Some stories reveal a deeper charm and meaning when you learn about their background and hidden contexts. In this article, we’ll explore the background and minor behind-the-scenes stories of “K-Pop Demon Hunters” that we didn’t cover last time.
The beginning of K-Pop Demon Hunters was in 2021.
The logo for Huntrix was inspired by the shape of the traditional knot from a norigae (a traditional Korean accessory). This symbolically represents the group’s identity of ‘tying up’ and ‘hunting’ evil spirits. This logo was also used on Huntrix’s official light stick.
The motif for the Saja Boyz, the ‘grim reapers with pale faces, wearing black robes (dopo) and a gat (traditional hat)’, is an image that was first depicted in the “Hometown of Legends” series in the late 1970s and became established in modern times. According to actual folklore, they were more like generals in solemn armor with weapons, riding horses, rather than scholars wearing gats.
The grim reaper outfits for the Saja Boyz were said to be referenced from ‘LEESLE’ (a modern Hanbok specialty brand). (LEESLE – Wear the New Beauty of Korea)
According to Director Maggie Kang, each character was inspired by various idols and groups.
The ‘Play with Us!’ variety show that appears in the middle of the movie is a parody of “Weekly Idol,” which was hosted by Hyungdon and Daejune. At the same time, the slide and ball pit that Huntrix comes down on appear to be a parody of the slide set, the identity of the ‘Hello Counselor’ talk show.
The stadium that appears in the early aerial combat scene was designed based on the Seoul Olympic Main Stadium, specifically its remodeling design.
The fortress wall where Lumi and Jinwoo met at night is Naksan Park in Jongno-gu, and its unique night view is depicted almost exactly as it is in real life. This place is also where many romantic iconic scenes from K-dramas were born.
The fandom name for the Saja Boyz, ‘Pride’, is a word that means a group of lions. It is also a multi-layered name that signifies the pride that fans have for the group.
In the scene that skims through the history of hunters, there is a depiction reflecting the reality of the divided Korean peninsula, where the range of the Golden Honmun (a fictional celestial gate) spreads to the surroundings but doesn’t properly unfold over the Military Demarcation Line. Also, in the movie, when viewing the night view of the Korean peninsula from space, the South Korean region is bright with lights, while the North Korean region is dark without a single light, except for Pyongyang.
Originally, grim reapers guide the dead to the underworld. The ‘Saja Boyz’, who prey on human souls, were not true grim reapers.
Lotte Tower appears briefly. It was said that they intended to use Lotte Tower as the background for the final concert venue.
The background of the final stage is Namsan Tower, located in the center of Seoul.
The voice of the final boss, ‘Gwima’, is Lee Byung-hun, the Front Man from “Squid Game.”
The voice of ‘Celine’ is Yunjin Kim, the Korean actress from the drama “Lost.” The voice of the quack doctor who runs the han-uiwon (a traditional Korean medicine clinic) is Daniel Dae Kim, the actor who appeared as Yunjin Kim’s husband in “Lost.”
The English voice of Manager Bobby is Ken Jeong.
There are many scenes in the movie where the rookie boy group, Saja Boyz, acts rudely towards the 5-year veteran girl group, Huntrix. This is unimaginable in the real K-pop idol world, which places great importance on the sunbae-hoobae (senior-junior) relationship and etiquette.
Usually, they greet each other like this.
I will return with more interesting stories next time.
