[Namsan Stroll] Korea, the Country Admired Worldwide, and "K-Pop Demon Hunters"

The Dazzling Image of K-Content vs. Reality
Toward a Society Worthy of Korea's Cultural Status

Recently, the hottest K-content in the world is neither "Squid Game 3" nor "Bokssoak Sogassuda." It is "K-Pop Demon Hunters." After its release on Netflix on June 20, this film became the most-watched original animated movie in Netflix history and topped the global Netflix charts. Its soundtrack album peaked at number 2 on the Billboard 200 chart, making it the highest-ranking soundtrack released in 2025. It also reached number 1 on the Billboard Soundtrack Chart.

From the perspective of a Korean viewer, the story is somewhat bewildering. The plot centers on Korean idol boy and girl groups, who are divided into heroes saving the world and demons trying to devour humans. Their battles go beyond martial arts, as they also compete by winning people's favor through singing and dancing. The setting is Seoul, South Korea, and landmarks such as the Han River, Bukchon, Namsan Tower, and Jamsil Lotte Tower appear, depicted so beautifully and ideally that it makes one wonder, "Is this really the Seoul I know?"

Even putting aside the top-tier OST, this film clearly presents an idealized vision of "Korea," and it is precisely this aspect that has captivated children and teenagers around the world. In other words, from our perspective living in Korea, it is almost unbelievable that Korea has now become a place that children worldwide dream of. In particular, K-pop idols have become the "wannabes" that children everywhere aspire to be. The world of K-pop idols has become the object of admiration, the dream destination, and the place that teenagers across the globe long to visit.

This is similar to how generations who grew up watching Japanese animation came to see Japan as a romanticized place. I, too, grew up watching Japanese comics, and when I visit Japan, I sometimes feel as if I am inside an animation. This demonstrates the power of culture. When a country's culture spreads worldwide, people want to "go" to that country. They begin to dream about it, and when they visit, it feels like a dream come true. In this way, "Seoul" has also become a dream destination.

However, as a Korean, there is one regret. Is our country truly becoming the ideal place that people around the world dream of? Despite dazzling cultural development, Korea is now in a situation where it must worry more than any other country about population decline and aging. Regardless of the appearance of famous idols, it is becoming increasingly difficult for young people to find jobs, and many struggle to dream about their future. Especially in rural areas, as jobs disappear, people flock to the Seoul metropolitan area, but the resulting side effects are also severe.

The main theme of "K-Pop Demon Hunters" is to freely reveal one's inner wounds, become liberated, love, and become the protagonist of the world. It is a story that perfectly resonates with people in their teens and twenties. However, when looking at the reality where Korean youth must worry about survival before they can become the protagonists of the world, burdened by private education competition and entrance exam pressures, it is hard not to feel the irony behind the "hot" movie and the reality of Korea.

It is both pleasing and gratifying that Korea has become the "land of longing" for people around the world. However, reality may be different. I hope our country becomes a society worthy of such admiration.

Jung Jiwoo, cultural critic and attorney