KPop Demon Hunters Cast Plot Summary Songs Singers Voice Actor (+tiger)

KPop Demon Hunters is the first-ever “K-POP Idol x Exorcism x Superhero” musical animation presented by Netflix and Sony Pictures Animation. This work is based on a unique setting where a globally beloved K-POP girl group secretly acts as demon hunters behind their glamorous stage performances, intriguingly blending traditional Korean culture with modern pop culture.

The girl group “Huntrix,” consisting of the main characters Rumi, Mira, and Joy, are superstars on stage but carry out secret missions to protect the world from supernatural threats after their performances. They defeat evil spirits with the “power of dance and song,” combining Korean shamanistic rituals with K-POP performances, depicting a world where traditional shamans have evolved into modern idols. The antagonists, “Saja Boys,” are a boy group with a grim reaper concept, parodying both mythological symbolism and the appeal of K-POP boy groups.

Set in Seoul, the film meticulously recreates various Korean elements such as Namsan Tower, traditional houses, folk paintings, and Korean cuisine. Real K-POP producers, choreographers, and artists participated to maximize the quality of the music and stage direction. TWICE members Jeongyeon, Jihyo, and Chaeyoung contributed to the OST, enhancing the film’s realism and immersion.

This movie deconstructs and reconstructs the culture, fandom, and the light and dark sides of the idol industry through genres like fantasy, comedy, action, horror, family, and occult. It sparked simultaneous excitement among idol and animation fandoms, and the soundtrack broke into global charts within a week of release, blurring the lines between reality and fiction.

The concept of “K-POP idols defeating demons” creatively fuses the communal meaning of Korean shamanistic rituals with the global power of modern K-POP. The film delivers the message of “maintaining the world’s balance through dance and song,” and through the symbol of the “Rainbow Honmoon,” which signifies becoming stronger by acknowledging and connecting each other’s imperfections, it aims to convey the value of solidarity across generations and cultures.

Although produced overseas, the film’s detailed and sensitive portrayal of Korean elements received critical acclaim both domestically and internationally. It became a global hit, ranking #1 in 41 countries immediately after its Netflix release, and established itself as a global culture icon representing K-POP’s status, the diversity of Korean culture, and the lively fusion of fantasy and musical genres in 2025.

K-Pop Demon Hunters

Korean: 케이팝 데몬 헌터스 | Japanese: KPOPガールズ! デーモン・ハンターズ
Genre Urban Fantasy, Musical, Superhero, Exorcism, Action, Comedy Horror, Family, Thriller, Occult
Directors: Maggie Kang, Chris Appelhans
Writers: Maggie Kang, Chris Appelhans, Dania Jimenez, Hannah McMechan
Producers: Aron Warner, Michelle Wong
Studio: Columbia Pictures, Sony Pictures Animation, Creative BC
Distributor: Netflix
Music: Marcelo Uchoa Zarvos
Cast Arden Cho, Ahn Hyo-seop, May Hong, Ji-young Yoo, Kim Yunjin, Ken Jeong, Lee Byung-hun Others
Release Date: June 20, 2025
Runtime: 99 minutes
Netflix Original (No Korean audience count)
Age Rating: 12+

K-Pop Demon Hunters Ratings

Rotten Tomatoes: 95% Fresh, 90% Audience Score
Naver Viewer Score: –
CGV Golden Egg Index: –
IMDb: 7.8/10
WatchaPedia: 3.5/5.0

KPop Demon Hunters Cast (voice actor)

Rumi (Arden Cho @arden_cho): Leader of Huntrix, a K-POP superstar with charisma and warmth
Notable works: KPop Demon Hunters (2025), Teen Wolf (2011), Partner Track (2022), Spark (2016), Stolen Life (2018)
Jinwoo (Ahn Hyo-seop @imhyoseop): Leader of Saja Boys, a charismatic idol with a grim reaper concept
Notable works: Dr. Romantic (2016), Business Proposal (2022), Abyss (2019), True Beauty (2020), KPop Demon Hunters (2025)
Mira (May Hong): Huntrix member, known for unique fashion and personality
Joy (Ji-young Yoo): Huntrix member, the bright and cheerful youngest
Ryu Mi-young (Kim Yunjin @yunjinkimofficial): Rumi’s mother, legendary hunter
Bobby (Ken Jeong @kenjeong): Huntrix’s manager and comedic supporter
Celine (Lee Byung-hun @byunghun_lee): Founder of Huntrix, legendary hunter

KPop Demon Hunters Characters

Celine: The spiritual pillar of HUNTR/X, a former member of the “Sunlight Sisters,” Rumi’s adoptive mother and mentor. She is characterized by perfectionism and inner conflict.

