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‘KPop Demon Hunters’ is attracting huge audiences worldwide – young Philadelphians told us K-pop culture inspires innocence, joy and belonging

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7 months ago

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Last Updated on August 26, 2025 by Daily News Staff

KPop Demon Hunters
‘KPop Demon Hunters,’ released June 20, 2025, is Netflix’s most-watched original animated film ever. Netflix

‘KPop Demon Hunters’ is attracting huge audiences worldwide – young Philadelphians told us K-pop culture inspires innocence, joy and belonging

A. Stefanie Ruiz, Clemson University; Femida Handy, University of Pennsylvania, and Sunwoo Park, Clemson University “Born with voices that could drive back the darkness,” the character Celine, a former K-pop idol, narrates at the start of Netflix’s new release “KPop Demon Hunters.” “Our music ignites the soul and brings people together.” The breakout success of “KPop Demon Hunters,” Netflix’s most-watched original animated film, highlights how “hallyu,” or the Korean Wave, keeps expanding its pop cultural reach. The movie, which follows a fictional K-pop girl group whose members moonlight as demon slayers, amassed over 26 million views globally in a single week and topped streaming charts in at least 33 countries. From K-pop and K-dramas to beauty products and e-sports, hallyu – which refers to the global popularity of South Korean culture – has drawn in millions of fans worldwide. But beyond entertainment, many young people describe how their engagement with Korean culture supports their mental health and sense of belonging. We conducted interviews with 30 non-Korean hallyu fans aged 18-30 in Philadelphia in 2019 to understand how they experience Korean cultural content. Our findings were recently published in the peer-reviewed World Leisure Journal. The core themes, such as the emotional support, community building and cultural exploration offered by hallyu, remain relevant today, especially as Korean media continues to expand their global influence and resonate with new generations of fans.

A light space in a heavy world

Participants described hallyu, especially K-pop and K-dramas, as a refuge from the stress and negativity they associate with mainstream Western media. “I think Western music is a lot … more mellow,” a 24-year-old social worker explained. “It’s like a blunt kind of depression … it doesn’t make you go out in the world and smile at everything.” In contrast, K-pop was often described as uplifting, playful and emotionally resonant. This contrast was especially important for individuals who felt overwhelmed by the hypersexualized or violent content common in Western pop culture. “I feel like the stories in [Korean dramas] make more of an effort to connect with people,” said a 22-year-old communications associate. “They’re not as explicit. [For instance, simply] holding hands is a huge deal.” Another participant, a 19-year-old college student and part-time barista who identified as asexual, shared: “I really like seeing content where they portray a hug or simple kisses as extremely intimate. … [I]t just makes me more comfortable.”

Music as emotional medicine

For many interviewees, hallyu had become a form of emotional self-care. “It supplements my happiness,” a 25-year-old researcher said. “I’m a pretty optimistic person; it just kind of supplements that baseline optimism.” Others described how specific songs helped them through difficult times. The college student and barista recalled listening to the boy band BTS’ “Magic Shop” during a spell of depression. “I would just wrap a blanket around myself, sip tea … and it made me feel immensely better,” she said.
‘Magic Shop’ by BTS.
This therapeutic effect is not accidental. BTS, one of the most globally recognized K-pop groups, has built its brand around messages of self-love and mental health awareness. “They try to spread a message of loving yourself,” a 24-year-old medical assistant explained. “Like no one can love you unless you love yourself first.”

Building community online and offline

Another key benefit of hallyu culture is the sense of community it fosters. Individuals from all backgrounds and ages connect through social media, fan clubs and local events. “I’ve met a lot of people through [the K-pop club] on Temple’s campus,” one participant said. “We’d watch K-pop and K-dramas together. … [T]hat is still one of our major connections.” Online platforms also play a crucial role. Individuals share translations, create fan art and organize charity projects in honor of their favorite idols. “We do projects for BTS’ birthdays,” a 28-year-old government appraiser said. She also donated blood on the birthday of Mingyu, a member of the K-pop group Seventeen.

Exploring identity and culture

For many Asian American fans, hallyu has also become a way to explore and affirm their cultural identity. “I think the Asian cultural dynamic … is familiar to me,” a Chinese American participant said. “It encouraged me to be more proud of my own culture.” Another Chinese American participant, a third-year college student, reflected on how Korean dramas helped her appreciate traditional values: “They made me more aware … of how you should talk or act around people. It’s constantly reminding me of ways I can self-improve.” Even non-Asian fans connected with the values portrayed in Korean media. One Jewish participant, a 26-year-old Ph.D. candidate, noted the similarities between Korean and Jewish family structures: “Our morals, our values … just fit very well together.”

