A South Korean monk recently performed a real Buddhist ritual for the fictional boy band Saja Boys from Netflix’s animated hit K-pop Demon Hunters, drawing over 4,000 live viewers and sparking viral buzz. Though the characters don’t exist, fans have embraced them for their style and charisma, while the film itself has become Netflix’s most-watched movie ever.
Directed by Korean-Canadian Maggie Kang and voiced mostly by Korean-Americans, the film’s authentic portrayal of Korean culture—from traditional clothing to folklore—has impressed Koreans, who are usually wary of misrepresentation. Its success has boosted tourism and sales of cultural artefacts, with the National Museum of Korea seeing record visitors and local craftspeople reporting soaring demand.
Globally, the soundtrack has topped Spotify and Billboard charts, and in North America, special “sing-along” screenings have made it Netflix’s first box office hit. Meanwhile, South Korean fans are clamouring for their own cinema release, eager to join the global celebration of a story that blends K-pop, mythology, and cultural pride.
