KPop Demon Hunters Should Have Been a Full Anime

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Lately, animated films have been facing challenges. With countless live-action remakes flooding theaters and new animations being critiqued as underperforming, it seems more difficult than ever to discover an animated film with depth or an engaging storyline. However, Netflix has stepped up to address this issue by releasing their own production, titled Kpop Demon Hunters.

It’s quite surprising how rapidly KPop Demon Hunters, a Netflix-exclusive movie, has gained significant popularity given its limited theatrical release, niche storyline, and distinctive animation style. Yet, the film’s soundtrack has garnered as much attention as a major artist’s album launch. However, one potential reason for its success might be its brevity. The intriguing world portrayed in the movie could have been expanded into an anime-length series to better explore its vastness.

KPop Demon Hunters Takes Place in a Lore-Rich World

In the captivating realm of KPop Demon Hunters, created by Sony Pictures Animation, the world is under constant attack from soul-draining demons. To safeguard humanity, a trio of Demon Hunters, chosen through time, are tasked with confronting these malevolent creatures. Interestingly, their weapons aren’t limited to swords and knives; they also possess enchanted voices that ward off the demons and preserve the world’s harmony.

In the series titled “KPop Demon Hunters“, lead vocalist Rumi struggles with her identity as a child born in both the Hunter and Demon realms. Alongside her companions and bandmates Mira and Zoey, they embark on a journey to accept themselves fully and unleash their hidden “golden” singing abilities.

Regrettably, the movie hurries through establishing the world and characters’ pasts, more like dumping information instead of presenting it via engaging interplay. For instance, the magic that empowers Hunters’ voices gets discussed in merely two or three minutes by a narrator. The dynamics between Rumi’s parents are never explored, and her mentor who instilled a sense of disgrace about her half-demon lineage is scarcely shown, amounting to only a few minutes of screen time overall.

The absence of detailed explanations leaves numerous main storylines feeling anticlimactic, a situation that might have been prevented if Netflix opted for a more narrative-rich approach, similar to anime productions, rather than a traditional film format.

An Anime Like KPop Demon Hunters Would Have Been a Hit

Given additional time, Sony Animation might have chosen to delve deeper into the magic system by incorporating a training sequence, providing each character with a rich and detailed backstory that showcased their personal struggles in becoming Hunters, and gradually intensifying the menace of the primary antagonist, thereby enhancing its ominous presence.

If Netflix released episodes on a weekly basis instead, it would prolong viewer involvement, fostering a stronger fanbase. This extended period and additional episodes could also allow for the integration of more music and the introduction of new characters, enriching the narrative further.

One effective method to demonstrate how an anime’s duration can impact its narrative is through the example of Rumi and Jinu’s relationship. During the movie, audiences discover that the leader of a rival K-Pop Boy Band is actually a Demon. However, due to the hasty progression of his storyline, it becomes challenging for viewers to determine whether they should empathize with him or maintain suspicion towards him.

The storyline’s conclusion seems confusing because he swiftly transitions from appearing genuine and emotionally connected to being driven by personal motivations without enough time for development. If we had more opportunities to delve into his character complexities over a longer duration, with greater depth, his bond with Rumi would transcend beyond a song and rooftop meetings, resulting in a climax that would be deeply emotional and intense.

Rumi’s Storyline Is an Anime Heroine On Fast Forward

Among all the characters, it’s clear that Rumi from “KPop Demon Hunters” would greatly benefit from a full-length anime series. Currently, her transformation from a high-energy K-Pop star hiding a secret to a powerful half-demon feels rushed at times. However, Rumi shares the captivating charm of characters like Sakura from “Cardcaptor Sakura” and Serena from “Sailor Moon”. Expanding her storyline in an anime series would allow her growth to unfold naturally, making her a compelling and powerful protagonist.

Additionally, there remains a space for further development in her, since she hasn’t confronted her mentor nor fully discovered the truth regarding her parents. This unexplored knowledge leaves her personal acceptance feeling incomplete and somewhat uncomfortable.

The idea behind “KPop Demon Hunters” is truly captivating, yet it seems it needs more time to fully unfold its potential. The plot is engaging, the music is fantastic, and the characters are both endearing and relatable. If this movie were turned into an anime, it would undoubtedly match the popularity of series like “The Apothecary Diaries.” However, without regular updates through new episodes or seasons, the fanbase for this film might peak and dwindle just as swiftly.

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2025-08-01 18:48