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

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

In the animated feature category, it beat out "Arco," "Elio," "Little Amelie," and "Zootopia 2" to win the trophy. For Best Original Song, it surpassed "Dear Me" from "Diane Never Die," "I Lied to You" from "Sinners," "Train Dreams" from "Dreams of the Train," and "Sweet Dreams of Joy" from "Viva Verdi."

Director Maggie Kang, wearing a red dress, took the stage with the theme song Golden playing and held the trophy while on the verge of tears.

He said, "It took too long for a film starring 'people who look like me' to come out. The next generation won't have to wait." He added, "I dedicate this award to Korea and Koreans around the world."

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

Lee Jae, the singer and co-lyricist and composer of "Golden," said, "This song is about recovery, not success."

He tearfully said, "When I was a child, people teased me for liking K-pop, but now everyone sings our songs. I am proud."

Lee Jae, the singer and co-lyricist and composer of "Golden." Photo by Reuters Yonhap News

Still from K-Pop Demon Hunters. Provided by Netflix

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The film tells the story of the girl group HUNTR/X as they battle Saja Boys, a malevolent boy group that targets human souls. It establishes a unique universe by combining outstanding visual effects (VFX) with the dynamic energy of K-pop.

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

The film's critical achievements are also overwhelming. 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. It swept 10 awards at the Annie Awards, often called the "Academy Awards of animation," and producer Michelle Wong received the Best Animated Theatrical Motion Picture award from the Producers Guild of America (PGA).

K-Pop Demon Hunters Original Soundtrack (OST) Album. Yonhap News Agency

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The film's two Oscar wins are underpinned by its unprecedented music success. "Golden" entered the main Billboard singles chart, the Hot 100, immediately upon release and stayed in the top ranks for eight consecutive weeks. The original soundtrack (OST) album from the film also topped music charts worldwide, gaining mainstream popularity well beyond the K-pop fandom. In North America, "sing-along" screenings where audiences sang along with the movie sold out repeatedly.

The global sensation was made possible by the successful combination of a distinctly Korean worldview with Hollywood capital. The production team skillfully wove traditional Korean cultural elements such as shamanistic rituals and mask dances into the modern idol industry. Hollywood critics praised the film as "a masterpiece that translates the most Korean themes into the most universal global appeal," applauding the transnational power of its storytelling.

In response to the film's extraordinary commercial and critical success, Netflix moved quickly. On March 13, Netflix signed a multi-year exclusive partnership with director Maggie Kang and key members of the production team, officially confirming the production of a sequel. Full-scale planning for the sequel has already begun, aiming for release in 2029. The global film industry is watching closely to see where their next chapter will lead.

Lee Jae (center), Audrey Noona (right), and Ray Ami (left), the voices behind the girl group HUNTR/X in the movie, performed on the stage during the second part of the awards ceremony celebration. Photo by AP Yonhap News

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During the second part of the awards ceremony, there was a celebratory stage for the film's theme song, "Golden." Lee Jae (EJAE), Audrey Nuna, and Rei Ami-the voices of the girl group HUNTR/X in the film-performed live on stage.

The performance opened with the resonant melodies of Korean pansori. It began with the sounds of daegeum and kkwaenggwari from a samulnori ensemble, highlighting traditional Korean aesthetics. The stage direction incorporated movements from shamanistic rituals and mask dances to match the film's demon-hunting theme. On the backdrop screen, visuals reinterpreting dancheong patterns and traditional Korean landscapes in a modern style were displayed, while dancers wearing the traditional gat and hanbok captivated the audience.

Korean lyrics such as "Forever Unchanging" echoed through the Dolby Theatre. It was a rare moment on the Academy Awards stage, where hearing acceptance speeches in Korean is uncommon.

During the performance, the audience was seen enjoying the stage, waving cheer sticks, including Hollywood stars Leonardo DiCaprio and Steven Spielberg, attracting attention. OCN

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In the audience, Hollywood actors such as Leonardo DiCaprio and Emma Stone waved cheer sticks symbolizing K-pop fandom and cheered enthusiastically. It is known that the cheer sticks were included in the gift bags given to Academy Awards attendees. Local media praised the scene as "a stage that proves the most Korean elements have achieved universal global appeal."