Last weekend I found myself at the cinema, seated for the cinematic event of the summer. It wasn’t the latest feature from an acclaimed director, or the most recent entry in the MCU; instead, it was a sing-along screening of KPop Demon Hunters, marketed as an exclusive theatrical release for two days only. I never imagined one of my biggest media hyperfixations to come out of 2025 would be an animated movie about a fictional K-pop group who moonlights as supernatural protectors, or expected that movie would soar to unexpected levels of success as it smashed record after record. But the packed cinemas and music charts don’t lie (and neither do my Spotify stats!), making one thing incredibly clear: KPop Demon Hunters has truly taken over the world. The film has been embraced with a fervor and cultural impact I can only liken to Taylor Swift’s iconic Eras Tour, which dominated screens and stages across the globe over a year ago. And even though KPop Demon Hunters was only released on Netflix in June, it has quickly become one of the year’s most definitive films, embedding itself into popular culture through memes, music, and merchandise with a staggering ascent that makes it a rare phenomenon to behold.

When my partner and I first heard of KPDH, we weren’t sure if it would be our kind of thing as neither of us are exactly big K-pop fans. While we’ve enjoyed the occasional song from groups like BTS or Loona, we’ve never been immersed in that world the way some people we know are, with biases and ults and members they devote themselves to following. However, we were endeared by the gifs we’d seen of the film’s adorable mystical feline Derpy, and had seen several social media posts from people who’d watched and enjoyed it. We were also intrigued that Sony Animation was behind it, as they’ve been on an impressive hot streak with The Mitchells vs. The Machines and the Spider-Verse franchise, which we thoroughly enjoyed. So, on a random Monday evening in the beginning of July we decided to give KPDH a go, expecting it would be fun and entertaining for an hour and a half–– and instantly became obsessed.

For those who are unfamiliar, the main premise is that a trio of hunters are tasked with the centuries-old mission of keeping the world safe from demons by strengthening a protective barrier called the Honmoon, an objective achieved through song. Zoey (Ji-young Yoo), Rumi (Arden Cho), and Mira (May Hong) are the latest generation to take on this role, introduced to audiences as reigning K-pop group HUNTR/X. Each of them have a distinctive style, voice, and role, something quickly established alongside their interactions with oblivious but well-meaning manager Bobby (Ken Jeong). Much of the film’s plot centers on the rivalry that develops between HUNTR/X and the Saja Boys, a quintet of soul-stealing demons masquerading as a boy band led by the charismatic Jinu (Ahn Hyo-seop). KPDH wastes no time showing off its incredible songs, hitting the ground running with the opening number. I remember watching the sequence where “How It’s Done” plays for the first time, stunned by the impressively animated action and hooked from the first few beats, thinking, “how is this so good?!” 

My enjoyment only continued as the film went on, finding myself pleasantly surprised by how funny and emotional it was, as well as how shockingly catchy the songs were. By the time it reached the big finale—which features the empowering anthem “What It Sounds Like”—I was convinced that I’d just watched one of the best things I’d ever seen, with tears in my eyes and an immediate need to download the soundtrack. So when Netflix announced KPDH would be hitting cinema screens here as a special sing-along version a month later, I knew I had to go. Not just because of how much I absolutely love the film and its songs, but because I felt like there was finally something that could give me the specific kind of cinematic experience I’d been craving.

When the Eras Tour film was released in cinemas back in October 2023, I opted not to go see it because I wanted my first experience of the concert to be seeing Taylor perform live–– a decision I was ultimately grateful for sticking to the following summer. At the time though, I couldn’t help but feel like I was missing out on what seemed to be a cultural moment, seeing countless posts of Swifties dressed up for the cinema as they sang along to the songs and met other fans. The film came and went, along with the Eras FOMO I’d been having since I finally got to see the tour. Yet I still longed to be part of something like that myself, to get to share in the joy of watching something I love with others and fully participate in that moment instead of just living vicariously through videos online. And with how big of a sensation KPDH has become, going to the sing-along felt like the perfect opportunity where I’d be able to do just that.

On Saturday afternoon, I went to a screening with my partner and a friend who also loved the film. While in line, I saw a few little girls who were dressed like Rumi, wearing wigs and extensions so they could imitate her recognizable purple braid. There were also several HUNTR/X t-shirts (including my own), someone rocking an Abby-inspired look in a yellow hat and funky patterned shirt, as well as sparkly outfits and a few light sticks. I’d even made a few bracelets inspired by characters and songs from KPDH so I could give them out to fellow fans. This led to some great interactions after the film, including when I gave a little girl sitting near me a “Golden” themed bracelet and she got excited— her mom said it was her favourite song! It was super interesting to see the varied demographic that had turned up for the screening, which was far more than just kids and tweens. I ended up talking to an older woman who asked where I’d got my shirt (the online Netflix shop), and a couple girls around my age I’d overheard coming out of the cinema saying they’d had fun. I also chatted with a guy who was sporting some HUNTR/X badges, finding out he had got them at Perth Pride and that he’d just seen the film for a sixth time! 

