KPop Demon Hunters: First Steps (2025) is one of the most anticipated films of the year, blending musical, fantasy, action and supernatural thriller. Directed by Maggie Kang & Chris Appelhans, and starring Arden Cho, Ahn Hyo‑seop, May Hong and Ji‑young Yoo, this English‑language film is scheduled for release on June 20, 2025.
Movie Overview
KPop Demon Hunters: First Steps is an animated musical fantasy produced by Sony Pictures Animation in partnership with Netflix. Set in a futuristic Seoul, it follows HUNTR/X (pronounced “Huntrix”)—a K‑pop girl group by day and demon hunters by night—who protect humanity from demonic threats through music and performance. Their biggest challenge comes in the form of a rival boy band, the Saja Boys, secretly masterminded by the demon king Gwi‑Ma to sabotage the mystical Honmoon barrier that stabilizes the world :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}.
The film combines dazzling CG-supported hybrid 2D‑3D animation inspired by music videos, K‑drama cinematography, editorial photography, and anime aesthetics. Visually bold and highly stylized, the animation aims to emulate concert lighting, exaggerated expressions, and chibi-style visuals while staying grounded in a Korean cultural lineage :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}.
Complementing its visuals is a powerhouse original soundtrack. Songs like “Golden,” “How It’s Done,” and “Takedown” are performed by real K-pop and global artists, including members of TWICE (Jeongyeon, Jihyo, Chaeyoung), EJAE, Audrey Nuna, Rei Ami, Andrew Choi, Kevin Woo, Neckwav, Lea Salonga and more. The music not only drives the story but also acts as a literal weapon, reinforcing the film’s emotional and narrative stakes :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}.
The film premiered on Netflix on **June 20, 2025**, with limited theatrical screenings in select U.S. cities for award eligibility. It instantly became Netflix’s most-watched animated film, topping global charts and dominating the Top 10 in 93 countries :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}.
Attribute Details
| Title | KPop Demon Hunters: First Steps |
|---|---|
| Genre | Animated, Musical, Fantasy, Action, Supernatural |
| Language | English (with Korean dialogue elements) |
| Release Date | June 20, 2025 (streaming on Netflix and limited theatrical release) |
| Director | Maggie Kang & Chris Appelhans |
| Writer | Danya Jimenez, Hannah McMechan, Maggie Kang & Chris Appelhans (story by Kang) |
Cast & Crew
- Arden Cho as Rumi (voice) – Leader and main vocalist of HUNTR/X, half‑demon warrior wielding a saingeom sword, with sung vocals by EJAE :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}.
- May Hong as Mira – Main dancer and visual of HUNTR/X, fights with choreographed martial arts, singing by Audrey Nuna :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}.
- Ji‑young Yoo as Zoey – Maknae and main rapper of the trio, lobbing knives, singing by Rei Ami :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}.
- Ahn Hyo‑seop as Jinu – Leader of the demon boy-band Saja Boys and love‑interest rival, with singing voice Andrew Choi :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}.
- Yunjin Kim as Celine – Rumi’s mentor and former idol, mother‑figure character; sung by Lea Salonga :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}.
- Ken Jeong as Bobby – The group’s manager/agent providing comic relief and guidance :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}.
- Daniel Dae Kim as Dr. Healer Han – Eccentric mentor figure in demon lore :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}.
- Lee Byung-hun as Gwi‑Ma – Demon king antagonist orchestrating the boy band threat, voiced in Korean and English :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}.
Score composed by Marcelo Zarvos; story concept by Maggie Kang; screenplay contributions by Jimenez, McMechan, Kang, Appelhans. Animation done by Sony Pictures Imageworks in Vancouver and Montreal studios under Josh Beveridge :contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13}.
Visual Style & Music
The film’s visual identity is a bold hybrid of 3D rendering with 2D stylistic touches—high-contrast palettes, dynamic concert lighting, exaggerated expressions, and occasional chibi segments. It reflects K-pop branding and editorial fashion, delivering a sleek, modern aesthetic rooted in Korean culture while appealing worldwide :contentReference[oaicite:14]{index=14}.
The soundtrack is integral—not supplementary. Key tracks include “Takedown” (TWICE members Jeongyeon/Jihyo/Chaeyoung), “Golden” (performed by HUNTR/X), “How It’s Done”, “Soda Pop” and “Your Idol” (by Saja Boys). The music charted on Billboard’s Hot 100 and landed the soundtrack at #1 on Billboard Soundtracks and Top 10 on Billboard 200. The song “Golden” became an international streaming hit, topping Spotify playlists globally—an unprecedented achievement for a 2025 soundtrack :contentReference[oaicite:15]{index=15}.
Reception & Reviews
Critically acclaimed, the film holds a 96% Rotten Tomatoes rating, praised for its animation, voice performances, writing, emotional weight, and musical integration—a rare accomplishment for an animated musical other than Disney’s traditional fare :contentReference[oaicite:16]{index=16}.
Reviewers praised its originality: blending K‑pop authenticity with supernatural storytelling. Mathrubhumi hailed it as a “bold blend of K-pop flair, magical girl energy, and supernatural stakes,” noting both humor and emotional resonance, while highlighting Mira, Rumi, and Zoey’s character arcs :contentReference[oaicite:17]{index=17}.
Fan reactions on Reddit and IMDb underscore its viral appeal: one viewer said, “I walked out emotionally wrecked … this film is everything… the music. My god, the MUSIC.” Another believed it “exceeded all expectations … fluid animation … re‑watch material” :contentReference[oaicite:18]{index=18}.
Box Office & Streaming Performance
While mostly a streaming release, the film had limited theatrical screenings in California and New York to qualify for awards. Those screenings were minimal but symbolic—eligibility rather than revenue driven. The bulk of its success came via streaming: by late July, it accumulated over 56 million views on Netflix and remained in the Top 10 in 93 countries for weeks :contentReference[oaicite:19]{index=19}.
The soundtrack has been equally successful. It debuted at #1 on Billboard Soundtracks and #8 on the Billboard 200, with multiple songs entering the Hot 100—a landmark for an animated musical soundtrack in 2025 :contentReference[oaicite:20]{index=20}.
Sequel Potential & Franchise Outlook
No official sequel has yet been confirmed, but industry analysts and fans strongly anticipate more. Netflix is reportedly exploring a trilogy, potential live-action adaptation, stage musical tie-ins, and spin-offs. Co-directors Kang and Appelhans have expressed enthusiasm about exploring backstories for Rumi’s heritage, Jinu’s fate, and Mina’s arc as part of future stories. If greenlit, a sequel could arrive by 2028 :contentReference[oaicite:21]{index=21}.
Fan campaigns and social media traction—especially around the Saja Boys and crossover collaboration speculation with BTS—add fuel to sequel speculation. The film’s record-breaking performance makes it Netflix’s answer to Disney’s own musical franchises :contentReference[oaicite:22]{index=22}.
Conclusion
KPop Demon Hunters: First Steps stands as a groundbreaking animated musical that redefines genre boundaries. A triumphant fusion of K‑pop, Korean myth, supernatural fantasy, and powerful storytelling, it delivers unforgettable visuals, chart‑topping music, and heart‑driven character arcs.
With its vivid animation, strong voice performances, inventive plot, and global soundtrack success, this film resonates on multiple levels: culturally, emotionally, and commercially. Whether you’re a K‑pop fan, an animation lover, or simply looking for something bold and original, *First Steps* delivers a fresh, energetic, and hopeful new world—and it’s only just begun.
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