KPop Demon Hunters: A K-Pop Fantasy Set in Real Seoul
Released on Netflix in June 2025, KPop Demon Hunters is a musical fantasy animation by Sony Pictures Animation. It follows K-pop girl group Huntrix — Rumi, Mira, and Zoey — who lead double lives as superstars on stage and demon hunters behind the scenes. Directed by Maggie Kang and Chris Appelhans, the film became Netflix's most-watched title of all time within just 75 days of release.
The film won Best Animated Feature and Best Original Song at the Golden Globes, and was nominated in both categories at the 98th Academy Awards. The production team used real satellite data of Seoul to build the city's terrain, making the animated Seoul remarkably faithful to reality.
Seoul Pilgrimage Route
All key locations are in central Seoul and easily accessible by public transit. Recommended route: Bukchon Hanok Village → Naksan Park Fortress Trail (a must at night!) → Namsan Tower → COEX K-POP Square → Olympic Stadium. Since the film's release, Naksan Park's fortress trail has surged in popularity among international tourists, prompting the Seoul Metropolitan Government to publish an official pilgrimage guide.
Behind the Scenes
Director Maggie Kang initially pitched the concept to Sony but was turned down. She then brought it to Netflix, who enthusiastically greenlit the project. As the first-ever musical animation featuring K-pop music, it holds historical significance. A sequel is confirmed, targeting a 2029 release.
