“K-Pop Demon Hunters”: Movie review

Becoming the most-watched original title in Netflix history, as well as taking the internet by storm with its extremely catchy tunes, “K-Pop Demon Hunters” (KDH) jumpstarted this summer for so many around the world. With its use of Korean voice actors and faithful reproduction of trendy K-pop music, KDH was certainly a bombshell in the world of K-pop, with its shockwave taking the Asian American community by awe. As if quenching the thirst brought on by a whole six months of soul-sucking schoolwork, its taste to my mind can only be described as, well, “so refreshing”. 

While noted for its catchy tunes, beautiful artwork and stunning choreography and character design, the content of KDH is not very groundbreaking. Star-crossed lovers, a comedic trio, a demon tiger resembling the Cheshire cat, and the warrior’s secret identity, slightly Blue Eye Samurai-esque, place the movie firmly within the lineage of human storytelling. Yet it should still be praised for some of its more innovative inclusions. For example, its portrayal of traditional Korean folklore and demons provides a refreshing face of evil in a world saturated by zombies and deranged humans. Likewise, its screen full of Korean cultural references, along with its faithful reproduction of K-drama plotlines, is very self-aware. On its merits, KDH is an undeniable product of our time and hopefully a film that will inspire audiences today as well as those in the future.

However, to simply chalk up KDH as a fantastically made K-pop fan service feature would be far too naive and too thoughtless of an interpretation. As many have observed, a focus of the film is the portrayal of empowered women, the conflict of identities as well as the uphill struggle of mental health as we contend with our history and heritage. Perhaps as a reference to Artemis, the Greek patron goddess of the Hunt, Huntr/x are also protectors of women and children, striking out against the personification of evil in the shadow of the moon.Like the goddess, one of Huntr/x’s main purposes is to stand as proud role models for young women, with their story being inspirations for countless to raise up, and become golden. 

In an increasingly globalized world, the mixing of heritage has transcended the simple boundary of blood and lineage but also those of identities which we choose for ourselves. To many audience members, it is not difficult to empathize with Rumi’s struggle to reconcile her private identity with her public image the shame of concealment, and to find acceptance for who she is. Like Blue Eye Samurai, the initial response of many to this binarization of self is concealment and hatred, to protect oneself through camouflage. 

For me, the most interesting aspect is actually KDH’s portrayal of history and heritage, them being a key inspiration to the film’s numerous allegory and creative visuals. One of the characters most embedded within the history of Korea is Jinu, the leader of the rival boy band Saja Boys. Saja Boys is actually a play on words between jeoseung saja, the traditional Korean grim reaper, and lion, which is also called Saja in Korean. In many ways, the story of Jinu is a tragic one. Centuries ago, Jinu abandoned his family after making a pact with the demon king Gui-Ma for a beautiful voice. He was rewarded with a leisurely life but also tormented by his incessant guilt and anguish. Struggling for forgiveness, Jinu eventually sacrifices himself to defeat Gui-Ma, hopefully reaching self-resolution. This story, accompanied with the demon heritage of Rumi, leaves much connection to be made with recent Korean political and social development.

If we were to search for one figure with so-called “tainted blood” in recent Korean politics, the best fit would be former President Park Geun-hye, the daughter of dictator Park Chung Hee. Park Geun-hye is a woman whose reputation is polarized and distorted, something her lineage certainly contributed to. An analysis of the song “Golden” reveals much more similarity, Like Rumi, who was “given the throne” by her mother, Park Geun-hye survived her assassinated parents, and eventually became the most powerful woman in Asia, i,e a “queen”. While Park Geun-hye is not noted as being a great advancer nor advocate of women’s rights, the significance of a woman president in a country long known for its persistent misogyny and poor track record of gender equality cannot be overstated. Yet her fall was just as dramatic, ignited by a massive scandal over the influences of her friends and later smeared by countless baseless accusations that tarnished her personal reputation. While the “tainted blood” may have even helped Park Geun-hye secure her position of power, it certainly did not help when she was pushed into the gutters. 

If we look at what Park Geun-hye stood in opposition to, we may also find the next link in our allegory: the demon king. Korea is a culture deeply influenced by her neighbors, and while some influences added beauty, others lingered on as poison, lurking beneath the surface. From the Confucian philosophy came the deeply entrenched ostracization of women and rigidly observed gender roles. Since the impeachment of Park Geun-hye, gender relations in Korea have taken a steady decline. With increased reports of sexual crimes against women and declining economic conditions, the widening gender conflict is reflected in diverging political stances based on gender. Dangerously low fertility rate also warns of an alarming future. Japanese militarism also left a lasting impression on Korean politics. Many of Korea’s dictators were Japanese trained, and they carried with them the same infamous gung-ho energy toward economic development as well as a penchant for military coups and dictatorship. Just last year, Korea narrowly avoided a coup attempt by former President Yoon Suk Yeol. The appendages of the military dictatorships, such as the Chaebols, the infamous mandatory conscription and the spillover of military hazing culture into larger society, continues to influence the lives of countless young Koreans.

In a twist, Jinu’s life story also parallels that of Park Geun-hye’s father. Escaping poverty by joining the Japanese colonial bureaucracy and later serving in its military, Park Chung Hee reached his position of power by executing a successful military coup and brutally suppressing dissidents. Although we know nothing of his emotional response, Park Chung Hee also left his original family after rising in the world, eventually finding a more strategic marriage that gave birth to Park Geun-hye. Unfortunately for Korea, the 18-year rule of Park Chung Hee did not end in a noble self-sacrifice. Park Chung Hee had few regrets over his oppressive rule, and his death leading to the end of his reign was largely a function of brutal inner circle politics. However, the message of self sacrifice is a poignant onefor the inheritors of a legacy of male domination initiated by Confuciun entrenchment and reinforced by militarism, with the Saja Boys’ surrender of male power being necessary to the defeat of the demon king, and it certainly takes noble self sacrifice to achieve this, something Jinu demonstrated. 

The issue of gender is at the core of this film, and its many sanitized portrayals actually give notice to their reversals observed in reality.  For example, the ambient and idealized relationship between Bobby, the manager, and Hunt/r is sharply divergent from the recent NewJeans scandal which placed the group in deep legal troubles against management as well as court-enforced hiatus, to the chagrin of fans. Likewise, the unrealistic body image of our protagonist and their eating habits is also problematic in light of actual K-pop industry practices, which often manifest as invasive diet and exercise regimens, as well as promoting unrealistic body standards. 

Yet criticism aside, one cannot dismiss the advancement for women brought on by K-pop’s popularity, along with its message of empowerment and positivity It is reassuring that most audiences will remember this film for its golden message and call for acceptance, that this is the message planted in the minds of the future. We pray for a day when the demon king is banished and the Honmon finally sealed. We pray for a future that is more idealized, to be more golden. And no doubt it will be a band of women advancing that cause, not asking for respect and acceptance, but fighting for it!

Visual Credit: John E. Manard, Korea.net (1, 2)