Rejection is Redirection: How ‘K-Pop Demon Hunters’ Conquered the 2026 Golden Globes and Why a 2029 Sequel is Already Confirmed

On January 11, 2026, The Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills, California, was like a melting pot with the eyes of the global entertainment industry focused on it. The 83rd Golden Globe Awards are traditionally seen as a precursor to the Academy Awards and a barometer for sensing the trends in popular culture for the year. In a venue filled with Hollywood heavyweights dressed in tuxedos and gowns, including the era's top stars like Timothée Chalamet, the moment when the name of Netflix's animated series 'K-Pop Demon Hunters' was called was a cultural event that transcended mere award recognition.  

This work, co-produced by Netflix and Sony Pictures Animation, achieved the remarkable feat of winning two awards: Best Motion Picture - Animated and Best Original Song, proving that K-culture has established itself within the Hollywood mainstream system beyond being a 'niche' subculture. This victory, achieved as an original IP amidst sequels from massive franchises like Disney's 'Zootopia 2' and Pixar's 'Elio', dramatically illustrated that the most Korean narrative has gained the most universal appeal.  

Magazine Kave aims to deeply analyze the 'K-Pop Demon Hunters' phenomenon, from the atmosphere at the Golden Globe Awards to the behind-the-scenes stories shared by the award winners, the hidden Korean codes within the work, and the impact this work has had on the global entertainment industry.

The Battle of David and Goliath: The Significance of Winning Best Motion Picture - Animated

The lineup of nominees for the Best Motion Picture - Animated category at the 83rd Golden Globe Awards was more dazzling and intimidating than ever. It was a battlefield where the traditional animation giants Disney and Pixar clashed with the pride of Japanese animation.

The reason why 'K-Pop Demon Hunters' winning is even more valuable is that this work grasped the trophy solely through the strength of the work itself, without the halo of massive franchises like 'Zootopia 2' or 'The Lord of the Rings' animation. The jury favored the bold attempt of 'K-Pop Demon Hunters', which combines the modern theme of the K-pop idol industry with Korean shamanistic beliefs, over safer choices.  

This also symbolizes the rise of original content on streaming platforms (OTT). Unlike competing works that generated box office revenue through large-scale theatrical releases, 'K-Pop Demon Hunters' simultaneously targeted living rooms worldwide through the Netflix platform. The record-breaking streaming figure (over 300 million views) is an indicator of the work's popular destructive power, and the Golden Globes acknowledged the impact of this 'new media'.

Behind the success of 'K-Pop Demon Hunters' was the technical prowess of Sony Pictures Animation, which redefined the visual grammar of animation with the 'Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse' series. They used Non-Photorealistic Rendering (NPR) techniques that overlay the texture of 2D cell animation on 3D modeling, perfectly capturing the vibrant colors and dynamism of K-pop music videos on screen.  

The neon-colored effects and cartoonish text that burst forth when the girl group 'HUNTRIX' defeats evil spirits provided a pop-art-like pleasure. Director Maggie Kang stated in an interview, "I wanted to visually merge the energy of K-pop with the beauty of traditional Korean patterns," and this original mise-en-scène provided a fresh shock to critics and audiences who felt fatigued by the realism of the existing Disney/Pixar style.

"Rejection is Redirection": Ejae's Tears and the Narrative of 'Golden'

The highlight of this awards ceremony was undoubtedly the Best Original Song category. The main theme song of 'K-Pop Demon Hunters', 'Golden', competed against formidable nominees such as 'Dream as One' from James Cameron's epic 'Avatar: Fire and Ash' and 'No Place Like Home' from the Broadway musical adaptation 'Wicked: For Good'.  

Having already proven its popularity by topping both the Billboard Hot 100 and the UK Official Chart, 'Golden' was praised for enhancing the narrative completeness by decorating the moment when the protagonists find their identity and awaken during the film's climax. It is the first time in history that a K-pop genre song has won the Golden Globe for Best Original Song, signifying that K-pop is recognized as a key element driving cinematic narratives beyond being merely 'listening music'.

The winner who took the stage was Ejae, the co-composer of 'Golden' and the voice of the character 'Rumi' in the film. Her acceptance speech was recorded as one of the most touching moments of the ceremony.

Ejae had dreamed of debuting while training at companies like SM Entertainment, but ultimately it did not materialize, and she later moved to the United States to start a second life as a songwriter. While she succeeded as a 'composer' by participating in works for Red Velvet, Aespa, and Nmixx, the dream of wanting to sing on stage as a 'singer' remained in her heart. 'K-Pop Demon Hunters' gave her the opportunity to sing in front of global fans through the fictional idol 'HUNTRIX', and she finally fulfilled that dream on the Golden Globe stage.  

