what I believe is the key to its success: respect for fans. The film uses fandom as a central plot device, but it’s also a powerful metaphor for the symbiotic relationship between artists and their fans. The lesson here couldn’t be more poignant; fame, fortune, and success wouldn’t come without fans. There are several instances throughout the film that focus on the importance of artists, like “Huntrx” or the demon-led “Saja Boys,” and their interactions with fans on tour. Thanks to the clever integration of fan adulation as necessary for the narrative, the viewers get to witness and feel a part of the efforts of the characters to be genuine and earnest in their dealings with fans. In truth, the entire premise of the film revolves around the characters competing for fan support. Fan support empowers their fighting abilities and enables the barrier protecting against demonic invasion. This is where my personal connection with the film comes into play.
While I haven’t had any affinity for K-pop as a genre, I significantly relate to the concept of fandom. I spent years on the cutting edge of news and updates from my favorite artists and media. I still wait with baited breath for my favorite creators to upload new content and I appreciate consistency, interactivity, and responsiveness to fan input. As a millennial, I grew up watching movies rife with catchy tunes and clever witticisms. I enjoy a good musical score and singing along in the car has long been a staple of my daily commute for much of my life. So it’s no surprise that in a film packed with excellent musical numbers, I invariably find myself singing along to the soundtrack. My obsession with “K-Pop Demon Hunters” extends beyond the superb music and appreciation of the incredibly talented singing artists. The film’s portrayal of fans and the Huntrx stars’ appreciation for their success lend the narrative a sense of grounded legitimacy. Despite being stunningly animated, the film’s focus on the complex relationship between artists and their fans firmly cements it in the collective consciousness of many people, even beyond traditional generational divides.
If you appreciate vibrant animation and an unforgettable soundtrack, regardless of your age, then “K-Pop Demon Hunters” is a must-watch. I challenge any reader to watch this movie without tapping their foot or nodding their head to the beat—the inevitable result will be another fan helping to power the Honmoon. Don’t worry; I’ll be right beside you, my resting dad face failing to contain my unbridled joy. I may not be “hip” to most current pop culture, but that doesn’t stop me from feeling the beat.
Braxton Kehr is a senior reporter for the NWACC Eagle View and the occasional wearer of the scowl of a dad who feels out of place.
