Korean popular music, or K-Pop, has long been a cornerstone of South Korea’s cultural and musical identity. From its early beginnings with first-generation idols to the dynamic groups of today, K-Pop has seen its influence expand beyond Korea, with an increasing number of acts garnering recognition on the international stage.

There really is no denying the impact and indelible mark K-Pop has had on pop culture. With such vast popularity, it’s only fair to produce a K-Pop-inspired film that caters to a wide audience. And that popularity ultimately led to the release of K-Pop Demon Hunters on Netflix.

What Is K-Pop Demon Hunters About?

Hailing from Sony Pictures Animation, K-Pop Demon Hunters — directed by Maggie Kang and Chris Appelhans — is an animated fantasy feature centered on the K-Pop industry, albeit with a supernatural twist. Based on a story by Kang, the film follows the chart-topping girl group Huntr/x as they lead a double life: idols by day and demon hunters by night.

Together, the members — Rumi (Arden Cho), Mira (May Hong), and Zoey (Ji-young Yoo) — use their magical singing abilities to protect humans from the demon’s looming threat. However, trouble begins when a group of demons, disguised as a rival boy band called the Saja Boys, arrives to steal the souls of their fans.

The movie joins Netflix’s extensive library of Korean shows — and a notable one at that. Apart from dominating the streaming charts since its release, the fictional K-Pop groups have also outperformed some of the biggest real ones on the music charts, proving that the “Soda Pop” craze isn’t going anywhere anytime soon. Oh, my little soda pop.

K-Culture Easter Eggs in K-Pop Demon Hunters You May Have Missed

For non-K-Pop fans, the movie may come across as a colorful spectacle (perhaps a bit cheesy), portraying the world of the Korean pop industry. But for avid fans, K-Pop Demon Hunters is packed with a plethora of references that are deeply rooted in Korean pop culture. Check out the K-Culture Easter eggs below:

Tiger and Magpie

Bringing a centuries-old painting to life, the movie features Saja Boys’ Jinu (Ahn Hyo-seop) alongside a blue-colored tiger and a six-eyed magpie as his pet. But it wasn’t just a cute and subsequently odd addition to the story, as the reference dates back to the Joseon Dynasty. Originating from a type of Korean folk painting known as Minhwa, the magpie and tiger painting — also called Kkachi Horangi — is a type of Minhwa that intentionally depicts tigers with an absurd and playful appearance, while magpies are always portrayed as regal.

While tigers are fierce predators in reality, the painting took a comedic spin by giving them a comical look, portraying the ruling class. On the other hand, magpies — portrayed as the bringers of good news — represent the common people. Historically, the painting served as a humorous and satirical commentary on the aristocratic society of the Joseon period. It stands as a testament to the creative imagination of the ordinary people of that era.

Grim Reapers

Jeoseung Saja, the Korean equivalent of the Western Grim Reaper, is a figure from Korean folklore. They are often depicted as pale creatures clad in an all-black hanbok — Western grim reaper, but make it fashion. In Korean mythology, Jeoseung Sajas are underworld messengers tasked with guiding the souls of the deceased to the afterlife.

The name Saja Boys is inspired by Korean folklore, though — instead of guiding souls, they steal them. In a performance for their new song “Your Idol,” the fictional boy band dons the traditional Jeoseung Saja attire. It is also a recurring theme in Korean dramas, featured in series like Goblin, Tomorrow, Black, 49 Days, Hotel Del Luna, and more.

Fans’ Dedication Through Lightsticks

Okay, fans of other musical acts may have established a loyal fanbase over the years, but there’s nothing quite like K-Pop fans — and we stand by that claim. K-Pop fans are arguably the most loyal and dedicated fandom in the world today. Beyond showing up for their idols, they take pride in their identity as devoted supporters of their favorite acts. And at concerts and live shows, it’s an unspoken rule to never forget your lightstick. Each group or solo artist has a uniquely designed lightstick made specifically for them and their fans.

Some popular examples include BTS’ ARMY bomb, EXO’s hexagon-shaped lightstick, BLACKPINK’s BI-ping-bong, and TWICE’s Candy bong. In K-Pop Demon Hunters, the lightstick for Saja Boys is a handheld lion head with the group’s name etched on the handle. Huntr/x, on the other hand, opted for a more traditional design. It is inspired by norigae, a traditional Korean accessory symbolizing wealth, femininity, and good fortune. It is a pendant typically worn with a hanbok.

Outdoor Performances

Much like in real life, K-Pop Demon Hunters also features one of every K-Pop fan’s favorite types of live shows: an outdoor performance. In the movie, the demons-in-disguise boy band performs their debut single, “Soda Pop,” on a bustling city street. This kind of live show is appreciated by fans because it breaks away from the usual four-walled stage. It creates a unique atmosphere, allows for closer fan interaction, and is celebrated for its rarity.

Oftentimes, idols do outdoor performances during the early years of their careers. In other scenarios, idols get creative too. For example, Girls’ Generation once performed “Tell Me Your Wish (Genie)” on a rooftop helipad to coincide with their military-inspired concept for their second extended play. The legendary girl group also performed “Gee” on a football field, “Oh” in an ice rink, and “Etude” in a waterpark. What a time.

Sadly, that type of performance rarely happens anymore (if at all) in today’s K-pop scene. But K-Pop Demon Hunters brought fans back to such a beautiful era.

Variety Shows

Idols channel their personality beyond their music through a string of variety shows. In K-Pop Demon Hunters, the Saja Boys showcased their competitiveness by taking on the spicy challenge. In the same fictional show, rival groups Saja Boys and Huntr/x interact with each other, much to the amusement of fans.

Most of the time, variety shows highlight our favorite K-Pop idols’ funny side. Some of the fan-favorite shows include Weekly Idol, Busted, Home Alone, Idol House, Men on a Mission, and Hello Baby, among others.

Watch K-Pop Demon Hunters on Netflix. For more updates and information, follow Netflix on Instagram.