A meaningful investment of time

While some fans acknowledged that their engagement with hallyu could be time-consuming, many saw it as a worthwhile investment. “It’s probably an embarrassing amount of time,” one participant admitted. “But pretty much anytime I’m bored, I turn to K-pop.” Another compared their hallyu consumption to “therapy sessions.” Others described how, over time, they became more involved in fan communities or online content, and this deeper level of engagement often led to skill-building and personal growth as they learned video editing, translation, event planning and even fundraising. Participants who raised money for animal shelters or dance studios, for example, said they were inspired by the values promoted in hallyu culture. These efforts helped them feel more connected to both their idols and one another. “I created a huge analysis on costuming in a certain music video for Seventeen,” a 26-year-old restaurant manager said. “I just couldn’t help myself.” In a media landscape often dominated by cynicism and spectacle, the Korean Wave offers an alternative: a space where joy, vulnerability and connection are not only possible, but celebrated.
‘Don’t Wanna Cry’ by Seventeen.
Read more of our stories about Philadelphia. A. Stefanie Ruiz, Assistant Professor in Nonprofit Leadership, College of Behavioral, Social and Health Sciences, Clemson University; Femida Handy, Professor of Social Policy at the School of Social Policy and Practice, University of Pennsylvania, and Sunwoo Park, Ph.D. Student in Parks, Recreation, and Tourism Management, Clemson University This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

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McDonald’s and Netflix Launch KPop Demon Hunters Meals Nationwide

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3 hours ago

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March 26, 2026

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McDonald’s is blending fast food, fandom and Korean-inspired flavors in a new collaboration with Netflix tied to the hit film KPop Demon Hunters. Beginning March 31, the chain will roll out two limited-time adult meals inspired by the movie’s rival groups, HUNTR/X and the Saja Boys, along with collectible photocards and app-based fan experiences. The promotion will be available at participating McDonald’s restaurants nationwide.

McDonalds Battle Poster Hero Asset
MCDONALD’S AND NETFLIX CALL ON FANS TO PICK A SIDE WITH TWO NEW “KPOP DEMON HUNTERS”-INSPIRED MEALS (PRNewsfoto/McDonald’s USA, LLC)
McDonalds Derpy McFlurry
MCDONALD’S AND NETFLIX CALL ON FANS TO PICK A SIDE WITH TWO NEW “KPOP DEMON HUNTERS”-INSPIRED MEALS (PRNewsfoto/McDonald’s USA, LLC)
McDonalds HUNTRX Meal Standalone
MCDONALD’S AND NETFLIX CALL ON FANS TO PICK A SIDE WITH TWO NEW “KPOP DEMON HUNTERS”-INSPIRED MEALS (PRNewsfoto/McDonald’s USA, LLC)
McDonald’s and Netflix are launching two KPop Demon Hunters-inspired meals, collectible photocards and a new Derpy McFlurry at restaurants nationwide starting March 31.
MCDONALD’S AND NETFLIX CALL ON FANS TO PICK A SIDE WITH TWO NEW “KPOP DEMON HUNTERS”-INSPIRED MEALS (PRNewsfoto/McDonald’s USA, LLC)

McDonald’s KPop Demon Hunters meals

The campaign introduces two themed meals built around the film’s central rivalry. The Saja Boys Breakfast Meal includes a Spicy Saja McMuffin, hash browns and a small soft drink, while the HUNTR/X Meal features a 10-piece Chicken McNuggets, medium soft drink, Ramyeon McShaker Fries, Hunter Sauce and Demon Sauce. McDonald’s said the menu was inspired in part by flavors from its South Korea restaurants, aiming to connect fans to the movie through food as well as pop culture.

The promotion also includes collectible card packs with each meal. Customers will receive a photocard featuring either HUNTR/X or the Saja Boys, plus a Derpy access card that can be scanned and entered in the McDonald’s app by April 26 to unlock early access to exclusive content and a special reveal tied to the “Battle for the Fans.” A new Derpy McFlurry, made with vanilla soft serve, berry popping pearls and wild berry sauce, will also be sold separately during the promotion.

McDonald’s and Netflix both described the collaboration as a way to bring fans deeper into the world of KPop Demon Hunters through menu items and interactive experiences. For STM Daily News readers in the food and drink section, the release highlights how major brands are increasingly turning entertainment partnerships into immersive dining promotions that combine limited-time flavors, collectible merchandise and digital engagement.

