'K-Pop Demon Hunters' Wins Two Oscars: Best Animated Feature and Best Original Song

Movie stills from "K-Pop Demon Hunters"

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An animated film centered on Korean culture has achieved the remarkable feat of winning two awards at the Academy Awards in the United States.

Netflix original film "K-Pop Demon Hunters," directed by Maggie Kang, won both Best Animated Feature and Best Original Song (for "Golden") at the 98th Academy Awards, held at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, Los Angeles (LA), on March 15 (local time).

In the animation category, it won the trophy over "Arco," "Elio," "Little Amelie," and "Zootopia 2." For Best Original Song, it surpassed "Dear Me" from "Diane Never Die," "I Lied to You" from "Sinners: The Guilty," "Train Dreams" from "Dreams of a Train," and "Sweet Dreams of Joy" from "Viva Verdi."

As the theme song "Golden" played, director Maggie Kang took the stage in a red dress, teary-eyed as she accepted the trophy. She said, "I'm sorry it took so long for a movie like this, with protagonists who look like me, to be made. The next generation won't have to wait," adding, "I dedicate this award to Korea and Koreans all over the world."

Lee Jae, the singer and co-writer of "Golden," said, "This song is about recovery, not about success. When I was young, people teased me for loving K-pop, but now everyone sings our songs. I am proud," he said, fighting back tears.

The production team of "K-Pop Demon Hunters" attending the 98th Academy Awards. From the left, director Chris Apelhans, director Maggie Kang, and producer Michelle Wong. Photo by Reuters Yonhap News

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The film tells the story of the girl group Huntrix as they battle the malevolent boy group Saja Boys, who prey on human souls. Combining exceptional visual effects (VFX) with the energy of K-pop, the movie creates a unique universe.

Since its release in June last year, it has enjoyed explosive popularity, surpassing 500 million cumulative global views, and has become the most successful Netflix title of all time, overtaking "Squid Game." It translated Korean sentiment and pop music into universal appeal within the mainstream Hollywood system.

Its critical achievements are equally impressive. In January, it won both Best Animated Feature and Best Original Song at the Golden Globe Awards, and last month, it became the first K-pop genre nominee for Best Song Written for Visual Media at the Grammy Awards. At the Annie Awards, known as the Academy Awards of animation, it claimed ten trophies, and producer Michelle Wong won Best Theatrical Animated Feature at the Producers Guild of America (PGA) Awards.

The background to its double Oscar win is its overwhelming success on music charts. "Golden" entered the main US Billboard Hot 100 singles chart immediately upon release and remained near the top for eight consecutive weeks. The film’s original soundtrack (OST) album also dominated music charts worldwide, enjoying mainstream popularity beyond the K-pop fandom. In North America, "sing-along" screenings where audiences sang along with the movie were completely sold out.

Movie still cut of "K-Pop Demon Hunters"

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The global sensation was made possible by the successful fusion of a Korean worldview and Hollywood capital. The production team skillfully intertwined unique Korean cultural elements such as shamanic rituals and mask dances with the contemporary idol industry. Hollywood critics praised the film as "a masterpiece that transforms the most Korean themes into universal appeal," commending its power to transcend borders.

In response to this unprecedented commercial and critical success, Netflix moved swiftly. On March 13, the company signed an exclusive multi-year partnership with director Maggie Kang and key production staff, officially confirming the production of a sequel. The project has entered full-scale planning, aiming for a 2029 release. The global film industry is now eagerly watching the next chapter these creators will write.

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