Animated films have had a tough road lately. Between the overwhelming flood of live-action remakes and studios pushing safer, shorter content, it’s hard to find a film that feels fresh and emotionally satisfying. But in walksKPop Demon Hunters, a colorful, stylish, and emotionally rich movie that defied the odds by becoming one of Netflix’s most-watched animated releases of the year.
Despite its unconventional premise about a K-Pop girl group secretly moonlighting as demon hunters, the film struck a chord. Its vibrant animation, addictive soundtrack, and magnetic characters have made it a standout.But here’s the catch: at just over 90 minutes,KPop Demon Huntersnot nearly enough.The movie’s world is too rich, its characters too layered, and its plot too ambitious for a one-off feature. It needs the space only a full-blown anime series can provide.
The KPop Demon Hunters World Is Bursting With Lore That Deserves More Room
The World of KPop Demon Hunters Deserves Full-Scale Exploration
KPop Demon Huntersintroduces a magical, demon-infested world with centuries of lore packed into its short runtime. Soul-eating demons threaten humanity, and the only thing holding them back is a magical lineage of musical warriors. These “Demon Hunters” wield both traditional weapons and enchanted voices to protect the world through melody and might.
This is a genius concept that deserved more than a brief narrator dump. The film barely scratches the surface of how the magic system works, and instead of letting the world unfold organically, it delivers critical information through exposition. A proper anime could have introduced this lore more naturally, using training arcs and worldbuilding episodes to immerse viewers.
The trio of demon-slaying pop idols, made up of Rumi, Mira, and Zoey, have the kind of dynamic that screams for development over multiple episodes. Their friendship, origins, and training as Demon Hunters are only lightly touched upon. A 24-episode anime could have given each girl a dedicated arc, allowing fans to connect with them on a deeper level.
Even the lore of the Hunters’ lineage and how singing protects the world remains frustratingly vague. This kind of unique premise deserves detailed exploration, not a passing mention. With the right pacing, the anime could have taken viewers from ancient prophecy to modern pop stages without losing emotional depth.
Rumi and Jinu’s Relationship Was Cut Short, Literally
Jinu and Rumi’s Storyline Was Cut Before It Could Bloom
One of the film’s most promising narrative threads is the romantic tension between Rumi and Jinu,the enigmatic frontman of a rival K-Pop boy band called the Saja Boys, who turns out to be a demon. Their storyline is full of potential, but the film rushes through it, leaving viewers with more questions than answers.
Fans are told they share a connection, but it’s barely shown. Cut scenes, like the aquarium date mentioned by the creators, would have added essential emotional weight. In an anime series, their relationship could evolve gradually, with entire episodes exploring their past, their loyalty to their respective groups, and the inner turmoil they each face.
Jinu’s moral ambiguity is also never fully unpacked. Is he a villain, an anti-hero, or just a victim of circumstance? His final moments lack emotional punch because the audience hasn’t had time to understand him. A longer format would have allowed the writers to humanize him, making his choices more impactful and his relationship with Rumi more meaningful.
Rumi and Jinu’s dynamic inKPop Demon Hunterscould have been a cornerstone of the show, offering the kind of slow-burn romance anime fans live for, like Inuyasha and Kagome or Naruto and Hinata.
Rumi and Jinu’s dynamic inKPop Demon Hunterscould have been a cornerstone of the show, offering the kind of slow-burn romance anime fans live for, like Inuyasha and Kagome or Naruto and Hinata. Instead, fans were left with a cliff-notes version that barely scratches the surface.
Rumi Deserves an Entire Hero’s Journey
Rumi’s Arc Deserved More Than a Time Skip
Rumi, the main heroine ofKPop Demon Hunters, checks all the boxes of a classic anime protagonist: she’s brave, flawed, mysterious, and grappling with a dark secret. As a half-demon with a powerful voice and lineage, she’s constantly at odds with her identity. But in the movie, her transformation happens too quickly.
She begins the film juggling her fame with her secret life, and by the end, she’s embraced her powers. But the emotional beats in between about her trauma, shame, discovery, and growth are rushed.A 12 or 24-episode anime would have let Rumi grow naturally, giving her the same kind of layered development fans see in beloved heroines like Usagi Tsukino or Miyo Saimori.
Crucially, fans never see her confront the mentor who raised her or dig deep into her parents’ relationship, both of which are essential to her journey. With time, those moments could have hit with emotional resonance, showing her evolution not just as a singer or a fighter, but as a person.
There’s no question Rumi has the charisma and depth to lead a long-form series. Her arc of learning to accept her heritage and wield her voice with pride could be the spine of a larger narrative that builds season after season.
An Anime Series Would Let the KPop Demon Hunters Fandom Thrive
An Episodic Format Could’ve Fueled a KPop Demon Hunters Fandom Frenzy
Part of what makes anime such a powerful cultural force is its ability to keep audiences engaged over time. With weekly episode drops, online discussion blooms. Fan theories, art, and music remixes build hype.KPop Demon Huntersdropped as a one-shot, and while it made a splash, the ripples will inevitably fade without something to keep the conversation going.
KPop Demon Hunterscould have done the same thing thatThe Apothecary DiariesandFrieren: Beyond Journey’s Enddid by building momentum over a season.
A series would have kept the fandom alive longer and given the story a platform to evolve. With each new episode, fans could have explored more music, more lore, and more character development.KPop Demon Hunterscould have done the same thing thatThe Apothecary DiariesandFrieren: Beyond Journey’s Enddid by building momentum over a season.
There is also untapped potential in the music. A series could have featured multiple new songs, each themed to character arcs, battles, or emotional moments. These songs could chart, go viral, and turn the show into a cross-media sensation. Instead, the current soundtrack, though catchy, feels like a highlight reel of what could have been.
KPop Demon Hunters Deserves the Spotlight Every Week
A Movie Started the Magic, But a KPop Demon Hunters Anime Could Complete It
KPop Demon Huntersis already a success by any measure, but its current form barely scratches the surface of its potential. With its addictive soundtrack, strong heroines, and a high-concept magical world, this story was made for the anime format.
The creators clearly had more to say as scenes were cut, characters underserved, and arcs rushed. And while there is already talk of a movie sequel, that is not enough. Fans deserve a full series that expands this world and gives its characters the development they were meant to have.
Netflix may have struck gold, but to truly mine it, they need to giveKPop Demon Huntersthe anime it deserves. If done right, it could become one of the next big genre-defining titles and something that lasts far beyond the Netflix Top 10.
KPop Demon Hunters
Cast
KPop Demon Hunters is a 2025 action-adventure film featuring K-pop superstars Rumi, Mira, and Zoey, who use their secret powers to defend their fans from supernatural dangers. The film combines elements of music and fantasy as the trio balances their musical careers with their responsibilities as protectors.
