When a South Korean monk performed a Buddhist ritual for a wildly popular K-pop boy band, it was the most unusual ceremony he had ever held. His mission: to guide the souls of the band to peace and rebirth. The band were long gone - or rather, they had never been alive, except in the fictional world of the animated Netflix hit K-pop Demon Hunters. Still, the YouTube video went viral. Although cast as villains, the Saja Boys have won a devoted following for their gorgeous looks and swagger. Even their name - saja - translates to angel of death, among other things. The live-streamed service, a genuine Buddhist rite known as Chondojae usually performed by monks for grieving families, lasted more than two hours and drew more than 4,000 viewers - more people than he had ever seen for a ceremony, even offline, says the monk, a virtual YouTuber who prefers to remain anonymous. This was no joke. The BBC confirmed that he is a registered monk. But he could not guarantee salvation for the Saja Boys, not even for the lead, Jinu. As K-pop Demon Hunters tops every chart - Netflix says it has become its most watched movie ever - Koreans are revelling in the moment. Made and voiced by Korean-Americans, and produced by US studios Sony and Netflix, the film's inspiration is deeply Korean. It's a tale about mythical demon hunters whose power comes from their music - in this case, that's a sassy K-pop girl band called Huntrix. And of course, the soundtrack that fans across the world are now singing along to every day is rooted in South Korea's biggest export: K-pop. All of this has sparked a frenzy in South Korea, like in so many other places, a fascination with the Korean culture the movie centers, and even a little bit of FOMO - because unlike in the US and Canada, there are no plans yet to release the movie in cinemas here. Seeing all the sing-along clips [online] at cinemas… I'm jealous of Americans! wrote a fan on social media. Many Koreans are wary of clumsy depictions of their country on screen, especially given how popular the culture is right now. But K-pop Demon Hunters has been praised for its respectful portrayal of Korean culture, resonating deeply with fans. The film's impact is evident at the National Museum of Korea, which has seen visitor numbers more than double since its release. As the film gains momentum, South Korean fans eagerly anticipate the possibility of cinema screenings, echoing their enthusiasm for a collective viewing experience that embodies the spirit of K-pop and Korean culture.
South Korea Celebrates K-Pop Demon Hunters with Unprecedented Fervor
South Korea Celebrates K-Pop Demon Hunters with Unprecedented Fervor
An unusual Buddhist rite for a fictional K-pop band has sparked a cultural phenomenon in South Korea as the animated film 'K-pop Demon Hunters' garners international acclaim and attention.
Recent celebrations in South Korea highlight the impact of the animated film 'K-pop Demon Hunters', as a monk performs a Buddhist ritual for a fictional K-pop band, leading to a surge in interest across the nation. The film's success has not only topped charts but also significantly increased museum attendance and boosted local businesses, reflecting a vibrant cultural pride amidst a unique blend of entertainment and spirituality.
