Kpop Demon Hunters is an animated musical based on Korean folklore. It’s full of catchy, bouncy music and brilliant visuals. It’s a story about how music and women’s voices can heal the world and rid it of evil demons.

Kpop Demon Hunters begins by explaining the folklore. Rumi (Arden Cho) is the child of a demon hunter and a demon. She was raised by a former demon hunter and singer named Celine (Yunjin Kim). There have always been women singing groups that are able to create a Honmoon, which is a magic barrier holding back demons.

Rumi is the lead singer in a group called Huntrix. Joining her are demon hunters Mira (May Hong) and Zoey (Ji-young Yoo). The time in the history of women’s singing groups is right for them to be strong enough to create the The Golden Honmoon, which would eliminate demons forever. Celine promises that The Golden Honmoon would remove Rumi’s demon identification.

Rumi desperately wants to hide or eliminate her demon origins. She is shamed by her demon heritage and tries to hide the patterns on her skin that reveal who she really is. This creates the secondary theme in the film about accepting yourself and being open about who you are. Coming out, if you will.

Huntrix are doing well and writing popular songs. Ken Jeong voices their manager, Bobby.

The ruling demon, Gwi-Ma, creates a plan with Jinu (Ahn Hyo-seop). He will head a boy band called Saja Boys that will sabotage the work of Huntrix and protect Gwi-Ma and his greedy hunger for souls.

The fight between these two groups culminates in a battle of the bands competition.

Huntrix plans to win with a song called “Takedown.” The anti-demon lyrics are hard for Rumi to sing. Her voice breaks. They go to Healer Han (Daniel Dae Kim) for help. He gives her a snake oil tonic. On his wall are fan pictures of the Saja Boys. Oops.

Rumi suggests they use a song called “Golden” in the competition instead. This heals her voice.

There are some behind the scenes negotiations between Rumi and Jinu, lots of demon fighting action scenes, a beautiful moment of sacrifice, and a beautiful moment of acceptance.

Considering the important themes about overcoming evil and being proud of who you really are, I thought the film was lightweight. Maybe it was the bouncy music. The lyrics of the songs carry the message well, and the soundtrack is a hit among fans who sing along, so perhaps it is the music that will create the healing.

Kpop Demon Hunters is streaming on Netflix. Have you seen it? What did you think?

P.S. Listen to the women.