한뉴픽

『Kpop Demon Hunters』, you might have heard about this movie at least once. It achieved No. 1 ranking on the Billboard charts, English and Non-English movie No.1 on the Netflix chart. The movie includes Korea’s traditional cultures and K-cultures like ‘K-pop.’ So, many of the international fans are interested in our culture once again.

How was it possible to become famous at this moment? First of all, OST(Original Sound Track) becomes famous. From August 11 until now, one of the famous OST, ‘Golden’ is still taking place No.1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. ‘Golden’ tells about the story of ‘Hunterix’, which includes the message, “No more hiding, I’ll be shining like I’m born to be.” This message moves the hearts of those who are watching the movie. K-pop has characteristics in its lyrics. Differently other Pop songs, K-pop doesn’t use lyrics that sound sensational or violent in words. This helps the OST get its fame from children to adults who watched the movie with their children. ‘Golden,’ As well as other OSTs such as ‘Your Idol,’ ‘Soda pop’ and et cetra are on the Billboard Hot 100 chart too.
Secondly it is the empathy and interest in Korean culture throughout the whole movie. The background of this movie is Seoul, and one of its landmarks, Namsan Tower, is also appear. There are characters who are eating Cup Ramyeon, Kimbap, and Gukbap. Going to common public establishments such as Jjimjilbang, a Traditional Korean medicine clinic, and Mokyocktang. And at the start of the movie, Korean traditional clothes and accessories, which are ‘Hanbok’ and ‘Norigae’, are shown on the screen. Moreover, the music video of ‘Golden’ has a scene that shows ‘Ilwolobongdo’, the symbol of the Joseon dynasty. These shown are Korean traditional culture that are deeply absorbed with the whole movie, and make international fans get some interest in our traditional culture and K-culture currently. At the National Museum of Korea, some types of souvenirs and goods related to ‘Hojodo(magpie and tiger art)’ sold. “Hojodo” is a very popular souvenir among 『Kpop Demon Hunters』 fans. So, there occurs opening rush. Also, ‘Eating whole Kimbap challenge’ is a flow of the trend in SNS.
『Kpop Demon Hunters』 moved the hearts of national fans and international fans with Korean traditional cultures which are newly interpreted all over the world. Searching for our beloved K-pop’s characteristics, Compared with real traditional culture, and the contemporary culture. observing and enjoying of the way of the movie it self will be another joyment. To visit the real sites of Korea will be motivated by the movie’s background, and help us enjoy the movie deeply.

Once again, 『Kpop Demon Hunters』 opened our best days of K-culture. In Korea, we are living right now, why don’t we look back about Korean traditional cultures and recall?

Kwon So Eun / Reporter