Maggie Kang, co-director of Kpop Demon Hunters, has hinted at the possibility of a sequel to Netflix’s global animated sensation, saying there is “definitely more we can do” with the story’s characters.
Speaking to the BBC alongside co-director Chris Appelhans, Kang said there was “nothing official we can talk about,” but added, “We believe there’s definitely more we can do with these characters in this world. And whatever it will be, it will be a story that deserves to be a sequel, and it will be something that we want to see.”
The film has become a cultural phenomenon this year, surpassing Squid Game to become the most-watched title in Netflix history with over 325 million views.
However, the directing duo made it clear that a live-action adaptation is not on the table.
“There are so many elements of the tone and comedy that are so suited for animation,” Kang said. “It’s really hard to imagine these characters in a live-action world. It would feel too grounded. So totally it wouldn’t work for me.”
Appelhans agreed, saying such a move would strip away the film’s charm. “One of the great things about animation is that you make these composites of impossibly great attributes,” he explained. “Rumi can be this goofy comedian and then singing and doing a spinning back-kick a second later and then freefalling through the sky. The joy of animation is how far you can push and elevate what’s possible.”
The BBC noted that Kpop Demon Hunters has not only dominated viewership but also captured awards buzz, with many predicting the film will be a major contender at the upcoming Academy Awards.
Appelhans laughed when asked about its Oscar chances. “The title alone is obviously Oscar bait,” he said. “We tried to do something new and it was really hard, and I think we’re really proud of how it came out. But if people are going to reward that, that would be awesome.”
The film is expected to compete strongly in both the Best Animated Feature and Best Original Song categories. Under Academy rules, each film may submit up to three songs, and Netflix has already confirmed that breakout anthem Golden will be included for consideration.
Kang said she has a soft spot for Your Idol, performed by the film’s demon boy band, Saja Boys. “I think Your Idol is such a banger,” she said, while Appelhans championed What It Sounds Like, the climactic track performed by Huntr/x. “The finale was such a technical challenge, both in songwriting and storytelling,” he said. “To make a song that was the climax of your movie, with a lot of moving parts, but was also an actual cathartic song.”
As Kpop Demon Hunters continues its record-breaking run, fans around the world are now eagerly waiting to see whether the hit film’s story — and its trio of pop-powered heroines — will return for another adventure.
by Byung-yeon Yoo
yooby@hankyung.com
