KPop Demon Hunters Film Review

KPop Demon Hunters

Fame can be so draining sometimes. Best friends Rumi, Mira and Zoey know this

firsthand. To the world, they are Huntrix, a k-pop band launching singles left and right.

However, no one knows they are also demon hunters. To keep demons from destroying our

world, these besties sing to keep them locked in the underworld.

However, Rumi hides a secret so powerful it could break the band apart. Add in a new

boy band who steals their fanbase, and things head from rocky to shattered.

Positive Elements: Though the besties are instructed to keep their “fears and faults

hidden,” it shows to be their undoing. Mira and Zoey struggle with negative self-talk, while

Rumi fears she’s not good enough and a mistake. After a rift breaks them apart, all three of

them rally together to defeat the demons in their midst.

(Spoiler Warning): Rumi is part demon, hiding it for most of the film. However, when

she fully embraces this part of her, it helps her grow more. Though Celine told Rumi to hide

that part of her, it brings more shame and guilt. Rumi calls Celine out for this, and decides

to make a new bond.

Mira and Zoey check up on Rumi constantly. They know something is off, but

understand Rumi needs her space. Other characters have doubts of their own and are

(temporarily) sucked into a mental dark place. They are freed and take a stand against one

hungry demon.

Rumi and Jinu connect with each other. Both know what it’s like to have patterns on

their skin as a reminder for their mistakes. Rumi helps Jinu see that despite his mistakes,

it’s better to admit than keep them bottled up. In return, Rumi’s voice heals and grows

stronger.

Spiritual Elements: Yep, there’s demons abound here. But unlike Christian demons

who are fallen angels, these entities have souls and can sing. Jinu and his posse appear

as the Saja Boys in human form, but only Rumi, Mira, and Zoey know the real truth. People’s

souls are represented as blue glowing orbs that once sucked out, feed a glowing demon.

There’s a bond that tears as demons interact with humans. 

That said, the film has a somewhat (surprisingly) Christian take on human temptation.

When voices are loud in characters’ ears, they whisper lies. The eyes are frozen in place,

following  others like a cult. In this way, the film reflects on Satan tempting us with negative

thoughts and feeding on our shame. Though KPop Demon Hunters has a more pagan

approach, the themes are still present nonetheless. 

Song lyrics reference “sins,” and “ugliness.” Jinu and his demon posse sing a song

called “Your Idol” which tempts people with the lyric “I will love you for your sins.” Rumi,

Mira, and Zoey’s weapons have mystical magic to them as they fight demons. (Spoiler

Warning): It’s revealed Jinu made a deal with the devil in exchange for fame, a choice that

he regrets deeply. He offers his soul to Rumi.

Sexual Content: The three besties wear outfits that expose their midriffs. When Saja

Boys are first introduced, Mira and Zoey have heated reactions to their physique and bare

chest. The song “Soda Pop” has lightly suggestive lyrics. 

One man refers to his “handsome co-host.” Two men cheer as Huntrix takes the stage.

Jinu and Rumi’s connection becomes romantic (though they deny it to other characters).

Fans speculate Huntrix members are dating the Saja Boys. One scene has the girls running

from a bathhouse with a man only dressed in a towel.

Violence: Rumi, Mira, and Zoey slay dozens of demons here. One demon sucks

someone’s soul out. There are a few scary moments that warrant caution. A tiger

messenger is initially frightening. As mentioned, Jinu offers his soul to Rumi and dies in the

process. A glowing demon is split in half by a mystical weapon. Posters show missing

people; someone says it’s “tripled in the last 24 hours.” Even Jinu and his demon posse’s

real forms could scare sensitive viewers.

Language: “Dang,” “kick their butts,” and “gosh” are the film’s main interjections.

Drugs/Alcohol: The Saja Boys invent a drink that reads “1000% you” on the nutrition

label. Rumi, Mira, and Zoey binge on carbs before their final world tour show.

Other Negative Elements: Rumi lies to her friends and hides her ruse with Jinu from

them. When the truth comes out, Mira and Zoey are hurt. “How can we be together if we

can’t tell your lies from your truth, Rumi?” Zoey admonishes.

Jinu abandons his family for fame (shown in flashback). A demon blackmails Jinu into

keeping his part of the deal. As noted, some designs might prove too scary for viewers.

Conclusion: I’d never thought I would say this, but 2025 is proving to be a great year

for films. KPop Demon Hunters is added here and boy, does it blow you out of the water.

Along with Marvel’s Thunderbolts tackling mental health and DC’s reboot of

Superman preaching kindness, this animated Netflix original wows viewers with stunning

animation, catchy tunes and relatable themes on shame, and guilt. 

I’ve seen both Thunderbolts and Superman, enjoying them to their fullest. While both

live-action films were great, some parts were a bit rushed. KPop Demon Hunters tops them

both, extending the extra mile here. The animation pops in every way possible, songs are

bound to get you moving, and the voice cast is on fire. The film presents an accurate

depiction of Korean culture too.

Keep in mind the murky spirituality, scary moments, and slightly sensual concerns

here, though. The film sometimes doesn’t hold back, and the themes of temptation are

mature enough to require discussion between families. A couple songs flirt with sinful

desires, possibly encouraging viewers down the wrong road. These problems should be

addressed before streaming this film with the whole family. 

That said, KPop Demon Hunters tackles mental health, shame, and guilt with a

courageous attitude. It doesn’t shy away from hard feelings, and provides valuable insight

on how to fix problems. Even the three female heroes have their own insecurities which

makes them authentic. 

We all have done things we’ve regretted. All of us wish we could turn back the clock

and fix our past. When we choose to hide our scars, guilt and shame plague our minds,

growing ever more powerful. Negative self-talk metaphorically destroys us, feeding on our

desires.

That’s where the devil leaks in, whispering lies into our ears. He wants us to hide the

worst parts of ourselves so we don’t rock the boat per se. Satan loves confusion and

division; he figures how to play our desires like a broken heart. In the process, we grow

more angry, ashamed and afraid, refusing to let people in.

1 Peter 5:8 (NIV) states “Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls

around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” 2 Timothy 2:26 (NLT) declares

“Then they will come to their senses and escape from the devil’s trap. For they have been

held captive by him to do whatever he wants.” 

Both verses are clear; the devil is real. He’s more than willing to present sin as

delicious, but once you take the bite, you will grow spiritually sick to your stomach. That’s

why it’s important to have support from God and others. When we confess our secrets

instead of hiding them, the healing process can begin.

Rumi does embrace her demon side, but decides to fight against it. She shows herself

to the world, knowing that hidden secrets are sometimes better out in the open than locking

them away in your heart. Healing doesn’t happen overnight, but the process is worth it.

Though KPop Demon Hunters might be too cliche at first, the story’s themes are

impossible to miss. While some problematic content needs consideration, the film is

thought-provoking and poignant. Sony Pictures Animation breaks barriers here and dare I

say, it succeeds wholeheartedly. Indeed, KPop Demon Hunters is a love letter to Korean

culture while handling heavy themes in an honest way. It is one of the best animated films

of 2025, hands down.