Beyond the mere appeal of K-pop: 'KPop Demon Hunters' as a gateway to Korean culture

KPop Demon Hunters is breaking music charts creating viral challenges and encouraging greater global interest in broader Korean culture.

Our Ahn Sung-jin reports.

"Worldwide hit, global musical sensation, potential gold mine."

The craze continues for the KPop Demon Hunters.

From being Netflix's most-watched animated film of all time to its Billboard topping original soundtrack, its monstrous success reflects K-pop's growing influence in the mainstream.

"The songs are really nice and I think that it opened more and more people to K-pop like even my mother watched it. And I think that it's a good opportunity for Korea to open up to the world."

Scenes with iconic K-pop idol light sticks or fan meetings put the spotlight on Korea's unique fan culture as well.

But forget about the mere appeal of K-pop esthetics.

The film embeds a subtle but certain authenticity of Korean culture, offering a pathway into the expansion of Korean content for its global viewers.

"I think it was in the beginning of the movie it was eating the ramyeon and eating the bibimbap I think in the plane. It was very cultural. I liked it as well. It made me crave to want to eat Korean food. It's like a small exposure but a very good exposure for them to visit Korea."

Members of the girl group Huntr/x all perform with their signature "norigae," often worn with the traditional attire to symbolize good fortune and wealth.

Ancient fortresses or Namsan Tower as well as public bath houses and hanuiwon, or traditional Korean medicine clinics, accurately portray the everyday life beyond the niche elements in the entertainment industry.

Food like kimbap and ramyeon, as well as Korean dining customs, highlight the details and the characters bring life to folk art paintings such as "jakhodo."

"Not only is it very well made, but it's the Korean elements that become interesting and refreshing for Western viewers. With their popularity, these films serve as cultural ambassadors, often more effective than government campaigns."

What makes Korean content like the animated film so beloved is the fact that it resonates with local authenticity and intertwines tradition, modern K-pop and everyday elements, making it relatable in and outside of the country.

Ahn Sung-jin, Arirang News.