"Rejection is Redirection"

Her words, "Rejection is a redirection," as she swallowed her tears resonated with many actors present at the ceremony and viewers worldwide. She conveyed the message, "I dedicate this award to everyone who finds themselves in a situation where doors are closing. So never give up. It is never too late to shine as you are," singing hope like the lyrics of 'Golden'.  

This scene left a deep impression on stars present, including Timothée Chalamet, and shortly after the ceremony, Ejae's speech was mentioned as one of the 'best speeches of the year' on social media. Especially as it became known that she is the granddaughter of legendary Korean actor Shin Young-kyun, the public was even more excited about the dramatic narrative created by the talent of an artistic family and her personal perseverance.  

The Duality of the Worldview and Characters of 'K-Pop Demon Hunters'

While 'K-Pop Demon Hunters' superficially deals with the success story of a glamorous girl group, it contains a deep narrative that transforms the shadows and lights of the idol industry and the identity struggles of the immigrant generation into a fantasy element of 'demon hunting'.  

• HUNTRIX: The three-member girl group protagonists show perfect choreography and smiles during the day as idols, but transform into warriors hunting evil spirits at night. This symbolically represents the 'extreme job' nature of idols who must always present a perfect image in front of the public and the hard work and pain they experience behind the scenes.

• Rumi: The leader and main vocalist of the group. A character with strong leadership and powerful vocals like Jihyo from TWICE, with Ejae providing the singing voice and Arden Cho playing the role.  

• Mira: The main dancer with a chic charm. A character with warmth hidden behind a cold exterior, with Audrey Nuna providing the singing voice and May Hong playing the role.

• Zoey: The youngest member and rapper of the team. A character with a quirky charm and free spirit, with Rei Ami providing the singing voice and Ji-young Yoo playing the role, bringing vitality to the drama.

The highlight of this movie is undoubtedly the charming villain group 'Saja Boys'. They appear to be the top K-pop boy group on the surface, but in reality, they are demons that steal the souls of fans.

The wordplay of their name: 'Saja' in Korean means 'lion', the king of animals, but it also refers to the 'Grim Reaper' who governs death. The film utilizes this dual meaning to depict them as powerful and deadly beings. The fact that the light sticks fans wave are shaped like lion heads is a witty foreshadowing of their identity.  

• Soda Pop Challenge: The hit song 'Soda Pop' by the Saja Boys in the film caused a phenomenon in the real world as well. This song, which topped the Korean chart for 'Song of the Summer 2025' announced by TikTok, sparked a global dance challenge craze with its catchy chorus and easy-to-follow choreography.  

• Industry Satire: The premise that the Saja Boys consume fans' 'souls' sharply satirizes the structure of the idol industry that commercially exploits the passion of fandom and the dark side of 'parasocial relationships'. Ironically, however, audiences became captivated by the deadly charm of these villains, creating a new phenomenon of 'villain fandom'.  

  
  

'K-Pop Demon Hunters' serves as a mysterious fantasy for overseas audiences unfamiliar with Korean culture, while being a treasure trove of 'Easter eggs' that provide delightful fun for Korean fans.

The Magical Reinterpretation of Norigae

The transformation tools and weapons used by the HUNTRIX members in the film are traditional Korean ornaments called 'norigae'. This accessory, worn on the ties of traditional hanbok or around the waist of skirts, appears in the film as a medium that amplifies spiritual power. The scenes where the knots of Maedeup twist and the threads scatter are considered a masterpiece that naturally blends the aesthetics of traditional Korean crafts into modern fantasy action.  

The Emotion on the Table: Convenience Stores and Tteokbokki

Scenes where the protagonists eat cup noodles and triangle kimbap or share tteokbokki at a plastic table in front of a convenience store after their grueling training or demon hunting resonated greatly with the global Gen Z, who are familiar with K-food. It highlights food not just as a simple meal, but as a ritual of sharing bonds and the unique 'jeong' of Korea among the members.

Verification of Fandom Culture: Light Sticks and Group Singing

The concert scenes in the film are filled with details reminiscent of actual K-pop concert venues. The waves of glowing light sticks matching each group's official colors and the chants fans shout together at specific moments show the production team's deep understanding and respect for K-pop fandom culture. The lion head-shaped light sticks used by the Saja Boys' fan club and the norigae motif light sticks of HUNTRIX became so popular that requests for them to be released as actual merchandise flooded in.  

Homage to K-Pop Girl Groups

Throughout the film, there are hidden homages to real K-pop groups. The music style and performances of HUNTRIX were inspired by BLACKPINK's girl crush, Aespa's cyberpunk worldview, NewJeans' hip sensibility, and TWICE's energy. The fact that BLACKPINK was one of the sources of inspiration became known, igniting excitement in related communities.

