Golden homecoming for 'K-Pop Demon Hunters' creators after Oscar win
by Yoo Na-hyunPosted : April 1, 2026, 17:11Updated : April 1, 2026, 17:11
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Attendees pose for a photo during a press conference celebrating the Academy Award win of the Netflix film "K-Pop Demon Hunters" at CGV I’Park Mall in Yongsan, Seoul on April 1. 2026. From left: composers Nam Hee-dong, Lee Yoo-han, Kwak Joong-kyu, Chris Appelhans, director Maggie Kang, and singer-songwriter Lee Jae. AJP Yoo Na-hyun. 2026.4.1
SEOUL, April 01 (AJP) -Fresh off their Oscar triumph, the creators of Netflix’s animated hit K-Pop Demon Hunters returned to Seoul to a warm, almost cinematic homecoming.
The press event, held at CGV Yongsan I’Park Mall, brought together director Maggie Kang, co-director Chris Appelhans, singer-songwriter EJAE and producers Lee Yoo-han, Kwak Joong-kyu and Nam Hee-dong — the team behind a film that has blurred the lines between K-pop spectacle and supernatural fantasy.
On stage, the mood was part victory lap, part reflection. Clips from the film — neon-lit performances, shadowy demons and high-energy choreography — played behind the creators, echoing the hybrid world they built: one where K-pop idols double as guardians of humanity.
The film has become one of Netflix’s standout global titles, drawing attention for its bold fusion of Korean pop culture and fantasy storytelling. That blend carried it through an award season sweep, culminating in wins for best animated feature and best original song at the 98th Academy Awards, alongside honors from the Annie Awards, Critics Choice Awards, Golden Globes and Grammys.
Speaking at the event, Appelhans said Korean identity would remain central in a potential sequel.
“The Koreanness is the soul of the film,” he said. “We will expand the story based on that.”
The filmmakers also credited global audiences for contributing to the film’s success.
Director Maggie Kang poses during a press conference celebrating the Academy Award win of the Netflix film "K-Pop Demon Hunters" at CGV I’Park Mall in Yongsan, Seoul on April 1, 2026. AJP Yoo Na-hyun.
Director Chris Appelhans poses during a press conference celebrating the Academy Award win of the Netflix film "K-Pop Demon Hunters" at CGV I’Park Mall in Yongsan, Seoul on April 1, 2026. AJP Yoo Na-hyun. 2026.04.01
Singer-songwriter Lee Jae poses during a press conference celebrating the Academy Award win of the Netflix film "K-Pop Demon Hunters" at CGV I’Park Mall in Yongsan, Seoul on April 1, 2026. AJP Yoo Na-hyun. 2026.04.01
IDO poses during a press conference celebrating the Academy Award win of the Netflix film "K-Pop Demon Hunters" at CGV I’Park Mall in Yongsan, Seoul on April 1, 2026. From left: composers Nam Hee-dong, Lee Yoo-han and Kwak Joong-kyu. AJP Yoo Na-hyun. 2026.04.01
Attendees speak during a press conference celebrating the Academy Award win of the Netflix film "K-Pop Demon Hunters" at CGV Yongsan I’Park Mall in Seoul on April 1, 2026. From left: singer-songwriter Lee Jae, director Chris Appelhans and director Maggie Kang. AJP Yoo Na-hyun. 2026.04.01
Attendees pose for a photo during a press conference celebrating the Academy Award win of the Netflix film "K-Pop Demon Hunters" at CGV Yongsan I’Park Mall in Seoul on April 1, 2026. From left: composers Nam Hee-dong, Lee Yoo-han, Kwak Joong-kyu, Chris Appelhans, director Maggie Kang, and singer-songwriter Lee Jae. AJP Yoo Na-hyun. 2026.04.01
Two directors speak during a press conference celebrating the Academy Award win of the Netflix film "K-Pop Demon Hunters" at CGV Yongsan I’Park Mall in Seoul on April 1, 2026. AJP Yoo Na-hyun 2026.04.01
Director Maggie Kang speaks during a press conference celebrating the Academy Award win of the Netflix film "K-Pop Demon Hunters" at CGV Yongsan I’Park Mall in Seoul on April 1, 2026. AJP Yoo Na-hyun. 2026.04.01
Singer-songwriter Lee Jae carries a trophy during a press conference celebrating the Academy Award win of the Netflix film "K-Pop Demon Hunters" at CGV Yongsan I’Park Mall in Seoul on April 1, 2026. AJP Yoo Na-hyun. 2026.04.01.
