Talking With KPop Demon Hunters Director Chris Appelhans

The Rise of KPop Demon Hunters and the Power of Music

The world has been captivated by Netflix and Sony Pictures Animation’s KPop Demon Hunters since its release in 2025. This animated series has not only brought a unique blend of supernatural and fantasy elements to the screen but also highlighted the growing influence of K-pop on global culture. From the viral success of PSY’s Gangnam Style in 2012 to the international stardom of BTS, K-pop has steadily made its mark on the mainstream music scene. In the early 2000s, Big Bang paved the way for Western audiences, while BTS took the genre to new heights with collaborations ranging from Fortnite to McDonald’s.

Now, a fictional K-pop group called HUNTR/X from KPop Demon Hunters has taken the spotlight. While they are not real, the voices behind them are. Arden Cho (Rumi), May Hong (Mira), and Ji-young Yoo (Zoey) bring depth and emotion to their characters, while EJAE (Rumi), Andrey Nuna (Mira), and Rei Ami (Zoey) provide the vocal talents that make the group believable. Recently, the trio performed live for the first time on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, proving that HUNTR/X is as real as the artists who voice them.

A Conversation with Chris Appelhans

The News Pulse had the opportunity to speak with Chris Appelhans, co-director of KPop Demon Hunters, at SCAD AnimationFest 2025. During the interview, Appelhans shared his insights into the creation of the series, including his love for K-pop and how it influenced the project.

Appelhans revealed that he has been a fan of K-pop for over 20 years, starting with Rain in the mid-2000s. He later became a fan of artists like Sunmi and BTS, whose virtual concerts during the pandemic inspired him. “It was amazing to see how music could bring people together during such a difficult time,” he said.

When asked about the process of creating the soundtrack, Appelhans noted that it took four years, starting with the first demo by EJAE. “We wanted the songs to advance the story and reflect the characters’ growth,” he explained. For example, the song How It’s Done represents the group’s confidence, while Golden reflects their vulnerabilities. Takedown, on the other hand, shows their internal conflicts and differing perspectives.

Exploring the Characters

Appelhans also discussed the development of the characters, particularly Rumi, Mira, and Zoey. While Rumi’s backstory is more detailed in the series, Appelhans mentioned that there is potential for further exploration in future chapters. “The voice actresses really relate to their characters, and their backstories mirror the fictional ones,” he said. “It’s a balance between giving enough detail and allowing the audience to imagine their own version.”

He praised the collaboration between the singers and actresses, noting that both groups were deeply connected to their roles. “It creates the illusion that each character is one soul,” he said. Maggie Kang, his co-director, played a crucial role in bringing this vision to life.

Behind the Scenes: The Opening Fight Scene

One of the most memorable scenes in KPop Demon Hunters is the opening fight sequence on a plane. Appelhans described the creative process behind it, highlighting the collaborative effort of the team. “We had great board artists who helped us structure the scene,” he said. “There were also comedic elements, like the girls’ obsession with ramyeon, which added a playful touch.”

The choreography and animation were meticulously planned, with reference videos used to ensure precision. The scene also featured two airplanes, with the second one appearing larger once the song begins. “It was all hidden in the cut, so the audience wouldn’t notice,” Appelhans said.

Final Thoughts

KPop Demon Hunters is currently streaming on Netflix and was released on June 20, 2025. A special re-release in theatres is set for Halloween, offering fans a chance to experience the series on the big screen. With its unique blend of music, fantasy, and storytelling, the show continues to captivate audiences worldwide.