"KPop Demon Hunters" continues to make waves as one of the most talked-about releases in recent years. The Netflix musical, which blends K-pop energy with a unique supernatural twist, has captured audiences worldwide. The film follows a trio of K-pop singers who secretly fight demons, revealing one of them is half-demon.

Beyond the thrilling plot, the movie has been recognized for its authentic portrayal of Asian characters and their relationships with themselves, their friends, and food.

Recognition at Time Magazine Event

On December 10, 2025, Ejae, Audrey Nuna, and Rei Ami—the voices of the main characters—attended Time magazine’s "A Year in Time" event in New York City.

The event honored "KPop Demon Hunters" as the breakthrough of the year. The trio performed the film’s Grammy-nominated song "Golden," while Kevin Woo, who voices Mystery Saja, performed "Soda Pop."

Ejae told USA TODAY that the film’s key messages have struck a chord with viewers. She explained the story encourages people to see life beyond black-and-white thinking and to accept all parts of themselves. She added that the theme of leaning on loved ones also connects deeply with audiences.

Authentic Portrayal of Characters

Instagram | @nosuramen | The film celebrates food as joy, confidence, and self-care instead of guilt or shame.

Rei Ami highlighted the film’s refreshing depiction of Asian women. “The way Asian women are portrayed, it’s not one-dimensional,” she said.  She pointed out that the characters’ playful and serious sides, combined with their healthy approach to food—carbo-loading before shows—resonates with audiences.

The depiction of realistic, well-rounded characters offers representation that extends beyond the Asian community.

Box Office and Streaming Success

Since its June 2025 release, "KPop Demon Hunters" has become Netflix’s biggest movie to date. Its singalong theatrical release also made history as the platform’s first film to reach No. 1 at the box office.

The soundtrack has gained huge attention. The song "Golden" is nominated for Song of the Year at the 2026 Grammys and is considered a frontrunner for the Academy Award for Best Original Song. On December 8, the film earned three Golden Globe nominations, including Best Animated Film and Best Original Song.

Cast Reactions and Fan Impact

Instagram | @thekoreatimes_official | The creators celebrate the film’s global success and the audience’s deep emotional connection.

Ji-young Yoo, who voices Huntr/X singer Zoey, called seeing the animated characters on Time magazine’s cover a surreal moment. She said the past few months have been a whirlwind of recognition.

Chris Appelhans, co-director of the film, praised fans for noticing the small details and themes in the story. Producer Michelle Wong said she initially worried that a film rooted in Korean culture might not appeal globally. However, fans embraced unique elements like “Honmoon,” a protective barrier against demons. Wong joked about hoping the term might even enter the dictionary.

Cultural and Industry Influence

The success of "KPop Demon Hunters" shows that original content can succeed in Hollywood. It also highlights the demand for diverse stories. Fans have engaged with the characters through merchandise and events, including the 2026 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.

"KPop Demon Hunters" combines exciting musical performances, action, and meaningful representation. Its focus on healthy relationships with food and realistic character dynamics makes it stand out. The film’s global success shows that audiences value stories that feel genuine and culturally rich. This popularity also opens doors for more original, diverse storytelling in mainstream media.