The production of a sequel to the Netflix animation "K-Pop Demon Hunters" (hereinafter "KPDH") has been confirmed. According to foreign media reports, Netflix and Sony Pictures recently signed a production contract for the "KPDH" sequel. The scheduled release date is set for 2029.

"KPDH" is an animation themed around K-pop and exorcism, with Korean-American production staff involved, but produced by Sony Pictures. The story follows Lumi, Mira, and Joy from the popular K-pop girl group Huntrix as they save the world through song to protect Seoul from evil spirits. It is characterized by its active use of K-pop's appeal, set against major landmarks in Seoul.

Released on Netflix last June, "KPDH" surpassed 300 million cumulative views, becoming Netflix's highest-grossing work. This surpassed the viewership of "Squid Game" Season 1, making it the most-watched series or film on the platform, including live-action. The main original soundtrack (OST) of the work, "Golden," achieved an unprecedented feat by reaching number one on both the US Billboard Hot 100 and the UK Official Charts as an animation soundtrack.

"Golden" is being considered as a nominee for Best Original Song at the US Academy Awards (Oscars) to be held in March next year. Director Maggie Kang said in a BBC interview, "I believe there are still many stories we can tell with these characters." Co-director Chris Appelhans stated, "There is a universe we couldn't show in the first installment," adding, "The next work will expand with new settings and music."

The news of the sequel's production is based on the successful achievements of "KPDH." This animation leveraged the global popularity of K-pop to make a significant impact in the international market. In particular, the characters of Huntrix resonated with the younger generation, helping to broaden the K-pop fan base.

Due to the long production time required for animation, there is expected to be about a four-year gap between the original and the sequel. However, the release date may change depending on the production schedule. Netflix and Sony Pictures stated they will do their best to enhance the quality of the sequel.

The upcoming sequel is expected to further develop the unique combination of K-pop and exorcism. "KPDH" is composed of a differentiated storyline and characters distinct from existing K-pop content, and this will continue in the sequel.

The success of "KPDH" proved that the combination of K-pop and animation can succeed in the global market. This work shows the potential for K-pop-themed content to maintain lasting popularity beyond a mere trend.

The future "KPDH" sequel is expected to reflect new trends in K-pop and contribute to expanding the global fan base. The fusion of K-pop and animation holds the potential to continuously create new content.

Netflix and Sony Pictures plan to further promote the appeal of K-pop and strengthen their position in the global market through the "KPDH" sequel. Additionally, the production staff and artists involved in the sequel will provide fans with new experiences through more advanced storytelling and music.

The combination of K-pop and animation is likely to evolve in various forms going forward. "KPDH" has established itself as a pioneer of this change and will further expand its possibilities through the production of the sequel.