The Fashion Icons of Beverly Hills: HUNTRIX on the Red Carpet

On the day of the awards ceremony, the HUNTRIX team's appearance on the red carpet was as glamorous and organized as an actual girl group's comeback stage. In particular, the three artists who sang the theme 'Golden'—Ejae, Audrey Nuna, and Rei Ami—showcased perfect fashion codes and were showered with flashes.

Variations of the Black Dress Code

The three chose dresses that expressed their individuality under the common theme of 'black', showcasing both team unity and personal charm.

• Ejae: She chose an elegant strapless gown from Dior and added points with Bulgari high jewelry, creating a classic and alluring leader image.

• Audrey Nuna: She appeared in a cape dress adorned with a huge bow from Marc Jacobs, showcasing an avant-garde fashion sense that represented the chicness of the character 'Mira'.

• Rei Ami: She wore a dress with bold slits and lace corset details, bringing the sensual and intense energy of 'Zoey' to the red carpet.

• Their harmonious looks were selected as 'Best Dressed of the Golden Globes' by major fashion magazines like Vogue and Elle.

Interesting scenes were captured inside the awards venue. Timothée Chalamet, who won the Best Actor in a Musical/Comedy for the film 'Marty Supreme', was seen congratulating Ejae and other members of the HUNTRIX team as he passed their table right after winning. This warm exchange took place in the presence of his girlfriend, Kylie Jenner, a member of the Kardashian family, symbolizing the natural integration of K-pop artists into the heart of Hollywood social circles.  

Meanwhile, host Nikki Glaser's comedic stage, where she parodied 'Golden' and linked it to the ping-pong film 'Marty Supreme', elicited mixed reactions on-site, but ultimately served as an opportunity to reaffirm the recognition of 'Golden'.

The Background of Success: The Authenticity of Creators

The film's executive director, Maggie Kang, is a Korean-Canadian who infused her autobiographical experiences into the film. Growing up in Toronto, she was a 'shy fan' who had to hide her love for K-pop from her friends, as K-pop was not mainstream at the time.  

She grew up listening to the music of H.O.T. and Seo Taiji and has memories of scrapbooking idol magazines with her sister. Her interview stating, "I made this film for the 12-year-old me and for everyone who has had similar experiences," showcases the power of authenticity. Her personal history added depth to the identity confusion and growth experienced by the characters in the film.  

To ensure the quality of the OST, which is central to the music film, the production team took a bold step. They collaborated with The Black Label, led by Teddy Park, a giant producer in K-pop known for creating hits for BLACKPINK, BIGBANG, and 2NE1.  

Through this collaboration, the music in the film was completed as a sophisticated pop sound that could compete on actual Billboard charts, rather than just being 'animation songs'. Songs like 'Golden', 'Soda Pop', and 'Takedown' not only drive the narrative of the film but also gained independent vitality on streaming platforms like Spotify, becoming a successful case of 'transmedia' strategy that propelled the film's box office success.

Beyond the Oscars to Franchise

With 'K-Pop Demon Hunters' winning two Golden Globes, its next goal is the highest honor in the film industry, the Academy Awards. Since winning the Golden Globe often leads to Oscar wins, the likelihood of winning in the Best Motion Picture - Animated category is considered very high. Especially, 'Golden' has also made the shortlist for Best Original Song, making it likely to be nominated for the main award, raising expectations for the first time in history that a Korean-related content could win both the Animated Feature and Original Song awards simultaneously.

The most welcome news for fans is that the production of a sequel has been officially confirmed. Immediately after the Golden Globe win, foreign media reported that Netflix and Sony have confirmed the production of a sequel to 'K-Pop Demon Hunters', aiming for a 2029 release.  

Director Maggie Kang stated in an interview, "In the sequel, I want to explore a wider variety of music genres and the deep backstories of the characters," and hinted at the emergence of new rival groups or even more powerful evil spirits beyond the Saja Boys. Additionally, there is growing anticipation within the fandom that the worldview will expand into TV animation series or webtoons.  

The Rebellion of the Marginalized, and 'Golden' for Everyone

The triumph of 'K-Pop Demon Hunters' at the Golden Globes is not merely an event confirming the success of Korean animation or the popularity of K-pop. It is the story of a trainee (Ejae) who was rejected for ten years becoming the protagonist on the world's greatest stage, and the story of an immigrant girl (Maggie Kang) who had to hide her love for K-pop during her school years proudly showcasing her culture to the world.

The film tells us, "Rejection is not failure, but a milestone leading to a new direction." Just as the members of HUNTRIX fought against evil spirits, acknowledged their weaknesses, and grew, the narratives of everyone who created this film were a drama in themselves.

The melody of 'Golden' that resonated in Beverly Hills is now becoming an anthem of courage for everyone hesitating in front of closed doors around the world. The golden arrow shot by 'K-Pop Demon Hunters' is now flying towards the Oscars and breaking the prejudices of a wider world.