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Director Maggie Kang poses for a photo to promote Netflix’s animated film K-pop Demon Hunters. / Source: Netflix

Maggie Kang, co-director of Netflix’s hit animated film K-pop Demon Hunters (“KDH”), has suggested that the film’s universe could expand further, though she dismissed speculation about a live-action remake.

In an interview with the BBC on Sunday (local time), Kang said there is “ample room to expand the world and characters of K-pop Demon Hunters,” which she co-directed with Chris Appelhans.

“I can’t make anything official yet,” Kang said, “but I believe there are many more stories we can tell with the characters we’ve grown to love. Whether that takes the form of a sequel or something new, it will be a story we’d truly want to watch ourselves.”

Both directors, however, drew a clear line at rumors of a live-action adaptation. “The film’s rhythm and humor are uniquely tailored to animation,” Kang said. “Translating it into live action would strip the characters of their charm.”

Appelhans agreed, saying animation’s strength lies in its freedom to weave the impossible seamlessly. “Lumi can sing, spin-kick, and fall from the sky — all in the same scene,” he said, highlighting the medium’s expressive flexibility.

The BBC reported that K-pop Demon Hunters has surpassed Squid Game to become Netflix’s most-watched title of all time and is drawing attention as a potential contender in major categories at the upcoming Academy Awards.

“It even sounds like it’s meant for the Oscars,” Appelhans quipped. “We took creative risks, and I’m proud of what we achieved. Winning an Oscar would be an honor.”

The film is considered a frontrunner for Best Animated Feature and Best Original Song. Netflix is reportedly considering nominating the track “Golden” for the latter.

Kang praised “Your Idol” as “a charming song,” while Appelhans described “What It Sounds Like” as “a track that perfectly elevates the film’s emotional arc.”