K-Animation Surpasses Disney and Pixar... Wins Two Golden Globes, Heads Straight to the Oscars (Comprehensive)

"K-Pop Demon Hunters" Sweeps Best Animated Feature and Best Original Song
Maggie Kang: "A Story Deeply Rooted in Korean Culture"

Reuters Yonhap News

An animation infused with Korean DNA has broken through Hollywood's formidable walls. The Netflix film "K-Pop Demon Hunters," directed by Korean-American director Maggie Kang, made history for K-content by winning two Golden Globe Awards.

At the 83rd Golden Globe Awards held at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Los Angeles, United States, on January 11 (local time), "K-Pop Demon Hunters" took home both Best Motion Picture - Animated and Best Original Song.

The win in the animation category is being described as a landmark event. "K-Pop Demon Hunters" triumphed over formidable competitors, including Disney's "Zootopia 2," Pixar's "Elio," and the Japanese global hit "Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle Arc." Hollywood foreign media outlets analyzed that this victory has sent a clear positive signal for the upcoming Oscar race in March.

Director Kang, taking the stage with a trembling voice, said, "I am overwhelmed that this film, deeply rooted in Korean culture, has resonated with audiences around the world," adding, "We wanted to portray not perfect dolls, but real women-characters who crave food, make mistakes, and sometimes act unpredictably." Her words drew enthusiastic applause from the audience.

The emotional impact of the film was further amplified through its music. The theme song "Golden" beat out blockbuster tracks such as "Dream As One" from "Avatar: The Way of Water," "No Place Like Home" from "Wicked: For Good," and "I Lied To You" from "Sinners," earning the honor of Best Original Song.

AP Yonhap News

Composer and singer Ejae, holding the trophy, shared her story: "I dedicated ten years to my childhood dream of becoming an idol, but was rejected for lacking vocal ability." She continued, "To overcome the pain of disappointment, I turned to music," and added, "This song, born from my own struggles, has now become a beacon of hope, helping boys and girls everywhere love themselves just as they are." Rising from a failed trainee to a Golden Globe winner, she concluded by tearfully exclaiming in Korean, "Mom, I love you."

Meanwhile, Park Chanwook's much-anticipated film "No Other Choice" unfortunately went home empty-handed. Although it was nominated for Best Actor in a Musical or Comedy (Lee Byunghun) and Best Foreign Language Film, the trophies went to Timothee Chalamet for "Marty Supreme" and the film "Secret Agent," respectively.