Real Women of Gaming

One of my favorite types of stories is “good vs evil.” I grew up on stories from the bible so I am no stranger to righteous warriors fighting against demons. As I have gotten older I have looked for different versions of these stories. Tales from different cultures and countries. I have also sought out more complex narratives and characters. This movie checked all of these boxes and has a soundtrack that still has me dancing. 

KPop Demon Hunters hit streaming screens in June of 2025. Netflix and Sony Pictures Animation teamed up to create a movie that has taken audiences by storm. Saying that KPop Demon Hunters is a hit doesn’t feel like enough. There was a built-in fan base growing before it even started streaming just from the trailer. Tiktok is full of dance trends, cosplays, fanart, and fan theories from the movie. This article is being written just a couple days after the release and it is everywhere. Honestly, I think the hype is totally justified for this one. 

Rumi, Mira and Zoey seem like your typical K-pop girl group. Their songs are inspiring, their choreography is exciting and their fans love them. However there is more to them than meets the eye. They are a part of an elite group that has been evolving for centuries, using music and their fists to keep demons at bay. Everything seems to be going according to plan and the girls are ready to move forward with their mission until the unthinkable happens. A demon boy band hits the music scene and they want to steal the girl’s fans! Can they beat these demons back to hell and keep their fans safe? 

KPop Demon Hunters has a great cast of characters. With a run time of under two hours it can be difficult to flesh out characters. I think that movie does a good job of telling us enough about the girls. Would I like more, of course, but I understand the constraints of trying to have music, character development and a story in under two hours. The girls are funny and each have a distinct personality. 

I think that their designs, costumes and weapons really help in fleshing them out. The girls have roles in the band but don’t seem to be reduced to them. Perhaps that is because we are getting to see them offstage as well. The music is full of toe tapping and heartfelt songs. I think that even if you have never listened to K-pop before you will enjoy the soundtrack, though it does cater to a K-pop audience. The songs push the story forward, as well as showing characters’ backstories and growth. They are, honestly, just really great songs and I cannot stop listening to the soundtrack. 

The animation is something I cannot praise enough. If you are a K-pop fan you know how difficult their choreography is. The artists nailed every move in this movie. Also the costumes! K-pop is known for over the top and detail oriented costumes. The animators did not disappoint. The detail put into the hair, makeup and every bit of sparkle is amazing to me. To the animation team of this movie: let me say that I love you in a non creepy way.

It is clear that fans who love K-pop worked on every aspect of this film.

That dedication is one of the reasons that I would highly recommend this movie to everyone. You have never listened to K-pop. Let this be your introduction, as there is also an amazing story for you. You love K-pop, then you MUST watch this movie. You will enjoy the behind the scene aspect of the movie and also the supernatural aspect. You like a good supernatural story but have never seen anything with Korean lore, then press play right now. 

The updating of folklore, the music and a modern story all are woven together for a really phenomenal treat for the eyes. 

In short, go enjoy KPop Demon Hunters.

ALWAYS KEEP SPARKLING!!!