- PG
- 1h 36m
- Directed by
-
- Chris Appelhans
- Screenplay
- Danya Jimenez
- Premiered
- June 20, 2025
- Language
-
- English
- Status
- Released
- Budget
- $100,000,000.00
- Revenue
- $24,619,953.00
- Awards
-
- 1 win & 3 nominations total
- Country
-
- United States of America
KPop Demon Hunters
- Production
-
- Sony Pictures Animation
Spoiler
In a world where ancient legends intertwine with modern pop culture, the K-Pop sensation Huntrix finds themselves at the forefront of a clandestine war against the forces of darkness. For centuries, the demon king Gwi-Ma has unleashed his spectral legions upon humanity, intent on siphoning the very essence of life – souls. Standing as Earth's celestial guardians are the Hunters, a lineage of women whose extraordinary vocal talents are not merely for performance, but for wielding a mystical shield known as the Honmoon, a protective barrier against demonic incursions. At the helm of this sacred duty is Celine (Yunjin Kim), a seasoned Hunter whose lifelong ambition is to forge the Golden Honmoon, a permanent bulwark that would forever banish Gwi-Ma and his infernal army from the mortal realm.
In the vibrant landscape of contemporary music, Huntrix embodies the latest iteration of these legendary protectors. The trio, comprised of Mira (May Wong), Zoey (Ji-young Yoo), and Rumi (Arden Cho), are not just chart-topping idols; they are the chosen few tasked with safeguarding humanity. As their devoted fans eagerly anticipate a live concert, they offer insights into the distinct personalities that define Huntrix. Mira, the group's rebellious spirit, stands as the "black sheep" of her family, a defiant force against convention. Zoey, the group's charismatic rapper, exudes an unparalleled sweetness that endears her to millions. Rumi, the lead vocalist, carries a profound connection to the Hunter legacy, her late mother having been a member of the esteemed Sunshine Sisters, one of the last prominent Hunter collectives. Under Celine's loving tutelage, Rumi was raised with the weight of this heritage, a secret she carries close.
The narrative kicks off with Huntrix aboard their private jet, indulging in a pre-show feast. Their manager, Bobby (Ken Jeong), frantically contacts them, their absence causing a stir among the waiting audience. A chilling realization dawns as the trio discovers their cabin crew are not human, but disguised demons. With adrenaline surging, they launch into a fierce battle, their hit song "How It's Done" providing a powerful soundtrack to their demon-slaying prowess. The plane becomes a chaotic battleground, but Huntrix emerges victorious, leaping from the damaged aircraft mid-flight, their combat skills as sharp as their stage presence. They execute a breathtaking mid-air landing, seamlessly transitioning from aerial combatants to pop divas, gracing their stage before a roaring crowd of thousands and delivering another electrifying performance, culminating in the vanquishing of the final demonic threat.
Meanwhile, in the desolate expanse of the underworld, Gwi-Ma seethes with fury as he punishes his defeated minions for their failure to secure human souls. Amidst this grim spectacle, Jinu (Ahn Hyo-seop), one of Gwi-Ma's most ancient demons, steps forward with a cunning stratagem. He proposes the formation of a rival K-Pop group, the Saja Boys, designed to infiltrate and corrupt Huntrix's fanbase, thereby weakening the Honmoon. Gwi-Ma, ever suspicious, probes Jinu's motives, to which the demon enigmatically replies that he seeks the erasure of his painful memories.
Huntrix is poised to embark on a well-deserved hiatus following their triumphant show. However, their plans for relaxation are abruptly interrupted when Rumi, much to Mira and Zoey's surprise, announces the imminent release of their new single, "Golden," necessitating immediate promotional activities. During the recording session for the song's music video, Rumi's voice falters, cracking under the strain. Seeking solitude, she retreats to a private space, where the revelation of her true nature is unveiled: intricate demon patterns adorning her arms signify her half-demon heritage. A poignant flashback reveals that Celine had long been aware of Rumi's lineage, her father being a demon, and had diligently shielded this secret from Mira and Zoey.
In a bid to restore Rumi's voice, the trio seeks the expertise of "Healer Han" (Daniel Dae Kim). With an unnerving intensity, Han scrutinizes their eyes, discerning their individual natures – though Mira's defiant gaze unnerves him. He dispenses tonics for Rumi's vocal affliction. As they depart, they encounter the Saja Boys, the five demons now transformed into a charismatic boy band, led by Jinu and accompanied by Romance (Joel Kim Booster), Mystery (Alan Lee), Abs (Sungwon Cho), and Baby. The ladies are initially captivated by their charm, but their admiration quickly sours into disdain when Jinu callously knocks Rumi to the ground. The Saja Boys then proceed to the town square, where their debut single, "Soda Pop," instantly garners them a massive following. Rumi, Mira, and Zoey soon recognize the sinister truth behind their allure. The Saja Boys announce their upcoming appearance on a popular variety show, a platform they intend to exploit.
