A Record-Breaking Success on Netflix
After becoming the most-watched Netflix film of all time, K-Pop Demon Hunters has set a new benchmark for both K-content and the streaming platform itself. With more than 300 million cumulative views, the animated movie surpassed even Squid Game Season 1, which previously held the record at 265.2 million views.
Released last June, the film quickly went viral, captivating audiences far beyond South Korea. Its success highlights Netflix’s growing power in transforming local cultural products into global phenomena.
Netflix
Star Power and K-Pop Influence
One of the key elements behind the film’s success is its strong connection to Korean pop culture. Renowned Korean actors Lee Byung-hun and Ahn Hyo-seop lent their voices to the English version, adding international appeal while maintaining authenticity.
The soundtrack played an equally crucial role. Members of global K-pop sensation TWICE (Jeongyeon, Jihyo, and Chaeyoung) contributed to the film’s music, helping bridge animation, fantasy, and K-pop fandoms worldwide.
A Soundtrack That Conquered the Charts
Music quickly became one of the film’s strongest cultural drivers. Among the standout tracks, “Golden,” performed in the film by the fictional group Huntrix, reached No. 1 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 on September 11.Even months after its release, the soundtrack continues to dominate the charts. In its 20th week, the K-Pop Demon Hunters album remained at No. 2 on Billboard’s main albums chart, proving the film’s long-lasting musical impact.
From Screen to Global Merchandising
The influence of K-Pop Demon Hunters has extended well beyond streaming and music. Nongshim, South Korea’s leading instant noodle brand, announced the release of a second batch of Shin Ramyun packaging featuring characters from the film, following strong consumer demand and what the characters are eating in the animated movie.
In addition to food collaborations, a wide range of official merchandise has been launched both in Korea and abroad. In South Korea, fans have embraced character figurines, collectible trading cards, apparel such as hoodies and caps, stationery, phone accessories, and limited-edition albums inspired by the film’s fictional K-pop group. Internationally, Netflix has expanded the brand through fashion collaborations, posters, vinyl editions of the soundtrack, plush toys, and online-exclusive merchandise, making the franchise accessible to a global fanbase.
Shin Ramyun cup noodles featuring characters from the global hit animated movie “KPop Demon Hunters”/ Courtesy of Nongshim
A Sequel Confirmed and a Franchise in the Making
The phenomenon is far from over. Netflix and Sony have officially finalized a deal to produce a sequel to the 2025 animated hit. The follow-up film is scheduled for a global release in 2029, signaling long-term confidence in the franchise.
K-Pop Demon Hunters Pop-Ups: Experiencing the World Beyond the Screen
To further immerse fans in the universe of K-Pop Demon Hunters, pop-up events have played a major role in extending the franchise’s reach. In Seoul, dedicated pop-up stores attracted large crowds, offering exclusive merchandise, themed photo zones, interactive displays, and soundtrack listening spaces. These events blurred the line between animation, K-pop, and fan culture, turning the film into a real-world experience.
Following the success in Korea, similar pop-up experiences were rolled out abroad, particularly in major cities across Asia. These international pop-ups allowed global fans to engage directly with the franchise, reinforcing its status as a worldwide cultural phenomenon rather than a region-specific hit.
The official posters for the “KPop Demon Hunters Official POP-UP – SEOUL
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