Even though I’d enjoyed myself overall and fully committed to singing along, it still seemed like the kind of cinematic experience I’d hoped for wasn’t quite there. This felt especially true as videos began to emerge online from other KPDH screenings where people seemed really into it, singing along and shouting at the screen. Our screening had started out strong with much of the audience audibly joining in for “How It’s Done,” only to then notice a significant dip in volume and energy, save for a few enthusiastic people. (The little girl I’d given the bracelet to and her mom were definitely singing, and someone mentioned that two people had gotten up and danced to “Soda Pop”!) So my partner and I went again the next evening, spontaneously deciding to catch the last showing available— and we weren’t disappointed.

There was a massive difference between the two screenings, with the second having noticeably less kids present and far more audience participation throughout. People were much more eager to be vocal, not only singing but cheering and clapping at the end of every song. There were big reactions to certain scenes and moments where we recited the dialogue along with the characters— collectively saying lines like “the whole” and “choo, choo” out loud had everyone laughing. (If you know the context, you’ll understand!) The whole finale scene with “What It Sounds Like” always gets to me since it’s also the film’s emotional climax, and sitting there singing it with a packed cinema had me fighting back tears and feeling a rush of emotion. (Several shouts of “no, Jinu!” could also be heard from the back, which added to the moment!) Overall it was an incredible way to experience the movie and left me on such a high, with no regrets about having gone to a second showing. While both screenings came with their own moments of connection and joy, the second one felt extra special from the standpoint of purely being a cinematic experience. It felt like I’d truly gotten to participate in the KPDH hype, which has been driven by the fans who have repeatedly watched the film and streamed its songs again and again, making it impossible to ignore.

Just over two months after the release of KPDH, Netflix announced that it had officially become their most watched film, surpassing 2021’s forgettable action comedy Red Notice. There is a drastic difference in the Rotten Tomatoes ratings between the two, with Red Notice sitting at just 37% while KPDH has an impressive 97% on the review website. Meanwhile “Golden,” the film’s runaway hit performed by EJAE (who also co-wrote it), Audrey Nuna, and Rei Ami, continues its reign on the Billboard Hot 100, coming in at #1 for a second week in a row and charting just as high internationally. One of the lyrics in the song’s chorus is “we’re going up, up, up, it’s our moment” and this consistent upwards trajectory is precisely what the statistics continue to indicate. It feels unprecedented for any film to be hitting the highs that KPDH has, with the music not once experiencing a decline since its release but instead only gaining in popularity and streams. Its soundtrack is even the first in history to have four songs in the Hot 100 at once, with “Soda Pop,”  “Your Idol,” and “How It’s Done” up there alongside “Golden”. 

While the film’s memorable chart-toppers have undeniably contributed to its stratospheric popularity, they’re not the only factor that can be credited for it. Co-directors Maggie Kang and Chris Appelhans—who also co-wrote KPDH alongside Danya Jimenez and Hannah McMechan—deserve their dues for crafting such a compelling narrative. It’s both exciting and original, with fully formed characters that feel real and relatable to audiences. Viewers might see themselves most in energetic people-pleaser Zoe, brash but caring Mira, or determined perfectionist Rumi— or maybe a bit of all three. Even Jinu feels like a sympathetic character despite being the antagonist, shown to be grappling with regret over his past actions.

As someone who’s queer and neurodivergent, I often find myself drawn to stories about characters who see themselves as outsiders, feeling in some way like they don’t fit into the world and longing to be fully accepted despite their differences. This internalized struggle is a major theme of KPDH and undoubtedly one of the reasons that I, along with so many others, have connected with it so strongly. The film’s main message of fully embracing who you are instead of letting your fears and insecurities consume you is a powerful one, best summed up by some of my favourite lyrics from “What It Sounds Like”— “Why did I cover up the colours stuck inside my head?/I should’ve let the jagged edges meet the light instead.” With its universal thematic resonance and infectiously catchy songs, it’s no surprise that KPDH has amassed such a passionate fandom, life imitating art as adoration for its fictional idols transcends the screen.

“For the fans!” is HUNTR/X’s rallying cry in the film, a phrase that has also become an unofficial promotional tagline in response to fans’ demand for anything and everything related to KPDH they can get their hands on. The sing-along version has been released on Netflix, and the streaming service’s online shop offers a range of official merchandise that includes t-shirts, tumblers, newly released Funko POP!s, and more. Fan art and cosplay are all over the internet, along with countless YouTube videos discussing various aspects of the film in depth. There is even a limited time themed ramyeon collaboration which launched in Korea that will soon be available worldwide, inspired by HUNTR/X’s signature cups of instant noodles. With Netflix and Sony said to be in talks for a sequel, “Golden” recently receiving a VMA nomination for Song of the Summer, and the film being a likely contender at the 2026 Oscars, it feels as though fans won’t be moving on from KPDH any time soon. Just like HUNTR/X sings in their chart-topping global hit, it really is their moment— and this is what it sounds like.