KPop Demon Hunters: Review

30th June 2025

KPop Demon Hunters: Review.

The latest film by Sony Pictures Animation, KPop Demon Hunters, sends audiences through a gorgeous world of stylized action and moving character arcs, all set to the blissful sound of Korean Pop. Combining elements of K-pop, idol culture, anime, and a touch of Across the Spider-Verse, directors Chris Appelhans and Maggie Kang introduce audiences to one of the greatest fictional bands in recent memory.

HUNTR/X is the hottest KPop group on the charts, singing and dancing to arenas of screaming fans by night and slaying demons between sets. By way of HUNTR/X’s lush sound, Kpop Demonhunters flaunts flawless animation and rich themes that radiate from the opening bars to the closing credits.

Rumi (Adren Cho, with Ejae as Rumi’s singing voice), Mira (May Hong & Audrey Nuna), and Zoey (Ji-young Yoo & Rei Ami) are HUNTR/X. Mira, the principal dancer; Zoey, the lyricist and expert rapper; and Rumi, the lead vocalist, each member is equally skilled on the concert stage as they are in combat. Together, they seek to destroy all demons and seal them away from the lives of the living. Yet just when HUNTR/X is so close to forever banishing the demons from Earth, a new threat emerges: a demon boy band known as “The Saja Boys.” Led by the gorgeous Jinu (Ahn Hyo-seop & Andrew Choi), The Saja Boys are ready to conquer the fandom. Now it’s up to HUNTR/X not only to vanquish the Demon King but to battle Saja Boys for the souls of the world.

Backstories and nuance flow throughout the leads in Kpop Demon Hunters with ease. Every character moment feels organic to the story. Rumi’s pressure as the leader of HUNTR/X serves as a commentary on Pop stardom as it is a catalyst for her self-acceptance. Cho and Ejae convey internal conflicts beautifully through their inflections, delivering a stellar performance with palpable emotion. As a foil to Rumi, Jinu’s backstory of losing his soul and life as a demon adds complexity to the typical foil-antagonist relationship.

Performances and characters across the narrative give massive characterization to even one-scene characters (with a fun highlight being Daniel Dae Kim as Healer Han). Supporting characters like Mira and Zoey are stars in their own right, giving the film the gravity to build high-stakes emotional payoffs while grounding scenes in personality and humor whenever needed. Each member of HUNTR/X is fleshed out and rooted in the traditions of Shonen anime, as Appelhans and Kang create character arcs worthy of most epic anime climaxes.

In many ways, Appelhans and Kang have hidden a musical within the realms of slaying the demonic. Each track sounds like it’s ripped straight from the charts of South Korea. HUNTR/X and Saja Boys unleash soaring ballads, arena dance-pop favorites, epic diss tracks, and subwoofer-defying trap beats, adding layers to the sonic storytelling of Kpop Demon Hunters. Beyond providing an infectious soundtrack, each track allows the characters and performers to shine as each song aligns with each character beat.

The songs move the plot, provide character-defining moments, and carry the audience into the action with flair. “Soda Pop” and “Take Down” (which also features a Twice remix during the credits) already sound ready for the Spotify charts. “Free” delivers some of the most significant character moments within a soul-seeking pop ballad. Yet “Golden” is the biggest standout, serving as an epic “love yourself” anthem overlaying the themes of K-pop within the realm of HUNTR/X’s story.

Vibrance and fluidity best describe the seamless animation on display throughout Kpop Demon Hunters. Action sequences often mimic the kinetic long-take style found in classic Kung-fu films or modern anime such as Demon Slayer and Jujutsu Kaisen. The action seamlessly blends with stylish dance sequences, making the combination of BTS-esque movement and Bruce Lee finesse even more impressive. While fight sequences are worthy of a Shonen anime, the environment and character design showcase a level of detail often reserved for the work of Studio Ghibli. Almost every frame can stand on its own as a piece of art, showcasing the love and care Appelhans, Kang, and the entire crew put towards rendering a beautiful, colorful world of demons and fandom.

Kpop Demon Hunters is one of the best films of 2025. Themes of self-acceptance, commentary on idol culture, the story of finding family, and allowing oneself to forgive all elevate an already incredible film to an odyssey that speaks to the communities it represents. All the character arcs feel natural, aligning with the promises laid out in the opening. Fight scenes integrate music with the precision and elegance of a martial artist. It’s a cathartic emotional journey worthy of repeated viewing. Performances are electric, from the speaking to the vocals, giving characters even more range.

Anime fans will find familiar tropes and adrenaline-fueled fight sequences mesmerizing. K-pop fans will fall in love with Kang’s embrace of fandoms and nods to BTS, Black Pink, and Twice. But beyond fandom, Appelhans and Kang have fused genres with care and creativity, making something unique and worthy of praise by any audience. Through the originality of Appelhans, Kang, and the entire team, Kpop Demon Hunters has introduced legions of fans to their new favorite film and new favorite band.

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