Netflix’s “KPop Demon Hunters” has highlighted the strong influence of South Korean culture across the globe after taking home two trophies at the Critics’ Choice Awards.
The animated film won Best Animated Feature and Best Song, marking another milestone for the K-pop-inspired action fantasy that blends music, folklore and idol culture.
It surpassed major competitors, including Disney’s “Zootopia 2” and Pixar’s “Elio.”
Directed by Maggie Kang, the film follows a group of K-pop idols who secretly battle supernatural forces while juggling fame and friendship.
Since its release, the movie has gained a strong fan base, driven by its soundtrack, colorful visuals and relatable characters.
Love letter to Korea
In her acceptance speech in Santa Monica, Maggie Kang shared that the film’s journey began seven years ago as a “personal love letter” to her Korean culture.
“Thank you to the critics. This is an incredible honor,” Kang said. “This movie started seven years ago as a personal love letter to my Korean culture—to the power of music, and to anyone trying to juggle and balance who they truly are inside with who the world expects them to be.”
Meanwhile, EJAE, singer and songwriter of the film’s hit song “Golden,” described how she connected deeply with the character of Rumi.
“Her life and journey in the movie felt deeply familiar to me,” she said while accepting the award for Best Song.
“The song needed to be an expression of hope, to convince herself that she could pursue and achieve her dreams. In many ways, it did the same for me. But most importantly, it gives hope to so many people around the world.”
Netflix’s “Squid Game 3” also won Best Foreign Language Series, making it the third time the hit show has claimed the award — following its first season in 2022 and its second season in 2025.
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‘KPop Demon Hunters’ popularizes ramyeon
The global success of the animated film did not stop there — even the ramyeon featured in the film, eaten by the main characters Rumi, Mira and Zoey, became a sensation.
According to Nongshim, the maker of the iconic Shin Ramyeon, sales of the instant noodles surged after the film’s release.
The popularity prompted a special collaboration: the company released limited-edition Shin Ramyeon and Shrimp Crackers, with the Shin Ramyeon cup noodles featuring exclusive character designs of Rumi, Mira, and Zoey.
Nongshim said the fans’ response was overwhelming, with all 1,000 prepared sets sold out in just 100 seconds, Korea JoongAng Daily reported.
What comes next?
Riding the wave of its Critics Choice Awards wins, “KPop Demon Hunters” has set its sights on the Golden Globes.
The popular Netflix film earned nominations in three categories: Best Animated Motion Picture, Best Original Song – Motion Picture, and Cinematic and Box Office Achievement.
It will again compete with major contenders, including “Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba — Infinity Castle,” “Elio,” “Little Amelie or the Character of Rain and “Zootopia 2.”
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Adam Peaker 
Newsjustnews writers 
Carmela Calling