HUNTR/X (EJAE, Audrey Nuna, and Rei Ami) and co-directors Maggie Kang and Chris Appelhans dish on the record breaking success of KPop Demon Hunters.
I don’t have to tell you that KPop Demon Hunters has been a runaway success because everyone already knows. The incredible animated film has captivated audiences worldwide and climbed to the top of the music charts in just a few short months. Its original soundtrack, featuring the fictional K-pop group HUNTR/X, has surpassed some of the biggest names in K-pop.
Mama’s Geeky sat down with HUNTR/X – EJAE (singing voice of Rumi), Audrey Nuna (singing voice of Mira), and Rei Ami (singing voice of Zoey) – as well as directors Maggie Kang and Chris Appelhans, to discuss the film’s incredible journey. I can honestly say that this film has changed my life, and has sent me down a K-Pop rabbit hole that I never want to crawl out of.
KPop Demon Hunters Is Taking The World By Storm
The cast and crew are still in awe of the film’s massive impact, which they had hoped for, but had not anticipated. Especially not at this scale. When asked about their reaction to the songs charting on the Billboard 100, the trio of artists struggled to find the right words. They described the feeling as “out of body,” “over the moon,” and “like the iconic Spongebob levitating meme.”
For the directors, who once hoped the film would be “medium big,” the success has been a whirlwind of “elevating energy from the fans.” (FOR THE FANS!) Almost immediately, fans were cosplaying The Saja Boys and HUNTR/X, creating shrines for Jinu (R.I.P. King), and connecting online via fan edits.
I have, more than once, burst into song with other KPop Demon Hunters fans that I pass on the street or in a store. And I know for a fact I am not hte only one because there are clips of it all over social media.
On The Power of Storytelling & Music
The story of KPop Demon Hunters was originally pitched to EJAE four or five years ago, when she was working as a writer. She immediately saw the potential in the film’s genius concept, which breaks the mold of what animated films can be.
During our interview, Chris Appelhans shared how the filmmakers drew inspiration from K-dramas, using mood boards filled with GIFs of iconic acting moments to inform the characters and their expressions. This unique approach, combined with the film’s powerful music and authentic storytelling, is a large part of why it has resonated with so many people.
The song “What It Sounds Like“ holds a particularly deep meaning for the cast. While the group’s debut song, “Golden,” is about celebrating the best parts of themselves, the reveal “What It Sounds Like” represents a deeper form of empowerment. HUNTR/X explains that the song is about accepting all the parts of yourself – the “jagged edges” and the “dark and the light side.”
It’s a moment of emotional catharsis where the girls accept their flaws, find their chosen family, and don’t have to choose between different parts of their identities. And it is a part of the film that will always, ALWAYS, make me cry.
What’s Next for HUNTR/X?
Fans are eagerly anticipating the first live performance from HUNTR/X, and they don’t have to wait very long. In fact, by the time you are reading this, they might have already performed on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon (currently scheduled for October 7th). When asked about it, the girls admitted to being both excited and a little scared, but confident in their performance. EJAE admits that there are some high notes she needs to hit while singing “Golden”, but says with her girls by her side, she can do it.
When asked about a possible HUNTR/X tour, it is clear the trio is open to it. Literally responding with “why not?” While it would be a lot of fun, it would also be a lot of work, but fans are still crossing their fingers and hoping for that day to come.
I once again had to ask the directors about a sequel or spin-off series, even if I knew I would not get a straight answer. While they remained tight-lipped, their playful avoidance of the question suggests that more of the HUNTR/X world could be on the horizon. The global demand for a sequel is undeniable, with fans hoping for any way to get more of the beloved characters and their music.
To get the full scope of their excitement and to hear all the stories, be sure to watch our complete interview on YouTube.
About KPop Demon Hunters
When they aren’t selling out stadiums, Kpop superstars Rumi, Mira and Zoey use their secret identities as badass demon hunters to protect their fans from an ever-present supernatural threat. Together, they must face their biggest enemy yet – an irresistible rival boy band of demons in disguise.
Kpop Demon Hunters is now streaming on Netflix.
