"Many More Korean Stories to Tell... There Will Be Opportunities"
K-Pop as the Main Selling Point of K-Pop Demon Hunters
Authenticity and Attention to Detail at the Core
"I wanted to show Korea just as it is. You can think of our characters as (travel) guides. There are so many more Korean stories I want to incorporate, but I can't say more because it would be a spoiler."
Director Maggie Kang is explaining the production process of "K-Pop Demon Hunters" at the 30th Busan International Film Festival's "Netflix Creative Asia: Creator Master Class" held on the 20th at Dongseo University Centum Campus in Busan. Photo by Noh Kyungjo
Director Maggie Kang hinted at the production of a sequel to the Netflix original "K-Pop Demon Hunters" (hereafter referred to as K-Pop Demon Hunters) on September 20.
At the 30th Busan International Film Festival's "Netflix Creative Asia: Creator Master Class," held at Dongseo University Centum Campus in Busan on the same day, Kang said, "I get asked about the sequel around twenty times a day. While I can't officially confirm anything, there will definitely be opportunities to tell more stories."
Regarding the global popularity of K-Pop Demon Hunters, she said, "I never expected it to be such a hit," but added, "I think it was loved because we incorporated a lot of Korean culture and told universal themes like friendship and identity that everyone can relate to."
She especially noted, "By adding K-pop, the scale grew bigger and the visuals became more spectacular," and added, "K-pop, which brings people together these days, became the film's main selling point."
Kang emphasized that she conducted thorough research because she wanted to portray Korea authentically. She explored myths and visited places like Myeongdong Street and the Korean Folk Village herself, capturing an animation where the present and past coexist in Korea.
She said, "This journey was also a process of confirming whether we were truly representing Korea," and added, "I believe authenticity makes a big difference, so I worked hard to capture the unique atmosphere and was intentional with every single prop." She explained that everything, from the protagonists visiting a cozy restaurant, to the writing scribbled on the shop walls, the green lighting of the beverage fridge, and the chopsticks placed on napkins, was created with authenticity in mind.
As for the film's universe, she explained, "I wanted it to be based on cultures that already exist in Korea," and added, "I became interested in shamans who defeat evil spirits using music, song, and dance, and in shamanism itself." She said she was inspired to create the dokkaebi character after seeing a sculpture at a caf?.
Regarding the character "Duffy," inspired by a tiger, she said, "I wanted to include a Korean animal, but also make its existence meaningful," and explained, "Duffy, who became an overnight star, was inspired by my own cat and was created to be cute and lovable."
Additionally, Kang said, "You can see a bit of me in every character in K-Pop Demon Hunters," and added, "Thanks to the production team, who supported and encouraged my vision and inspiration, I never lost my direction. I was truly happy to work together."
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