Since its release in June, KPop Demon Hunters has topped global Netflix charts and dominated global music charts – what's the secret to its extraordinary success?

Whether you're a devoted K-pop fan or not, you may have heard of this new global sensation. The animated film KPop Demon Hunters has quickly become a worldwide hit, topping Netflix's global charts with more than 33 million views in just two weeks, reaching the top 10 in 93 countries (it's currently at number two globally). It has its own fan art and audiences around the world are already demanding a sequel.

It's not just the film that's making waves. Since its release on 20 June, two fictional bands featured in the story – the righteous girl group Huntr/x and their rebellious counterparts Saja Boys – have dominated the global music charts, even surpassing K-pop powerhouses like BTS and Blackpink. Seven tracks from the film's soundtrack are now featured on the Billboard Hot 100. Their songs have risen to the top of Spotify's US chart, landing in the first and second spots. So, what's behind this extraordinary success and why does it resonate so strongly with global audiences?

KPop Demon Hunters follows the story of Huntr/x, an all-female K-pop group (Rumi, Mira and Zoey) who double as secret guardians of the world. Beyond the glamour of the stage, these global superstars protect their fans from supernatural threats, squaring off against their villainous counterparts Saja Boys. This animated film blends action with a story about friendship, trust and staying true to your identity. With its dazzling visuals, slick action sequences, humour and a splash of fantasy, along with a universal message about self-discovery, it's easy to see the appeal.

But it's the film's music that has been the key to its success. Maggie Kang, the Korean-Canadian co-director of the film, was apparently inspired by the K-pop idols she admired growing up. K-pop is the film's heartbeat. The group's music becomes a supernatural weapon that wards off dark forces. Each original track amplifies emotional moments. "Unlike other animated films, where songs are often added as a filler or commercial hook, the music here was woven into the narrative in a way that enhanced it rather than distracted," Lashai Ben Salmi, community leader with a focus on Korean culture in Europe, tells the BBC. "It gives the film a surprising level of maturity."

Knowing how vital the soundtrack would be, directors Maggie Kang and Chris Appelhans tapped into the expertise of seasoned K-pop producers. K-pop has evolved into a multi-billion-dollar industry, fuelled by a devoted global fanbase and known for its catchy, meticulously produced music, high-energy choreography and visually stunning music videos.

"Because we wanted the music to be really incredible and really speak to the........

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