Bobby: The manager of HUNTR/X, a responsible figure who genuinely cares for and supports the members.

Gwima: The ruler of the underworld and the final boss, who organizes SAjA Boys to oppose HUNTR/X.

Tiger: Jinwoo’s animal companion, a mascot with a blank expression and cute behavior.

Magpie (Suzy/Seo): A magpie yokai who accompanies Duffy, distinguished by having three pairs of eyes.

Director Maggie Kang & Filmography

Maggie Kang: Formerly of DreamWorks and Warner Animation. “KPop Demon Hunters” is her feature film debut.

Chris Appelhans: Worked at DreamWorks and Sony Pictures Animation, director of “Wish Dragon” (2021).

Both directors are known for blending Korean culture with a global sensibility, and collaborated with real K-POP industry experts to achieve a balance between realism and fantasy.

KPop Demon Hunters Tiger Derpy

Name: Officially called “Tiger” in the film, with the production team designating the English name as “Derpy.”

Appearance: Derpy is designed with inspiration from the tiger-and-magpie paintings in Korean folk art (minhwa). He has a round, innocent-looking face, cross-eyed eyes, and a chubby body. His cute and quirky expressions are a defining feature.

Personality: Although Derpy appears naïve and clueless on the outside, he displays a unique charm in the film by obsessively returning objects to their original place or repeatedly engaging in odd behaviors.

Abilities: Derpy is not just an ordinary animal; he possesses supernatural abilities such as dimensional travel and delivering messages. In the film, he is shown delivering Jinu’s letter to Rumi and moving freely between spaces.

Directors & Filmography

Maggie Kang: Formerly of DreamWorks and Warner Animation. KPop Demon Hunters is her feature debut.
Chris Appelhans: Worked at DreamWorks and Sony Pictures Animation; director of Wish Dragon (2021).

Both directors are known for blending Korean culture with global sensibility, collaborating with real K-POP industry experts to balance realism and fantasy.

HUNTR/X – The Double Life of K-POP Idols and Exorcists

HUNTR/X is a three-member girl group featured in the film “KPop Demon Hunters,” depicted as both globally beloved K-POP idols and exorcist hunters who fight evil spirits threatening the world with music and weapons. They are heroic figures who balance the dazzling life of idols with the secret mission of battling supernatural threats.

Their slogan, “Happy fans! Happy Honmoon!” reflects their mission to open the Honmoon (Soul Gate) and bring light to the world through their bond with fans and their music. As multitaskers, they flawlessly manage both idol activities and exorcist duties, boasting worldwide popularity with achievements such as winning the World Idol Awards for five consecutive years. While their debut date and ages are not officially revealed, it is estimated that they have been active for at least six years.

HUNTR/X Members

Rumi: The leader and main vocalist, wields a four-blade sword as her weapon. She struggles with self-loathing and questions of identity but displays strong responsibility and leadership in guiding the team.

Mira: The main dancer, uses a curved sword. She experiences a sense of lack in her family relationships, which leads to inner conflict.

Zoey: The main rapper and youngest member, uses a divine dagger. As a Korean-American, she grapples with issues of belonging and identity but plays a bright and witty role within the team.

Each member overcomes personal complexes, becoming like family to one another. They are professional idols who handle songwriting, composing, and choreography themselves.

HUNTR/X Songs and OST

Their representative songs include “How It’s Done,” “Golden,” “Takedown,” and “What It Sounds Like.” Among these, “Golden” made history as the first K-POP girl group song to reach No. 1 on both the US and global Spotify charts in July 2025. The official fandom name is “HUNTERS,” personally chosen by the director.

The group’s bond with fans is extremely strong, with fan events and quick comebacks highlighting their love for their supporters throughout the story. The official light stick is inspired by traditional Korean norigae ornaments, featuring an illuminated “H” in the center that glows in various colors. Numerous official goods are released, fueling fans’ desire to collect.

