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K-pop animated film sweeps Oscars with best feature and song
Kpop Demon Hunters, a Netflix animated hit, secured two Academy Awards on Sunday-best animated feature and best original song-marking a milestone for K-pop in global cinema.
Record-breaking success
Since its release last year, the film has captivated audiences worldwide. Its lead track, Golden, dominated music charts and became the first K-pop song to win a Grammy, cementing its place in pop culture history.
Red carpet moment
Voice actors Ejae, Rei Ami, and Audrey Nuna-who brought the fictional girl group Huntr/x to life-arrived at the ceremony in golden gowns, a tribute to the award-winning song. Ejae delivered an emotional acceptance speech for best original song, reflecting on her journey.
"Growing up, people mocked me for loving K-pop. Now, everyone is singing our song-even the Korean lyrics. I'm so proud."
Ejae, singer and voice actor
A night of cultural fusion
The trio performed Golden on stage, accompanied by dancers in traditional South Korean hanbok and a pansori duo-a genre featuring a vocalist and drummer. The performance drew applause from Hollywood icons like Leonardo DiCaprio and Steven Spielberg, who waved K-pop light sticks in unison.
Social media erupted with praise. One X user wrote, "I never imagined seeing pansori in hanbok at the Oscars." Another added, "Whoever handed out light sticks deserves an award-the sight of legendary directors waving them is unforgettable."
Film's premise and impact
Kpop Demon Hunters follows the girl group Huntr/x, who use their voices to battle demons, alongside a five-member band called the Saja Boys, known for their soul-capturing melodies. The soundtrack spawned multiple hits, including Golden and Soda Pop by the Saja Boys.
Directors Maggie Kang and Chris Appelhans, along with producer Michelle LM Wong, accepted the best animated feature award. Kang, a first-time nominee, dedicated the win to Koreans worldwide.
"For those who look like me, I'm sorry it took so long to see ourselves in a film like this. But it's here now, and future generations won't have to wait."
Maggie Kang, co-director
Global recognition
South Korean President Lee Jae Myung congratulated the team, calling the film a bridge between cultures. "By blending K-pop's energy with Korean sensibilities and imaginative storytelling, it has redefined global entertainment," he wrote on X. He referenced a quote by independence leader Kim Koo, who dreamed of Korea as a cultural powerhouse, adding, "That vision is becoming reality."
What's next
The film's accolades include a Golden Globe for best animated feature and best original song. Netflix has confirmed a sequel, though no release date has been announced.
