Netflix confirmed Friday that its blockbuster animated film “KPop Demon Hunters” will return for a sequel helmed by directors Maggie Kang and Chris Appelhans. Photo courtesy of Netflix
SEOUL, March 12 (UPI) — Netflix confirmed Friday that its blockbuster animated film KPop Demon Hunters will return for a sequel, bringing back the pop trio whose supernatural adventures helped turn the movie into the streamer’s most-watched title ever.
The announcement was made on Netflix’s Tudum platform, with filmmakers Maggie Kang and Chris Appelhans confirming that a follow-up to the global hit is now in development.
Released in June 2025, KPop Demon Hunters quickly became Netflix’s most-watched title of all time, amassing more than 500 million views worldwide.
The animated film follows HUNTR/X, a K-pop trio whose members secretly use their music to protect humanity from monsters emerging from the underworld, blending music, supernatural fantasy and Korean folklore.
Kang, who was born in Seoul and grew up in Canada, highlighted the global appeal of the film’s uniquely Korean roots.
“I feel immense pride as a Korean filmmaker that the audience wants more from this Korean story and our Korean characters,” she said in the Netflix announcement.
“There’s so much more to this world we have built, and I’m excited to show you,” she added. “This is only the beginning.”
The movie’s soundtrack and original songs also became a major driver of its popularity, helping propel the project beyond traditional animation audiences and onto global music charts.
Lead single “Golden” ranked among the most popular tracks of the year, reaching No. 1 on Billboard’s Hot 100 and spending a record-breaking 20 weeks atop the magazine’s global chart.
KPop Demon Hunters is currently nominated for Best Animated Feature and Best Original Song at Sunday’s Academy Awards, capping an awards season that has already brought multiple major wins and nominations.
Last month, “Golden,” performed by artists EJAE, Audrey Nuna and Rei Ami, took home a Grammy Award for Best Song Written for Visual Media. The film and its music have also scored victories at the Critics Choice Awards and Golden Globe Awards.
Netflix did not announce a release date for the sequel but said more details about the project will be revealed in the future. The sequel will be the first project under Netflix’s exclusive multiyear animation partnership with Kang and Appelhans.
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