HUNTR/X is not just an idol group; they are portrayed as saviors who purify evil spirits and save the world through music. Each member faces inner wounds and growing pains, relying on each other to achieve true teamwork and familial love. They are depicted as ideal K-POP icons who never neglect communication with fans, musical growth, or their mission as exorcists.

SAjA Boys – Evil Spirit Organization and K-POP Boy Group

SAjA Boys is a five-member boy group formed to oppose HUNTR/X, but in reality, they are a group of evil spirits that prey on human souls. They achieve explosive popularity upon debut, with their fan club surpassing 50 million members, making their fandom overwhelmingly powerful in the story.

The name “SAjA Boys” carries multiple meanings: lion (獅子), the dead (死者), reaper (使者), and voice. They are evil spirits organized by Gwima, the ruler of the underworld. On stage, they are perfect idols, but off stage, they reveal their true nature as soul-hunting demons.

SAjA Boys Members

Jinwoo: The leader and main vocalist, he is the most prominent character, embodying both human traits and the essence of an evil spirit.

Abby: Main dancer and sub-rapper, known for exceptional performance and dance skills.

Baby: Main rapper and youngest, with a cute appearance and a surprisingly deep voice.

Mystery: Lead vocalist, characterized by a mysterious aura and emotional singing.

Romance: Sub-vocalist, delivers a soft tone and sweet performances.

SAjA Boys Songs and OST

Their debut song “Soda Pop” has a refreshing vibe, followed by a comeback with “Your Idol,” which showcases a dark and sexy concept, mirroring the growth trajectory of real K-POP boy groups. “Your Idol” became the first K-POP boy group song to top the US Spotify Daily Top Songs chart in July 2025.

Their fandom is called “PRIDE,” inspired by the English word for a group of lions. The size and passion of their fandom are depicted as overwhelming, and in the conclusion, the group’s downfall is hinted at by a scene where SAjA Boys merchandise is thrown into the trash.

SAjA Boys were directly planned by Gwima to oppose HUNTR/X. While they are perfect idols on stage, in reality, they are evil spirits hunting human souls. Their dual identity, performances, and rivalry with HUNTR/X form the main axis of conflict in the story.

KPop Demon Hunters Plot Summary

The film opens amidst the anticipation and excitement of the audience awaiting the final concert of Huntrix’s world tour. Narration by Celine reveals that Huntrix are not just pop stars, but heirs to a long line of hunters who have fought Gwima and his evil spirits, entities that prey on human souls.

Hunters create emotion with their voices, erecting the Honmoon—a spiritual barrier that shields the world from evil spirits. The golden Honmoon, in particular, has the power to completely annihilate evil spirits. For generations, trios of female hunters have lived as singers, and in this era, Huntrix are the chosen hunters.

Through interviews, fans share why they love each member. Mira, the lead dancer, is free-spirited and uniquely charming. Zoey, from California, combines cuteness with fierce rap skills. Rumi, who lost her legendary hunter mother as a child and was adopted by Celine, is beloved for her moving voice.

Although the concert is imminent, Huntrix have not yet arrived. Manager Bobby anxiously checks their flight status, only to see the plane moving farther from the venue. Onboard, Huntrix are enjoying high-calorie snacks while preparing for the show, but soon notice the flight attendants and pilots behaving strangely. They realize the plane has been hijacked by evil spirits, who plan to eliminate Huntrix and steal the souls of their fans.

Unfazed, Huntrix coolly eat ramen and, even as the plane splits in half, they parachute down, nonchalantly checking their makeup and hair. After defeating the spirits and landing at the venue, they simultaneously perform on stage and fight, noticing a corner of the Honmoon glowing gold. The intro ends with the realization that the completion of the golden Honmoon is near.

In the underworld, Gwima scolds his minions for their incompetence. His long-time subordinate, Jinu, proposes a new strategy: he and four evil spirits will disguise themselves as the boy group Saja Boys to steal Huntrix’s fandom and weaken the Honmoon. Jinu asks Gwima to erase his human memories. After a successful concert, Huntrix plan a two-week break, but Rumi announces the release of a new song, “Golden,” and resumes activities.

