I have always been a proponent that art has the ability to heal. The new film “KPop Demon Hunters” on Netflix has the ability to both heal and steal your heart. 

Directed by Maggie Kang and Chris Appelhans, and written by Danya Jimenez, and Hanna McMechan. The story revolves around Rumi, Mira and Zoey the three front women of the Kpop mega band HUNTR/X the three women are also badass demon hunters. 

Why do they hunt demons? Well, because they steal souls. 

The story is simple but powerful. Our three protagonists have been chosen among a long line of demon hunters to protect the world from demons. Their voices can keep demons out by creating the Golden Honmoon. 

The three Kpop stars meet their match when they run into boy band the Saja Boys. Saja primarily means lion but it can also refer to the grim reaper which is, jeoseung saja. 

The Saja boys try to steal HUNTR/X fans through their own hot moves and demonic music, and ruin their plans of strengthening the Honmoon.

But the demons represent more than just soul sucking entities. Demons are also a metaphor. In this world demons pray on a person’s greatest insecurities which drives them to do wrong. 

But through the songs of HUNTR/X which encourages courage and hope, the Demon Hunters don’t just build fans they bring people together. 

We learn Rumi is part demon, a secret she has held from her bandmates. Rumi is most invested in bringing the Golden Honmoon because she hopes through the Honmoon she can “fix herself,” and her demon markings will go away. 

Because Rumi is half demon, half human she believes she is a mistake out of simply being born and carries great shame. And it’s not just Rumi who has insecurities. Mira and Zoe also battle their inner demons and bias. 

The inner emotional conflict of each of the characters raises the stakes and makes for a compelling story. 

The movie is part Kpop musical, and has the beats of a K-Drama, including a romantic storyline with a morally grey character. 

The music for the film is good enough to be its own (album which it is). 

But I was really drawn to the storyline of utilizing shame and inner demons. In psychology we hear about “the shadow self” which was presented by Carl Jung. The shadow self refers to the uncious parts of our personality that we deem shameful or unacceptable. Oftentimes they are the source of our greatest insecurities. According to Jung if we accept our insecurities instead of trying to beat them into submission, or hide them we evolve. We elevate. We become our best selves. 

This film makes a great case on everyone having their own internal demons they are battling. But it’s in accepting our flaws, our mistakes, and even our shame that we can move forward and heal. 

In our fast-paced internet connected world where it’s so easy to allow your shame to take over, and just disassociate it is refreshing to see a story that touches on these issues in a way that is understandable and digestible. 

Watching Rumi try to “fix” herself because she thinks she is a mistake, to then embrace who she is, is cathartic. 

The best part is we have this in depth story wrapped in a KPop musical. Making every song on the album memorable. 

The music is catchy and is voiced by many real life KPop stars including two songs from superstar group TWICE.

The film has taken over social media with people clamouring for a sequel. Netflix definitely has a hit on their hands. But we have yet to find out if we will get a sequel or spinoff show. 

I know for myself, I am inspired to take some KPop dance lessons. 

KPop Demon Hunters is currently playing on Netflix.