KPop Demon Hunters dropped on Netflix on June 20, 2025, and it has become a colossal hit in its own right. The animated film is topping charts, turning heads, and even landing its original song “Golden” at No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100. But have you ever thought about actual, real-life idols who inspired the characters in this K-pop-influenced film? BLACKPINK’s Jennie, BTS’ Jimin, and Felix from Stray Kids have been name-dropped by the movies’ creators, but guess what? They’re not the only references!
Designers Wi Hyun Song and Min Hong spilled the tea to media outlet Hankyung about how the antagonist of the story, Jinu, references EXO’s Kai facial expressions. And when it comes to Jinu’s boy group (Saja Boys), Min Hong dove deep into MONSTA X and SHINee’s choreographies to create “natural movements” from “local groups.” These references couldn’t be more on point, as the choreography for “Soda Pop” could take inspiration from dance routines like “Married to the Music” by SHINee and “Beautiful” by MONSTA X.
KPop Demon Hunters revolves around the girl group HUNTR/X, and especially their leader Rumi, voiced by Arden Cho, protecting South Korea from demons as they slay the stage and make bops. But Jinu, voiced by Ahn Hyo Seop, and his boy group (Saja Boys) will seek to destroy HUNTR/X’s plans to protect humanity. In the end, KPop Demon Hunters definitely feels like the ultimate love letter to K-pop with a story like this and references from some of the most iconic groups in the genre.