“Golden” is a song reflecting each member’s personal story. During the music video shoot, Rumi’s voice falters. She is a half-blood, part hunter and part evil spirit, hiding a spirit mark on her neck. Celine reassures her that the mark will disappear once the Honmoon is complete, but Rumi, plagued by anxiety and fatigue, ends up missing the stage.

Seeking treatment for her throat, Rumi visits an oriental clinic, but the doctor says her emotional walls are too high to see anything. Upon leaving, she spots Saja Boys from afar and, worried about her fans, cautiously initiates a fight. During the battle, Jinu notices Rumi’s mark and sends his tiger to invite her to meet.

Jinu confesses that 400 years ago, he made a deal with Gwima to save his impoverished family, but ultimately lost them and became an evil spirit. Rumi and Jinu grow closer as they share their wounds and secrets. Rumi proposes that if Huntrix wins at the idol awards, the Honmoon will be completed and Jinu will no longer need to return to the world of evil spirits.

Jinu replies that Saja Boys will not aim for victory…

KPop Demon Hunters Ending

On the day of the awards, Jinu’s betrayal exposes Rumi’s mark and ruins the ceremony. Jinu admits that he made the deal with Gwima not for his family, but for himself. Disappointed fans, swayed by Gwima’s whispers, become Saja Boys fans and flock to a massive concert at the stadium beside Namsan Tower. As a result, the Honmoon weakens and evil spirits begin to appear on earth.

Rumi and Jinu acknowledge their feelings for each other through song, and Jinu promises to deliberately lose with Saja Boys, but Gwima drags him underground. On the day of the Idol Awards, Rumi takes the stage alone, while Saja Boys, disguised as Mira and Zoey, join her. Rumi’s secret is revealed, and Mira and Zoey feel betrayed. Rumi misunderstands, believing Jinu used her, but Jinu admits his guilt.

Saja Boys hold a massive concert at Namsan Tower to steal souls, and Gwima exploits the weaknesses of Mira, Zoey, and Bobby. Rumi seeks out Celine, but Celine also tries to hide secrets. Rumi decides to accept her demonic side. As Saja Boys attempt to steal countless souls, Rumi sings, awakening Mira and Zoey, and the three take the stage together.

When Gwima attacks Rumi, Jinu takes the blow for her, giving his soul to Rumi and gaining his freedom. Empowered, Huntrix defeats Saja Boys and Gwima, restoring the Honmoon. The three members sincerely understand and reconcile with each other. Though they plan to take a break, they decide to return to the stage for their fans. Jinu’s bird and tiger continue to watch over them.

Post-Credit Scene

There is no official post-credit scene, but a short animated clip after the credits hints at the future stories of Huntrix and Saja Boys, leaving room for a sequel.

KPop Demon Hunters Ending explained

The ending of KPop Demon Hunters symbolizes the evolution of the “Honmoon”—true strength comes from acknowledging one’s imperfections and connecting with others. Traditionally, shamanistic rituals symbolized community healing and solidarity; the film reinterprets this through the unity of K-POP idols and their fandom. Huntrix, led by Rumi, demonstrates that true power arises from the gathering of individuality, wounds, and diversity.

Jinwoo also escapes his past and the control of evil spirits, finding a new path through his connection with Huntrix. The film breaks down the boundaries between tradition and modernity, reality and fantasy, and individual and community, emphasizing the healing and unifying power of global K-POP culture—a metaphor for the solidarity and healing that music and fandom can bring.

KPop Demon Hunters Original Soundtrack

The KPop Demon Hunters soundtrack album, released on June 20, 2025, is composed of a variety of tracks that highlight the film’s universe and character identities. Real K-POP artists, global musicians, and fictional groups from the movie collaborated to enhance the album’s quality. The actual performers, lyricists, composers, and main features of each song are as follows.

KPop Demon Hunters OST Singer & Tracks

TAKEDOWN (TITLE) – HUNTR/X

Actual singers: Jeongyeon, Jihyo, Chaeyoung (TWICE)
Lyrics/Composition: Lindgren
Producers: Lindgren, Ian Eisendrath
Feature: The title track symbolizes Huntrix’s strength and is used in the film’s main action scenes.

