Netflix animation KPop Demon Hunters has moved beyond the status of a hit title to establish itself as a global cultural phenomenon. On January 1 local time, British newspaper The Guardian spotlighted the project’s success, calling it a rare case in which content, fandom, and the music industry expanded simultaneously.

The influence of KPop Demon Hunters has spread far beyond the screen and into social media worldwide. According to marketing analytics firm Pulser, online mentions of the characters Huntrix and Saja Boys surpassed those of global superstars such as Lady Gaga, Ed Sheeran, and Billie Eilish. This suggests that the narrative and universe itself, rather than individual celebrities, have become the core of the fandom.

Scenes and characters from the animation have been widely transformed into memes, while fan fiction and other forms of user-created content continue to expand the story. The Guardian analyzed this trend as fans no longer acting solely as consumers, but as co-creators of the narrative. As a result, KPop Demon Hunters functions as a platform-style piece of content that continues to grow even after viewing.

Its commercial success has also generated tangible ripple effects across the industry. KPop Demon Hunters surpassed 300 million cumulative views, becoming the most-watched film in Netflix history, and directly contributed to an increase in the platform’s revenue following its release.

Particularly notable is its synergy with the music industry. The K-pop-based soundtrack achieved independent success beyond the film itself, dominating global charts. Multiple tracks entered the upper ranks of Billboard charts and maintained long-term high positions on streaming platforms, breaking conventional limitations associated with animated soundtracks.

The Guardian identified the respectful and realistic portrayal of fandom culture as a key factor behind the project’s success. The ways fans support and compete within the story closely resemble real-world K-pop fandom dynamics, which resonated strongly with audiences around the globe.

Even months after its release, fans continue to demand merchandise, music, and expanded universe content. Based on this sustained enthusiasm, The Guardian predicted that the popularity of KPop Demon Hunters could continue through at least 2026.

KPop Demon Hunters now stands not only as a successful animation, but also as a defining example of how global fandoms are formed and expanded through the convergence of K-pop, animation, and platform-driven media.