[K-Pop] Netflix hit animation director explores heart of Korean cultures and treasures

Yu Hong-jun Director General of the National Museum of Korea left and Maggie Kang director of Netflixs animated film K-pop Demon Hunters pose for a commemorative photo after exchanging gifts at the National Museum of Korea in Yongsan Seoul on August 21 YONHAP — Yu Hong-jun, Director General of the National Museum of Korea (left), and Maggie Kang, director of Netflix's animated film K-pop Demon Hunters, pose for a photo after exchanging gifts at the National Museum of Korea in Yongsan, Seoul, on August 21. YONHAP

SEOUL, August 21 (AJP) - Maggie Kang, director of Netflix’s global hit animation film "K-pop Demon Hunters," visited the National Museum of Korea in Seoul on Thursday, where she explored traditional Korean art and culture alongside museum director Yu Hong-jun. Following the tour, Kang expressed admiration for Korea’s cultural icons, calling the tiger character Derpy “a source of national pride” and praising Korea’s symbolic imagery.

K-pop Demon Hunters, affectionately called "케데헌 (Kaedeheon)" by South Korean fans, has become a breakout hit across global streaming platforms. The film blends high-energy K-pop action with supernatural storytelling, earning praise for its original characters and use of Korean cultural themes. Derpy, the mischievous tiger mascot, has especially won over fans around the world.

Kang spent about 40 minutes touring the museum with Director General Yu Hong-jun. The pair visited key exhibition halls, including the immersive digital media gallery and the Room of Quiet Contemplation.

In the museum’s main atrium, Yu presented Kang with a traditional folding fan adorned with his own calligraphy. Inspired by the woodblock print "Muho-do" by folk artist Oh Yoon (1946-86), the fan reads, "Shinmyeong, the joy and soul of the Korean people." In return, Kang gifted Yu a Derpy plush, toy symbolizing the film’s signature character.

After the two exchanged gifts and chatted briefly in private, they began their museum walk. At the immersive digital media room, Kang sat and watched a series of animated projections featuring themes from Joseon-era paintings, rank badges, and lacquerware. One short film, "Roaring Tigers," featured bold, humorous reinterpretations of tigers in Korean art.

"I hadn’t seen this video before, and it’s truly remarkable. I missed it on my last visit, but I love how distinct and playful the tiger motifs are," Kang said. She explained that these styles contributed to the development of Derpy. "I thought the tiger could be fun and a bit cheeky, so that’s how Derpy came to be."

At the sculpture and crafts hall, Yu offered an impromptu explanation of the famed moon jar on display. Kang stood in front of the delicate porcelain and nodded as Yu spoke. "It’s stunning. I never realized how much detail was involved," she said. "Just listening to your explanation gives me stories. Ideas are popping into my head."

After finishing the tour, Kang said, "It was such a privilege to get a personal guided tour. I wish I had come before making the movie." She added, "But I now have great ideas for a new film, and I’m really excited about it."

When asked if she would continue to incorporate Korean traditional culture into her future projects, Kang replied, "I think I will keep going."

Yu said the film has played a role in attracting younger visitors to the museum. "I used to wonder why we had so many millennials and the Z generation visitors," Yu said. "But now I see they don’t just come to shop. They roam around the museum and really enjoy it in their own way."

He added, "Now we are thinking about how to accommodate this wave of popularity and how to use it to upgrade the museum experience." According to Yu, the museum is now working on improving visitor engagement through enhanced exhibitions and new events.

Park Sae-jin swatchsjp@ajunews.com