Takedown Official Lyric Video feat. Jeongyeon, Jihyo and Chaeyoung from TWICE KPop Demon Hunters

How It’s Done

Actual singers: EJAE, Audrey Nuna, REI AMI, KPop Demon Hunters Cast
Lyrics: EJAE, Mark Sonnenblick, Danny Chung
Producers: 24, IDO, Teddy, Ian Eisendrath
Feature: Featured in the film’s opening airplane dogfight, representing Huntrix’s confidence and teamwork.

Soda Pop – Saja Boys

Actual singers: Andrew Choi, Neckwav, Danny Chung, Kevin, samUIL Lee, KPop Demon Hunters Cast
Lyrics: Danny Chung, Vince, Kush
Producers: 24, Dominsuk, Ian Eisendrath
Feature: Saja Boys’ debut song, a catchy hook song with a “1000% YOU” beverage commercial concept.

Soda Pop Official Lyric Video KPop Demon Hunters

Golden – HUNTR/X

Actual singers: EJAE, Audrey Nuna, REI AMI, KPop Demon Hunters Cast
Lyrics: EJAE, Mark Sonnenblick
Producers: IDO, 24, Teddy
Feature: A song about Huntrix’s growth, overcoming hardships, and their bond with fans. In July 2025, it became the first K-POP girl group song to reach No. 1 on both the U.S. and global Spotify charts.

Golden Official Lyric Video KPop Demon Hunters ost

Strategy – TWICE

Actual singers: TWICE
Lyrics: Boy Matthews, Cleo Tighe
Producers: earattack, Woo-hyun Lee
Feature: A special track directly featuring TWICE.

Takedown – HUNTR/X

Actual singers: EJAE, Audrey Nuna, REI AMI, KPop Demon Hunters Cast
Lyrics: Lindgren
Producers: Lindgren, Ian Eisendrath
Feature: A diss track targeting Saja Boys at the idol awards, a heavy and dark dance song.

Your Idol – Saja Boys

Actual singers: Andrew Choi, Neckwav, Danny Chung, Kevin, samUIL Lee, KPop Demon Hunters Cast
Lyrics: EJAE, Mark Sonnenblick, Vince, Kush
Producers: 24, IDO, Ian Eisendrath
Feature: Saja Boys’ villain song, used during the Namsan Tower concert scene, with a Latin intro and decadent atmosphere. On July 4, 2025, it became the first K-POP boy group song to top the U.S. Spotify Daily Top Songs chart.

Your Idol Official Song Clip KPop Demon Hunters

Free – Rumi, Jinu

Actual singers: EJAE, Andrew Choi, KPop Demon Hunters Cast
Lyrics: Mark Sonnenblick, Jenna Andrews, Stephen Kirk
Producers: Jenna Andrews, Stephen Kirk, Ian Eisendrath
Feature: A duet between Rumi and Jinu, singing about their identities and freedom.

KPop Demon Hunters song Free Official Lyric Video

What It Sounds Like – HUNTR/X

Actual singers: EJAE, Audrey Nuna, REI AMI, KPop Demon Hunters Cast
Lyrics: Mark Sonnenblick, Jenna Andrews, Stephen Kirk
Producers: Ian Eisendrath, EJAE
Feature: The grand finale song, celebrating the beauty of scars, flaws, and teamwork.

Love, Maybe (사랑인가 봐)

Actual singers: MeloMance
Lyrics: Minseok Kim
Producer: Donghwan Jung
Feature: An emotional ballad used in the film’s clinic scenes.

Path (오솔길)

Actual singers: Jokers
Lyrics/Composition: Jokers
Feature: Originally released in 1971, briefly featured in the movie.

Score Suite

Composer/Performer: Marcelo Zarvos
Producers: Marcelo Zarvos, Randy Miller
Feature: The original film score, including main themes such as “The Huntrix Mantra.”

KPop Demon Hunters song

How It’s Done: Used in the opening airplane dogfight, symbolizing Huntrix’s confidence and teamwork.
Soda Pop: Saja Boys’ debut track, a hook song that sparked a challenge trend within the story.
Golden: Represents Huntrix’s growth, overcoming adversity, and their bond with fans. Achieved No. 1 on U.S. and global Spotify charts in July 2025 (first for a K-POP girl group).
Takedown: A diss track by Huntrix aimed at Saja Boys, heavy and dark dance style.
Your Idol: Saja Boys’ villain anthem, used in the Namsan Tower concert scene, featuring a Latin intro and decadent mood.
Free: Duet by Rumi and Jinu, about identity and freedom.
What It Sounds Like: Finale song about the beauty of flaws and teamwork.
Love, Maybe: Emotional ballad by MeloMance, used in the clinic scene.
Path: 1971 song by Jokers, featured briefly in the clinic scene.
Score Suite: Original score, including key themes like “The Huntrix Mantra.”