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Entertainment

One More Christmas Begins Production as Great American Media Unveils 2026 Holiday Original

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1 day ago

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March 25, 2026

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Candace Cameron Bure Stars in One More Christmas for Great American Christmas 2026 Meta Description: Great American Media has started production on One More Christmas, a new holiday movie starring Candace Cameron Bure and Jonathan Scarfe for 2026.
Stars Candace Cameron Bure and Jonathan Scarfe started production on One More Christmas, a New Original Movie for Great American Christmas 2026.

Great American Media has announced One More Christmas, a new original holiday film starring Candace Cameron Bure and Jonathan Scarfe, now in production for Great American Christmas 2026. The film adds another early title to the network’s seasonal lineup as it heads into its sixth year of Christmas programming built around faith, family, hope, and redemption.

In the film, Bure plays Anna, a woman who has been divorced from James Campbell, played by Scarfe, for five years. The former couple reunites over Christmas after their daughter invites the family to a Smoky Mountain cabin to meet her serious boyfriend. What starts as an uneasy holiday gathering shifts when a major ice storm traps Anna and James together, forcing them to revisit the past and consider whether their story is really over.

Why It Stands Out

The setup gives One More Christmas a built-in second-chance romance angle, but the family dynamic may be what gives it the most emotional pull. Great American Media is clearly leaning into the kind of heartfelt, values-driven storytelling its audience expects, while continuing to build Candace Cameron Bure’s presence across its holiday slate.

Bure is also serving as an executive producer on the film. Great American Media said she will star in two original movies for the 2026 season and executive produce another holiday feature still to be announced. Bill Abbott, President and CEO of Great American Media, said Bure continues to help define the tone and quality of the network’s Christmas programming.

Creative Team

One More Christmas is executive produced by Candace Cameron Bure, Jeffery Brooks, Ford Englerth, and Tim Owens for CandyRock Entertainment, with Eric Jarboe and Holly Hines executive producing for Happy Accidents. The screenplay is written by Taylor Kalupa and Masey McLain.

CandyRock Entertainment, Bure’s joint venture with Ford Englerth and Jeffery Brooks, has produced and distributed more than 40 television and film projects focused on family-friendly entertainment.

What to Watch For

As Great American Media continues to expand its holiday lineup, One More Christmas looks positioned as one of the network’s early attention-grabbers for 2026. Between Bure’s ongoing creative role, Scarfe’s addition, and the familiar mix of Christmas setting and emotional reconciliation, the film fits squarely within the network’s brand while giving viewers a story built around family tension, weather-forced closeness, and possible renewal.

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gaming

LIGHTSPEED STUDIOS Expands Original IP Push With New AAA Framework at GDC 2026

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2 days ago

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March 24, 2026

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LIGHTSPEED STUDIOS' revealed its original IP framework at GDC 2026, outlining a new AAA game development strategy led by Creative Director Feng Zhu.
LightSpeed Mocap LA Kristin Gallagher Speaking at GDC 2026

LIGHTSPEED STUDIOS used GDC 2026 to spotlight the next phase of its “Original IP Initiative,” outlining a proprietary development framework aimed at building high-end, original AAA games for a global audience. The studio said the initiative, first introduced at GDC 2025, now includes active development of a new globally driven blockbuster title and a more formalized system for shaping future intellectual property.

A major part of that strategy came from newly appointed Creative Director Feng Zhu, who described a structured approach to original game creation centered on strong visual identity, disciplined worldbuilding, and repeatable production methods. During his GDC session, Zhu introduced the studio’s “90:10 Balance” philosophy, where 90% of a game is grounded in real-world references like authentic locations, historical context, and realistic proportions, while the remaining 10% is used to deliver the creative hooks, tension, and storytelling elements that define the title’s identity.

LIGHTSPEED also emphasized its investment in production infrastructure, including a purpose-built in-house motion capture facility in Los Angeles. Led by Motion Capture Studio Manager Kristin Gallagher, the studio says the facility is designed to handle complex performance capture with greater efficiency, supported by a custom API and advanced technical pipeline developed jointly by teams in LA and across the company’s global network.

LightSpeed Studios Feng Zhu at GDC 2026
LightSpeed Studios Feng Zhu Speaking at GDC 2026

The announcement reinforces LIGHTSPEED STUDIOS’ broader ambition to grow beyond service and co-development work into a stronger portfolio of original blockbuster properties. Best known as a co-developer of PUBG MOBILE and the developer of the upcoming Last Sentinel, the company says its long-term focus is on delivering cinematic, culturally resonant game experiences built for players worldwide.

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