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Netflix announces sequel to hit animated film
Streaming giant Netflix has confirmed a follow-up to KPop Demon Hunters, its most-watched movie ever, though no release date has been set. The project will be the first under a new multi-year exclusive deal with co-directors Maggie Kang and Chris Appelhans.
Directors and creators react
Kang expressed pride in the film's success, calling it a milestone for Korean storytelling. "There's so much more to explore in this world," she said in Netflix's social media announcement. "This is only the beginning."
Ejae, who voices protagonist Rumi and co-wrote the film's Grammy-winning song Golden, told the BBC she hopes the sequel will showcase new facets of Korean music. "It depends on what they create, but I'd love to incorporate different styles," she said.
"A lot is happening-it's really hard to digest. It's crazy."
Ejae, singer and songwriter
Awards and cultural impact
The original film, released last summer, has become a global phenomenon, breaking Netflix's viewership records with over 480 million streams in six months. Its lead single, Golden, topped the Billboard Hot 100, while the film itself won Best Animated Motion Picture and Best Original Song at the Golden Globes.
This Sunday, KPop Demon Hunters competes for two Oscars: Best Animated Feature and Best Original Song. Critics predict strong chances after its Grammy win-the first for a K-pop song in visual media.
What's next for the sequel
Music producer Zhun, who worked on Golden, told the BBC he aims to sustain the film's high-energy fusion of music and visuals. "I want to build on what gave us so much energy," he said.
Songwriter Mark Sonnenblick confirmed in February that a sequel was in development, noting the music would follow the story's direction. The original film took seven years to produce, from pitch to release.
Netflix has not disclosed further details, but Kang hinted in October that the sequel would "deserve to exist" and expand the characters' world.
Why the film resonated
Blending English dialogue with Korean cultural elements-from food to iconography-KPop Demon Hunters became a rare K-pop-infused production to cross into Western mainstream markets. Its success underscores growing global appetite for Korean stories.
