From right, Audrey Nuna, EJAE and Rei Ami perform during the Clive Davis party, the annual pre-Grammy gala, in Beverly Hills, Calif., Jan. 31. Reuters-Yonhap
“KPop Demon Hunters,” the Netflix animated feature that sparked a massive cultural phenomenon and has seen record-breaking viewers numbers since its release last year, is now at the center of international attention as fans wait to see if it can continue its historic winning streak at the 98th Academy Awards on Sunday evening (local time).
The film has been nominated in two major categories at this year’s Oscars — the Best Animated Feature and the Best Original Song.
In the animated feature race, the film is in competition with “Arco,” “Elio,” “Little Amélie or the Character of Rain” and “Zootopia 2.” Meanwhile, the film’s hit track “Golden” is vying for the award for original song trophy against tunes from “Dianne Warren: Relentless,” “Sinners,” “Viva Verdi!” and “Train Dreams.”
Directed by Korean-Canadian filmmaker Maggie Kang, the action-fantasy film follows three K-pop superstars — Rumi, Mira and Zoey — who also secretly protect the world from evil spirits.
The animated feature has achieved worldwide success, becoming the most-watched title in Netflix history with over 500 million cumulative views. Its impact has extended far beyond the screen, boosting visitor numbers to the National Museum of Korea and increasing tourism to various landmarks in Seoul featured in the movie.
“Golden” is a significant collaborative effort featuring prominent Korean talent, written and produced by a team of acclaimed K-pop producers, including Teddy, 24, and the collective IDO — comprised of Lee Yu-han, Kwak Joong-gyu and Nam Hee-dong — along with EJAE, who also provided vocals for the role of Rumi.
The track, performed by EJAE, Audrey Nuna and Rei Ami as the in-film girl group Huntrix, became a global phenomenon, topping both the Billboard Hot 100 and the British Official Singles Chart.
Following its global popularity, “KPop Demon Hunters” has seen a string of successes at awards shows this season.
The film won the Best Animated Feature and the Best Original Song at the Golden Globes. “Golden” made history at the 68th Grammy Awards in February by winning Best Song Written for Visual Media, a first for a K-pop song by Korean composers.
The awards ceremony promises a night of star-studded performances, with EJAE, Audrey Nuna and Ray Ami set to perform “Golden” live on stage. Actor Ahn Hyo-seop, who voiced the lead character Jin-woo, will also attend the event.
