As part of the masterclass that I conduct on Serious Games Storytelling, I have decided to use the popular Netflix animation film KPop Demon Hunters as an example of the techniques used for my storytelling lesson. This Netflix animation film was premiered globally in June 2025, and garnered over 80 million views in less than a month and over 210 million views as of mid-August 2025, overtaking famous K-pop powerhouse groups like BTS and BLACKPINK in global top charts!

KPop Demon Hunters is not just an animation film; it’s a vibrant fusion of K-pop culture, supernatural fantasy, and compelling storytelling. At the heart of this exciting movie is its dynamic soundtrack that accompanies the characters and the narrative arc of the movie. The songs give voice to the energy, emotions, and conflicts of HUNTR/X (aka Huntrix) – a K-pop girl band comprising of Rumi (leader), Mira and Zoey; and their rivals – a K-pop boy band known as Saja Boys (human demons disguised as K-Pop idols) – as they navigate the challenges of fame, identity, and their secret demon hunting lives.

Movie Themes Overview

The film explores themes of friendship, belonging, identity, and the struggle to reconcile dual lives –universal concepts that resonate with audiences worldwide. These themes echo through the lyrics and performances, lending depth to the thrilling action of traditional animation movies and K-pop performances.

Movie Soundtrack

Below are the official songs featured in KPop Demon Hunters, which I have compiled for purposes of the activities in class. I have also attached links to the song lyrics, so you can dive deep into the music before the lecture itself. These tracks provide an immersive entry point for you to connect with the story’s emotional texture and cultural context. Please explore the songs and try to identify the themes in the lyrics ahead of the lecture, so that you can meaningfully participate in the masterclass activities.

Credit goes to Netflix, Sony Pictures Animation, the original singers and the authors of the various sources of compilation of the movie’s music videos and lyrics.

1. How It’s Done – HUNTR/X

“How It’s Done“ is the powerful opening song by HUNTR/X. It marks the transformation of its members (Rumi, Mira, and Zoey) from glamorous k-pop idols to fierce demon hunters defending their fans from supernatural threats. With heavy beats, strong lyrics, and confident vocals, the track showcases their strength, skill, and loyalty, making clear they won’t back down against evil. The song conveys their determination and unity, setting an electrifying tone for their battles ahead while highlighting their dual identities as both performers and protectors.

2. Golden – HUNTR/X

This song serves as a soulful anthem that encapsulates the backstory and ambitions of the members of Huntrix. The song is of a more sentimental tone, inviting audiences to feel the emotional depths of the group’s journey. Central to the song is the concept of the Golden Honmoon, a mystical barrier that Huntrix strives to maintain to protect the human world from demons and sealing it off from supernatural threats. Symbolized by a circular moon that turns gold upon the fulfillment of their mission, the Honmoon’s transformation represents their destiny and ultimate achievement. “Golden“ expresses the characters’ collective hope, desires and determination, and embracing one’s true self and the pursuit of a shared destiny.

3. Soda Pop – Saja Boys

“Soda Pop” is the debut track of Saja Boys in the film, designed to captivate audiences with its infectious, bubblegum K-pop energy, rivalling Huntrix’s popularity and fandom. Sung by Jinu (leader) and his fellow demon members as part of a plot to win over fans, the song is both catchy and playful, with vivid metaphors of craving and desire. Its lyrics compare the irresistabiliy of infatuation to a sweet, fizzy drink, reflecting both the Saja Boys’ seductive charms and the allure of k-pop stardom. In the movie, “Soda Pop” thematically explores temptation, competition, and the ways k-pop idols can influence their fans — blurring the line between genuine connection and supernatural persuasion.

4. Free – Rumi and Jinu

“Free“ is performed as an emotional duet between Jinu and Rumi, and explores themes of trust, acceptance, and overcoming inner demons. It reflects their shared struggles with hidden pain and demons that isolate them, highlighting the healing power of vulnerability and connection. As they open up to each other, the song captures their hope for freedom — both from their past burdens and from the “chains” that keep them from truly being themselves. “Free” is a poignant expression of finding strength through understanding and partnership amidst a challenging journey.

5. Takedown – HUNTR/X

“Takedown“ is a high-impact warrior song performed by Huntrix, reflecting the movie’s intense battle between good and evil. The song’s fierce lyrics and powerful beats mirror the group’s determination to confront both demons and their inner struggles. This song is performed as Huntrix faces off against their rival group (Saja Boys) with its message of exposing deception and standing strong together. Rumi, who struggles with her dual human-demon identity, finds resonance in the song’s call to face hidden truths and fight for justice. The track’s aggressive, yet empowering music and tone, speaks to the themes of resilience, unity and overcoming personal and external challenges.

6. Your Idol – Saja Boys

“Your Idol” is a dramatic and haunting song that captures the dark side of idol worship and fan obsession. Performed as a centerpiece by the film’s demon boy band (Saja Boys), the track blends ritualistic chants with bold K-pop beats, transforming traditional reverence into a chilling spectacle that mesmerizes the audience. The lyrics use intense religious and apocalyptic imagery to depict the idol as a seductive yet dangerous figure, demanding total devotion and feeding off the audience’s energy. This song thematically explores the toxic dynamic between idols and fans, questioning whether fandom adoration can become destructive and highlighting the seductive power of fame and control.

7. What It Sounds Like – HUNTR/X

“What It Sounds Like” is an uplifting and empowering song by Huntrix that celebrates self-confidence and self-acceptance. This song is performed as the characters reclaim their voices and spotlight after facing adversity, with its vibrant choreography and catchy lyrics capturing the energy of renewal and solidarity. The song’s message encourages breaking free from expectations and embracing one’s true self, reflecting the group’s journey from uncertainty to unity as they turn hardship into strength. In the context of the movie, this song represents a triumphant moment, emphasizing themes of resilience, personal growth, and the unbreakable bond between friends who choose to stand together and lift each other up.

Final Words

This songs in this soundtrack is a testament to the power of K-pop storytelling blended with fantasy, showcasing empowerment, struggle, and unity — themes that are relatable to all of us. Understanding the backstory and themes portrayed by these songs will prime the lesson for a rich discussion on how the animations, music and songs intertwine with the character arcs and narrative tension in KPop Demon Hunters. Dive in and experience the beats and voices that bring this unique and top grossing Netflix animated film story to life.

Resources

1. KPop Demon Hunters. Wikipedia. 26 Aug 2025.
2. Bose P. All the songs from Netflix’s KPop Demon Hunters, ranked. Prestige Online. 7 Jul 2025.
3. Hatchett K. KPop Demon Hunters: Inside the animated film’s electrifying original songs. Tudum By Netflix. 13 Aug 2025.