Since its release on June 20, Netflix’s “KPop Demon Hunters” has shattered records, according to Netflix Tudum, reaching the highest viewership in the platform’s history and holding the No. 1 spot on Netflix for 10 straight weeks as of Sunday, Aug. 31.
The film has amassed over 236 million views in just three months and has broken multiple records not only for its animation but also for its soundtrack, which features a blend of English and Korean lyrics, according to Netflix Tudum. Four songs from the project — “Golden,” “How It’s Done,” “Soda Pop” and “Your Idol” — have remained in the Billboard Hot 100 and Billboard Global 200’s top 10, while the soundtrack itself climbed to No. 2 on the Billboard 200, as of Monday, Sept. 8.
The movie follows HUNTR/X, a K-pop girl group made up of Rumi, Mira and Zoey, who double as demon hunters. While adored by millions of fans, their true duty is protecting the world from demons seeking to steal human souls and break the “Honmoon” barrier that shields humanity.
Their biggest challenge comes from the Saja Boys — a rival idol group of five demons, Jinu, Abby, Baby, Mystery and Romance — whose attempt to steal HUNTR/X’s fans hides a darker goal of weakening the barrier. During one of their encounters, Rumi’s hidden markings are revealed — exposing her as part demon — testing her teammates’ trust before the group ultimately reaffirms their bond.
The climax takes place during the Global Music Awards, where Gwi-Ma, the main antagonist and king of the Demon Realm, hypnotizes the audience to ensure the Saja Boys’ victory. In the battle, HUNTR/X performs a powerful new song that defeats the Saja Boys and Gwi-Ma and restores the barrier.
Fans around the world, from France to Germany, were drawn to the story’s characters and themes, according to The Korea Herald. Sunny Hills students and teachers also found themselves captivated.
“I watched it twice, and overall I felt pretty good about it,” SH Korean Culture Club president senior Ayden Lee said. “The most recent movies have been pretty awful, so seeing a good one was really refreshing.”
Lee said he especially enjoyed listening to Saja Boys member Baby and the group’s songs.
“I think Baby Saja’s lines in the song were some of the best, and I just really liked the Saja Boys’ music overall,” he said. “Of course, HUNTR/X had good songs too, but something about the Saja Boys’ tracks just hit differently.”
Freshman Evelyn Baldelli said she was conflicted about the film’s ending.
“I thought it was a pretty good movie, and I liked the plot, but I didn’t like how Jinu disappeared at the end,” Baldelli said. “It felt like everything was building up, and then he was just gone.”
The freshman said the movie’s global popularity made sense.
“I think the success is justified because so many people like K-pop,” she said. “Fans are going to watch it and recommend it, and even people who don’t listen to K-pop end up getting drawn in.”
Senior Kalani Lodrigueza said the movie lived up to its expectations, noting that she had anticipated it would be an amazing and impressive film.
“I feel like I hide parts of myself sometimes, and seeing Rumi navigate that was really relatable,” Lodrigueza said. “The ending hit me emotionally, especially when Jinu sacrificed himself for Rumi; it makes me tear up every time.”
Beyond its entertainment value, teachers also noted the movie’s ability to resonate across different audiences.
Dance teacher Leiana Volen said she first became curious about the movie during the Dance Production summer camp when her students performed its choreography.
“When I returned from camp, my son and I watched it, and we both loved it,” Volen said. “The music is very catchy and captivating, the dancing is fun, and the storyline is unique and engaging.”
In addition to its creativity, Korean language teacher Joe Ok recognized how the movie captured the attention of a wide audience.
“The movie is not just for young people or students; people of all ages have liked it and watched it,” Ok said. “The songs are good and catchy, and a lot of people post about the movie on social media.”
Ok said he feels proud of the Korean media’s global success.
“Being Korean, I’m always proud,” he said. “Now, it’s almost expected to see high-quality content coming from Korea.”
With its record-breaking run and emotional storylines, “KPop Demon Hunters” has proven that K-pop’s influence extends far beyond the stage, cementing its place in global entertainment.
