The Netflix animated blockbuster Kpop Demon Hunters has won two major awards at the Academy Awards, taking home the Oscars for Best Animated Feature Film and Best Original Song.
The film, which blends supernatural action with the global K-pop phenomenon, has captivated audiences worldwide since its release last year. Its self-empowerment anthem Golden has dominated international music charts and become one of the standout tracks from the film’s soundtrack.
During the ceremony, the voices behind the fictional girl group Huntr/x Ejae, Rei Ami, and Audrey Nuna performed the song to a crowd waving glowing light sticks, a signature feature of K-pop concerts.
Accepting the award for Best Original Song, a tearful Ejae reflected on the journey of K-pop’s global recognition.
“Growing up, people made fun of me for liking K-pop. But now everyone’s singing our song and all the Korean lyrics, I’m so proud,” she said.
The Oscar for Best Animated Feature Film was accepted by directors Maggie Kang and Chris Appelhans, alongside producer Michelle LM Wong.
Kang, receiving her first Oscar nomination, described the moment as historic for Korean representation in global animation.
“This is for Korea and for Koreans everywhere,” she said. “And for those of you who look like me, I’m sorry it took us so long to see ourselves in a movie like this.”
The film tells the story of a K-pop girl group who use their voices to battle supernatural forces, including a rival boy band from the underworld known as the Saja Boys, whose hypnotic singing captures souls.
The movie’s soundtrack has produced several hits, including Soda Pop, performed by the fictional rival group.
Ejae, Rei Ami and Audrey Nuna also appeared on the Oscars red carpet wearing gold gowns in tribute to their chart-topping track Golden.
The Academy Awards victories add to a growing list of accolades for the film. Kpop Demon Hunters previously won top honours at the Golden Globe Awards, securing prizes for Best Animated Feature and Best Original Song.
Earlier this year, Golden also made history at the Grammy Awards, becoming the first K-pop song ever to win a Grammy.
Erizia Rubyjeana
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