kpop demon hunters (2025) dir. maggie kang, chris appelhans
My aunt showed a video of my 7-year-old cousin playing golden on the piano, which made me miss her ten thousand times more. Until she was 5, I used to see her multiple times a month. I had a key to their condo for spontaneous visits. She'd ask me about chromosomes (she saw me cutting pictures for a homework back in sophomore year), and she'd show me her LEGO buildings with the rooftop pool I've requested.
The 13-hour time difference we have now is still hard to navigate, even two years after they've migrated. And because I couldn't FaceTime her during the day, I rewatched Kpop Demon Hunters (2025) instead.
The first time I watched it, I was in an Airbnb with Addie during the eve of our graduation (July 2025). I was preparing myself to cringe, honestly. That title didn't give the film justice. But immediately after the opening song, I was surprised and amazed. Everyone and their mothers who were following a Kpop group/artist before the 4th generation would feel weirdly nostalgic about this film. Yet, it simultaneously also felt fresh and original.
I was so entertained by the accuracy of how Kpop groups and culture were presented. They included details that Kpop fans would love and relate to while also keeping things simple and charming to regular watchers (or kids, really). The songs were great (imagine my shock and absolute delight when I learned that EJAE was behind this) and the choreography was just chef's kiss. At that point, I wouldn't be surprised if they released a dance practice video with a nod to YG's basement or sm's cloud wallpaper.
Even while appearing a quarter into the film, Golden MV was the cherry on top for me. I want to find a more sophisticated word than believable, but that's really the best I could use to describe it. Every frame, lyrics, and the mix of both English and Korean words were well-researched. The Weekly Idol and MAMA references honestly made me giggle.
But here's something I only figured out after my second watch - why this is what it sounds like, which was supposed to be THE final song, didn't hit as hard as how it's done or golden. The reason is that it sounded like something out of a Western animation rather than what we've seen so far in the previous songs. It sounded like something Disney would produce, and it wasn't consistent with the rest of the songs.
But despite that, I still gave it 5 stars on Letterboxd. There was a meme where Rumi was finally dethroning Elsa as kids' #1 Halloween costume, and honestly? The film deserves it. I lowkey wish there's a second part (or even an alternate happy ending, please). Until then, I'll sit in the corner with my Rujinu HEA fics.