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From tigers to grim reapers: Korean folklore easter eggs in 'KPop Demon Hunters'

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By Park Han-sol
  • Published KST
A scene from Netflix's animated supernatural action-comedy 'KPop Demon Hunters' / Courtesy of Netflix

A scene from Netflix's animated supernatural action-comedy "KPop Demon Hunters" / Courtesy of Netflix

The breakout appeal of Netflix’s supernatural action-comedy animation “KPop Demon Hunters” has stretched beyond screens and soundtracks into the world of traditional Korean art and folklore that helped breathe life into its unique visuals.

From its memorable animal sidekicks to the Saja Boys’ grim reaper-inspired swagger, here’s a closer look at the cultural roots behind some of the film’s most iconic moments.

Joseon-era folk paintings of 'hojakdo' (tiger and magpie) / Courtesy of National Museum of Korea

Joseon-era folk paintings of "hojakdo" (tiger and magpie) / Courtesy of National Museum of Korea

Tiger and magpie

Without a doubt, the movie’s ultimate scene-stealers are an unlikely duo: a delightfully “derpy” tiger and its cunning magpie companion.

This odd-couple pairing may seem random at first, but it traces back to Korean folk art and genre paintings called “minhwa.”

Flourishing in the later centuries of the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910), minhwa broke away from the refined conventions of court painting. Rather than following rigid formalism, the genre embraced raw charm and unrestrained spontaneity. Brimming with whimsical, often mischievous details, these works reflected the imaginative desires and everyday humor of ordinary people.

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One recurring motif was “hojakdo,” or “jakhodo”: a tiger and a magpie perched on a pine tree.

In these paintings, the tiger isn’t a fearsome predator, but a bumbling creature. With bulging eyes, a gaping mouth and a lolling tongue, the animal was meant to caricature the “yangban” aristocracy. By contrast, the bird, clever and quick-witted, stood as a symbol of the common people.

Traditionally, the tiger was seen as a guardian against evil spirits and the magpie as a harbinger of good news. But in minhwa, these auspicious figures took on a satirical twist, delivering a playful jab at those in power.

So when the magpie in the Netflix film sports a tiny scholar’s hat, or “gat” — which, as Saja Boys’ leader Jinu remarks at one point, “I made it for the tiger, but the bird keeps taking it” — it feels like an affectionate nod to the long-running visual joke.

Saja Boys' demonic alter egos are loosely inspired by 'jeoseung saja,' Korea's equivalent of the grim reaper. Captured from Netflix's YouTube channel

Saja Boys' demonic alter egos are loosely inspired by "jeoseung saja," Korea's equivalent of the grim reaper. Captured from Netflix's YouTube channel

Saja Boys and ‘jeoseung saja’

This 'kokdu,' a wooden figurine traditionally placed on a funeral bier as a decorative ornament, takes the shape of 'jeoseung saja.' Courtesy of National Folk Museum of Korea

This "kokdu," a wooden figurine traditionally placed on a funeral bier as a decorative ornament, takes the shape of "jeoseung saja." Courtesy of National Folk Museum of Korea

In the movie, Saja Boys are the world’s hottest boy band by day and demons by night.

Their group name and supernatural alter egos are loosely inspired by “jeoseung saja,” Korea’s version of the grim reaper.

As somber, dutiful messengers of the afterlife, jeoseung saja are tasked with guiding souls to the underworld, under the bureaucratic command of King Yeomna, the ruler of the netherworld.

Their appearance has shifted over the centuries, but the most enduring image of them wearing black hanbok (traditional Korean attire) and a gat was cemented by the popular KBS anthology series “Korean Ghost Stories,” which aired throughout the 1970s and '80s.

In more recent pop culture, they’ve occasionally traded robes for tailored suits, appearing in sleek, all-black ensembles in dramas like “Guardian: The Lonely and Great God” (2016) and “Tomorrow” (2022).

'Irworobongdo' from the late Joseon Dynasty / Courtesy of National Palace Museum of Korea

"Irworobongdo" from the late Joseon Dynasty / Courtesy of National Palace Museum of Korea

‘Irworobongdo’

At the Idol Awards, as girl group Huntrix belts out “Golden” — now a surprise soundtrack sensation — their stage is framed by a backdrop that evokes “Irworobongdo.”

This folding screen, traditionally placed behind the royal throne in the main halls of Joseon Dynasty palaces and at ceremonial events, depicts the sun, the moon, five jagged mountain peaks and clusters of pine trees.

More than striking decoration, the irworobongdo symbolized the king’s presence, serving as a visual embodiment of royal authority, cosmic order and sovereign dignity.

The National Museum of Korea's merchandise inspired by hojakdo and gat has found new fame thanks to the viral success of 'KPop Demon Hunters.' Courtesy of National Museum of Korea

The National Museum of Korea's merchandise inspired by hojakdo and gat has found new fame thanks to the viral success of "KPop Demon Hunters." Courtesy of National Museum of Korea

Get your merch!

The viral success of “KPop Demon Hunters” has even rippled into museum gift shops.

According to the National Museum of Korea, sales of its cultural heritage-inspired merchandise soared to a record-breaking 11.5 billion won ($8.46 million) in the first half of 2025, with an average of 260,000 daily visitors browsing its official online store, MU:DS.

Riding the wave of the Netflix film’s popularity, items featuring the whimsical animal duo have become runaway hits, flying off the shelves as fans rush to get their hands on them.

From enamel pins of the tiger and magpie to bookmarks, keychains and ballpoint pens topped with miniature gats, the relics of the past have re-emerged in playful, pocket-sized forms, bringing Korea’s cultural heritage closer to a new generation of pop culture buffs.