K-pop Demon Hunters sequel to expand universe

Apr 02, 2026, 09:47 am

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The cast and creators of the Netflix film K-pop Demon Hunters celebrate with their Academy Award trophies at a press conference held at CGV Yongsan I’Park Mall in Seoul on April 1. / Yonhap

The team behind the Netflix animated film K-pop Demon Hunters visited South Korea with their Academy Award trophies, raising anticipation for a potential sequel.

Director Chris Appelhans, co-director Maggie Kang, singer-songwriter EJAE, and producers from IDO attended a press conference in Seoul on April 1 to celebrate their Oscar win.

Attention at the event quickly turned to the sequel. While no specific timeline or production details were disclosed, Appelhans made it clear that the follow-up would not simply repeat the original’s success.

“This project was discovered and expanded by fans,” he said. “The sequel will not be a repetition of a successful formula—it will unfold in unexpected ways.”

He added that the team aims to go beyond audience expectations by expanding the film’s universe. “We want to surprise fans and push the boundaries of the world we’ve created,” he said, noting that characters, music, and Korean mythology would remain central while offering a deeper narrative.

Kang also emphasized that Korean cultural storytelling would continue to play a key role in the sequel. “There are many more ways to explore Korean stories,” she said.

Music is expected to remain a major pillar of the sequel. Appelhans hinted at incorporating diverse genres such as trot and heavy metal, promising a larger-scale story with more dynamic elements. The production team also expressed interest in experimenting with a wider range of musical styles.

K-pop Demon Hunters gained global attention for blending K-pop with traditional Korean elements. Its original soundtrack “Golden” won Best Original Song at the 98th Academy Awards, marking the first win for a K-pop track in the category.

EJAE reflected on the Oscar performance, saying, “It was a proud moment as a Korean to showcase gugak and pansori on a global stage. After the performance, I saw world-famous actors holding light sticks in the audience—it was when I truly felt the power of K-pop.”

#K-pop Demon Hunters #Netflix #Academy Awards #Chris Appelhans #Maggie Kang