“KPop Demon Hunters” won the Academy Award for best animated feature film on Sunday, capping a culturally defining run that has placed the musical-action movie atop both box-office and music charts.
Netflix's big blockbuster follows HUNTR/X, a Korean girl group that battles otherworldly demons, a rival boy band and their lead singer's own shame. Its choppy animation style, which combines 2D anime aesthetics with 3D CGI stylizations, underscores the high-octane action. The soundtrack, led by the Grammy-winning hit “Golden,” landed eight songs on the Billboard Hot 100. Alongside all the demon-slaying and choreography is a creative tale of self-acceptance that blends Korean mythology and K-pop idol culture.