Huntrix attempts to infiltrate the variety show incognito, clad in their signature leather attire. However, the Saja Boys orchestrate a surprise appearance, bringing the trio onto the stage as special guests, forcing them into an impromptu collaboration. Following the show, a chase ensues, leading Huntrix through an alley and into a bathhouse, where a fierce confrontation erupts. During the melee, Jinu inadvertently discovers Rumi's secret but wisely keeps it concealed from Mira and Zoey. The Saja Boys manage to escape, leaving Huntrix to navigate the aftermath. Back in the underworld, Gwi-Ma commends Jinu for the burgeoning success of his plan, noting the Saja Boys' initial progress in gathering souls.
As Huntrix strategizes their counter-offensive, Rumi receives an unexpected summons via Jinu's avian and feline familiars, an invitation to a clandestine meeting. They convene on a rooftop, where Rumi's initial hostility towards Jinu gradually dissipates as he recounts his tragic past. Four centuries prior, Jinu and his family endured abject poverty. He struck a bargain with Gwi-Ma, a pact that promised a better life in exchange for his voice. This deal granted them access to the royal palace, but Gwi-Ma's subsequent abduction of Jinu plunged his mother and sister back into destitution, leading to their untimely deaths. Jinu reveals that Rumi's markings are akin to his own, a testament to a shared, hidden shame.
The ladies endeavor to craft a potent diss track for the upcoming Idol Awards, a musical weapon designed to dismantle the Saja Boys and solidify the Golden Honmoon. However, Rumi finds herself increasingly conflicted by the lyrics, grappling with her burgeoning self-acceptance. Bobby, in a move that bewildens Huntrix, arranges for the Saja Boys to join them at a fan event. Amidst the ensuing chaos, rumors of romantic pairings begin to circulate – Rumi with Jinu, Mira with Abs, and Zoey with Mystery. Rumi and Jinu strive to maintain a discreet connection. At the event's conclusion, Jinu is deeply moved when a young fan presents him with a drawing, proclaiming his beautiful soul.
Mira begins to suspect Rumi's clandestine activities, though she masks her concerns as related to their musical endeavors. Upon learning that the Saja Boys have amassed an astonishing fifty million fans, Huntrix confronts them atop a speeding train. They witness the Honmoon visibly weakening, allowing demonic entities to seep into the surface world. In the heart of the battle, Huntrix unleashes their new song, "Takedown." However, after vanquishing the demons, they discover that all the train's passengers have been abducted.
Rumi seeks out Jinu again, driven by a shared desire to preserve the Honmoon and potentially shed their demonic afflictions. A profound connection blossoms between them, culminating in the heartfelt duet "Free." Jinu pledges to ensure the Saja Boys' defeat at the Idol Awards, thereby safeguarding the Honmoon. However, Gwi-Ma intervenes, pulling Jinu back to the underworld. Aware of Jinu's inner turmoil and his hope for Rumi's liberation, Gwi-Ma confronts him with the truth of his past: his willful abandonment of his mother and sister for personal gain.
As the Idol Awards ceremony approaches, the Huntrix members gather, acknowledging their individual struggles but finding solace in their shared bond. They take the stage, commencing their performance with "Golden." Rumi stands alone as Mira and Zoey prepare to join her. However, they witness what appears to be demons abducting Bobby. While Mira and Zoey engage these assailants, two Saja Boys, disguised as the Huntrix members, join Rumi on stage for "Takedown," leaving her bewildered. The disguised demons rip away Rumi's sleeves, exposing her markings. Mira and Zoey, realizing they've been deceived, rush back to the stage, witnessing Rumi's true form. As Rumi attempts to explain, Mira and Zoey, feeling betrayed, refuse to listen. Rumi suspects Jinu's involvement, forcing him to confess his deception and his own past betrayal of his family for selfish reasons. Rumi is left isolated as the Saja Boys invite fans to Namsan Tower at midnight for a special live performance. Gwi-Ma's power intensifies, preying on the insecurities of Mira, Zoey, and Bobby.
Rumi seeks refuge with Celine, her secret now exposed. Despite the years, Celine attempts to concoct a story, attributing Rumi's markings to a demonic trick by Gwi-Ma. When Celine can no longer meet Rumi's gaze, she embraces her demonic nature, declaring her satisfaction with the impending destruction of the Honmoon.
The Saja Boys convene their audience at the tower, poised to claim their souls. Rumi arrives and begins to sing "What It Sounds Like," her powerful voice breaking Mira and Zoey's trances, allowing them to rejoin her. Enraged, Gwi-Ma unleashes a blast of energy towards Rumi. Jinu, however, intercepts the attack, sacrificing himself and telling Rumi that her love has set him free. He bestows his restored soul upon her, amplifying her power. Huntrix continues their performance, defeating the remaining Saja Boys. Rumi delivers the final, decisive blow to Gwi-Ma, banishing the demon king back to the underworld and restoring the Honmoon.
Following their reunion, the ladies opt for a much-deserved respite. Rumi finally joins Mira and Zoey at the bathhouse, free from the burden of secrecy. Tears of love and acceptance flow freely between them. Emerging from the bathhouse, they encounter young fans, signaling the end of their break. The trio approaches the excited crowd, drawing others near. Above, Jinu's loyal bird and tiger observe the scene.
Top Billed Cast
Core Crew
Posters
Backdrops