Billboard Chart Performance

Billboard 200 Albums: No. 3 (2 weeks)
Hot 100: Golden (23), Your Idol (31), How It’s Done (42), Soda Pop (49), What It Sounds Like (55), Free (58), Takedown (64)
Global 200: Golden (2), Your Idol (10), Soda Pop (13), How It’s Done (16), What It Sounds Like (27), Free (31), Takedown (39), TAKEDOWN (TWICE) (81)
International Success: No. 1 on iTunes in the U.S., UAE, and charted in various countries

KPop Demon Hunters OST Reception

Rate Your Music: 2.90 / 5.00
Musicboard: 4.2 / 5.0
Album of the Year: 74 / 100

The KPop Demon Hunters OST album, created through collaborations between real K-POP artists (such as TWICE and MeloMance), global musicians, and fictional groups from the film, achieves a high level of quality. The film’s universe and character narratives are well reflected in the music.

Notably, tracks like Golden, Your Idol, and Soda Pop achieved explosive popularity both within and outside the film, becoming signature K-POP OSTs of the first half of 2025.

Episodes & Behind-the-Scenes

TWICE members participated in the OST, and their video reviewing Huntrix’s costumes went viral
Saja Boys and Huntrix fandoms competed in real life, with challenge videos, fancams, and lyric videos trending just like actual K-POP fandoms
Director Maggie Kang started with the “demon hunter” concept and merged it with K-POP, with Korean animators conducting field research for authentic detail
The soundtrack broke records on Spotify, Billboard, and other global charts, surpassing previous K-POP idol achievements
Thanks to the film’s success, sequels and a series are under discussion

Although an animation, the film meticulously recreates Seoul’s landmarks (Namsan Tower, Han River, Naksan Park, traditional markets, etc.), subway stations, traditional houses, and modern buildings through CG and animation, with input from Korean staff for authenticity.

Production costs and break-even points were not disclosed, but as a Netflix original, it ranked #1 in 41 countries within a week of release, with 56.1 million cumulative views and 93.5 million cumulative viewing hours. The OST also topped global charts on Spotify, iTunes, and Billboard.

Upon its Netflix release, it immediately ranked #1 in 41 countries, creating a global box office phenomenon. The OST topped the Spotify global chart within a week, blurring the boundaries between reality and fiction. The film’s success has led to discussions for sequels and further series development.\

KPop Demon Hunters Season 2

KPop Demon Hunters has officially entered production for Season 2 after Netflix acquired 100% of the rights. Thanks to the worldwide box office success of Season 1, which stood out in both music charts and streaming hours, Netflix is said to have greatly increased its expectations and investment for the second season.

As a side note, KPop Demon Hunters Season 1 was originally planned only for the Korean local market. However, like Squid Game, its global success has led to Season 2 being announced with an even larger scale, new characters, music, and an expanded universe. In Season 2, viewers can expect further growth of the original Huntrix members, another showdown with the Saja Boys, and the appearance of new demon and hunter characters, promising a more powerful narrative and musical performances.

KPop Demon Hunters Season 2 Release Date

As of July 2025, no official release date for KPop Demon Hunters Season 2 has been announced. However, Netflix and the production team have already begun work on the new season, and various media and industry insiders predict that it is highly likely to be released in the first half of 2026. Fueled by the success of Season 1 and the anticipation of a global fanbase, both the production speed and quality are reportedly being prioritized.

KPop Demon Hunters Reviews

KPop Demon Hunters has received widespread acclaim both domestically and internationally since its release. The film is praised for its fresh concept of blending K-POP idol culture with supernatural exorcism and superhero elements. Viewers and critics alike highlight the movie’s unique ability to merge traditional Korean motifs with modern pop culture, resulting in a global phenomenon that resonates with a diverse audience.

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KPop Demon Hunters cast plot summary songs singers voice actor (+tiger)