‘KPop Demon Hunters’ enjoys global domination

The big entertainment industry news of the moment centers on “Kpop Demon Hunters.” The animated musical feature has gone from being just a K-pop toon to one of Netflix’s most popular releases ever and then into a huge box-office hit. Netflix is now crossing into Disney territory. Come to think of it, K-pop is doing the same.

Released as a sing-along picture into theaters in the U.S. of A. recently, “KPop Demon Hunters” grossed an estimated $20M in only two days. Expect more within the next few weeks as demand for sing-along screenings increases and as the Huntr/x and the Saja Boys add more followers to their burgeoning fan base.

Why do so many people of various ages love “KPop Demon Hunters”? I guess it is because it chose to be a simple, fun fantasy with no aspiration for greatness. No thought of awards or a massive take from streamers and then the box office. Just something everybody will enjoy. And you know, in cases like those, greatness inevitably follows.

The plot is the common battle between good and evil. The girl group trio Huntr/x are descendants of an ancient race of demon hunters. Made up of Rumi, Mira and Zooey, they are tasked with keeping the Honmoon, the barrier between earth and hell safe and intact. Once this is breached, the demons can take over the world.

To accomplish this, Gwi-Ma, the ruler of the demon kingdom, unleashed a boy band made up of demons to conquer the world named the Saja Boys. They battle for fans and face off with Huntr/x in concerts while coping with personal problems. This brings the exciting mix of mythology, the K-pop ambiance and urban blight into the story.

The result is a heady brew that is so relatable to audiences everywhere. They have embraced K-pop music. The soundtrack is a huge global hit. Tunes like Golden, How It’s Done, What It Sounds Like by the Huntr/x, plus Soda Pop and Your Idol by the Saja Boys are all in the hit charts.

In fact, an entire industry is fast forming for “KPop Demon Hunters” merchandise. Think books, costumes, dolls, key chains, poster art and even branded noodles. Don’t think it strange if you see kids sporting purple hair with a top bun. That is Rumi’s hairstyle. Why Derpy, the blue tiger and his friend, the six-eyed magpie have developed their own following.

K-pop has once again brought changes into the universal cultural space. No one is objecting as “KPop Demon Hunters” is not only fun to watch. It imparts positive messages which we can all use plenty of. Those not happy about the movie’s success are only those who regret not having thought about it first.

And now, a huge BUT. The sounds of the “KPop Demon Hunters” may now be No. 1 sellers in many parts of the world. Not out here though. I am so happy that Pinoy fans choose to stay with their beloved locals and despite this K-pop onslaught, Multo by Cup of Joe remains No. 1.

Take a look at the latest listing from Spotify as of this writing. Multo by Cup of Joe; Saksi ang Langit by December Avenue; back to friends by sombr; Tensionado by Soapdish; Naiilang by Le John; Golden by Huntr/X; Your Universe by Rico Blanco; Folded by Kehlani; DAISIES by Justin Bieber; Tibok by Earl Agustin; Tingin by Cup of Joe and Janine Teñoso.

Kahel na Langit by Maki; Gabriela by KATSEYE; Isa Lang by Arthur Nery; Bulong by December Avenue; Manchild by Sabrina Carpenter; The Man Who Can’t be Moved by The Script; Iris by The Goo Goo Dolls; You’ll be in my Heart by NIKI; Tadhana by Up Dharma Down; Soda Pop by the Saja Boys; Dalangin by Earl Agustin; Sino by Unique Salonga; Umaasa by Calein; and Sa Bawat Sandali by Amiel Sol.