From K-dramas to chart-topping idols, Korean pop culture has long been winning global hearts, but K‑Pop Demon Hunters has taken it to a new level.
The Netflix hit about a demon-slaying girl group is now the platform’s most-watched film of all time.
From K-dramas to chart-topping idols, Korean pop culture has long been winning global hearts
On Friday morning’s episode of The Briefing, we speak to K-pop expert and PhD candidate Megan Moon about the film’s explosive rise and what it says about South Korea’s next wave of cultural influence.
“The Hallyu phenomenon…has been going on 20 years strong now,” Moon said.
“But it was no accident. It’s really a strategy that has been working towards this big moment that we’re currently celebrating,” she said.
Moon credits the film’s global success to its feel-good humour and fan representation.
“It’s not maybe making fun of them, but is saying they’re kind of in on the joke,” she added.
While Australia’s K-pop fandom is small compared to the US or Asia, its impact is growing.
Local stars like Rosé from Blackpink and Jake from Enhypen are helping to strengthen ties between Korean entertainment and Australian audiences.
With BTS returning from military service and “rumours swirling” about a new album, Moon says the wave isn’t slowing down.
“I do think a fire has kind of been relit…we’re probably going to see this new generation of people who are engaged by what K-pop might have to offer.”
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