'KPop Demon Hunters' Cast Discuss How the Film's Success

Variety

by jazztangcay

February 20, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

The cast of *KPop Demon Hunters*, including EJAE, Rei Ami, Audrey Nuna, Ji-Young Yoo, Arden Cho, and May Hong, reflected on how the film’s unprecedented success has not only broken records but also empowered them personally and professionally. The animated Netflix hit became a cultural phenomenon, topping Billboard’s Global Excl. U.S. chart for 20 weeks with its iconic song “Golden” and earning record-breaking views of 482 million in six months. The film’s recognition, including Oscar nominations for both Animated Feature and Original Song, marked a historic milestone for Korean American women in entertainment. EJAE highlighted the significance of the film as the first animated project centered on Korean folklore, calling it a “historical thing” as a Korean American woman. She praised directors Maggie Kang and Chris Appelhans for their meticulous attention to detail and how the music resonated with characters. Cho shared her personal journey, explaining how playing Rumi reignited her confidence in acting after years of feeling overlooked in the industry. Nuna added that the film shattered records and placed them at the center of cultural representation, breaking down barriers often faced by Korean American women in entertainment. Yoo emphasized the film’s exploration of uncharted storytelling territory rooted in Korean folklore and the power of music to connect with audiences across time and space. The cast celebrated the film’s success as a collective achievement, not just for their roles but for its broader impact on representation and cultural visibility. For readers interested in entertainment, this story highlights how *KPop Demon Hunters* has become a landmark moment for diversity in animation and a testament to the power of storytelling that resonates globally.

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Originally published on Variety on 2/20/2026