Baek Byung-yeul is a journalist at The Korea Times focused on cultural content, including films and cultural events in South Korea. You can contact him at baekby@koreatimes.co.kr to share your insights.
'KPop Demon Hunters’ wins big at Oscars with 2 awards
From left, Rei Ami, EJAE and Audrey Nuna, the singing voices of the fictional idol group Huntrix from "KPop Demon Hungers," pose on the red carpet at the 98th Academy Awards in Los Angeles, Sunday (local time). Reuters-Yonhap
By Baek Byung-yeul
Director, singer-songwriter express pride in global recognition of Korean culture
Netflix animated feature “KPop Demon Hunters” secured wins for Best Animated Feature and Best Original Song at the 98th Academy Awards in Los Angeles, Sunday (local time).
The Oscar followed the Korean culture-inspired animation’s earlier wins at the Golden Globes in January and Grammy Awards in February.
From left, Seo Jeong-hoon, EJAE and Mark Sonnenblick pose with the Oscar for Best Original Song for "Golden" from "KPop Demon Hunters" during the 98th Academy Awards in Los Angeles, Sunday (local time). AFP-Yonhap
“KPop Demon Hunters” beat out competitors like “Arco” “Elio,” “Little Amelie or the Character of Rain” and “Zootopia 2” in the animation race, and tracks from “Diane Warren: Relentless,” “Sinners,” “Viva Verdi!” and “Train Dreams” in the song category.
The awards highlighted the global impact of the movie, which has smashed Netflix viewership records with more than 500 million cumulative views since its release last June. The recognition for both its storytelling and the original track “Golden” underscored the power of cross-cultural collaboration in today’s film industry.
Actor Ahn Hyo-seop, who voiced the character Jin-woo in "KPop Demon Hunters," arrives for the 98th Academy Awards ceremony at Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, Sunday (local time). EPA-Yonhap
Directed by Korean Canadian filmmaker Maggie Kang, the action-fantasy film follows K-pop superstars Rumi, Mira and Zoey of girl band Huntrix, who also secretly protect the world from evil spirits.
Kang expressed her pride in creating a film that represents Koreans.
“Thank you to the Academy and to all fans who got us here, and for those of you who look like me,” she said in her acceptance speech.
“I’m so sorry that it took us so long to see us in a movie like this. But it is here. And that means that the next generations don’t have to go longing. This is for Korea and for Koreans everywhere.”
From left, co-directors Maggie Kang and Chris Appelhans, along with producer Michelle Wong, pose with the Oscar for Best Animated Feature for "KPop Demon Hunters" during the 98th Academy Awards in Los Angeles, Sunday (local time). Reuters-Yonhap
After receiving the Best Original Song award, EJAE, who contributed to vocals, lyrics and composition for “Golden,” emphasized that the award signifies resilience rather than simple success, pointing to the long road she traveled as a K-pop fan.
“Growing up, people made fun of me for liking K-pop,” she said through tears. “Now everyone is singing our song, and in all of the Korean lyrics. I’m so proud. I realize this award is not about success. It’s about resilience.”
EJAE reacts after "KPop Demon Hunters" wins Best Animated Feature during the 98th Academy Awards in Los Angeles, Sunday (local time). AP-Yonhap
The awards ceremony was highlighted by a live performance of “Golden” by EJAE, Audrey Nuna and Rei Ami.
The three singers delivered a powerful performance of the track, joined by percussionists and dancers dressed in traditional Korean costumes that mirrored the vibrant visuals of the animated film.
The performance captivated the audience, with Hollywood actors and industry officials seen enthusiastically waving lightsticks, transforming the prestigious awards venue into a massive K-pop concert.
The impact of “KPop Demon Hunters” has extended far beyond the screen, boosting visitor numbers to the National Museum of Korea and increasing tourism to Seoul landmarks featured in the movie.
From left, Rei Ami, EJAE and Audrey Nuna perform "Golden" from "KPop Demon Hunters" during the 98th Academy Awards in Los Angeles, Sunday (local time). AP-Yonhap
Netflix announced last Friday that it will produce a sequel to the animated feature, with directors Kang and Chris Appelhans returning.
Expressing her pride in the global resonance of the Korean-led story, Kang said, “There’s so much more to this world we have built, and I’m excited to show you. This is only the beginning.”