The US-produced animated hit “KPop Demon Hunters,” Netflix’s most-watched film, held its first singalong screening in South Korea on Saturday at the Busan International Film Festival (BIFF). Inspired by K-pop culture and Korean demon lore, the film follows a girl group descended from demon slayers battling a rival demon boy band.
Fans, including children dressed as characters like Rumi, sang along to songs such as “Golden” and cheered throughout the sold-out event. Jung Ha-sun, 41, said he fought “fierce competition” for tickets so his nine-year-old daughter could experience the film on the big screen after many home viewings.
The movie’s soundtrack has topped Billboard’s Streaming Songs chart, and singalong screenings have packed theaters across the US and Canada. The film’s blend of traditional Korean elements, K-pop music, and fan culture has captivated audiences in South Korea as well.
Real-life K-pop stars have covered the soundtrack, ramyeon sales have surged, and a theme park is planning an immersive zone based on the film. Visitors to Seoul’s National Museum of Korea have also increased, drawn by artifacts featured in the movie.
Director Maggie Kang emphasized the importance of authentic Korean cultural representation, drawing on her own immigrant experience. Film professor Brian Hu described the movie as “not K-pop so much as K-pop globalized,” blending influences from Pixar, anime, and Western teen TV.
BIFF program director Karen Park noted the unexpected success of a US-made film mixing K-pop clichés with the occult. Singalong screenings add a concert-like energy and community feel for fans, even if it doesn’t immediately boost traditional film viewership.
“Watching it here doesn’t compare to seeing it on your phone,” said fan Moon Yoon-young. “The theater sound makes all the difference — hearing these amazing songs on the big screen was pure joy.”