If you’re an adult and find yourself obsessing over a film that appears to be aimed at a younger demographic with its PG rating, you’re not alone. Netflix‘s KPop Demon Hunters has become an instant streaming hit, with its storyline resonating with audiences of all ages and backgrounds, and it’s exactly the kind of film 2025 needed. The Sony Pictures Animation project currently claims the number two spot on Netflix’s Global Top 10 chart, with a 97% Rotten Tomatoes score. Why is this animated film resonating with people? It’s simple: the storyline, music, and animation. KPop Demon Hunters follows the KPop girl-group HUNTR/X, whose members are Rumi (Arden Cho), Mira (May Hong), and Zoey (Ji-young Yoo), who lead double lives as demon hunters and superstars.
To prevent the demon king Gwi-Ma (Lee Byung-hun) from entering the human world, HUNTR/X must seal the Honmoon as previous generations of hunters once did. To thwart the hunters in their fight against him, Gwi-ma allows Jinu (Ahn Hyo-seop) to form a KPop boy group called Saja Boys to inevitably appeal to the fans like real-life KPop boy groups do. HUNTR/X now finds itself fighting against an unprecedented opponent, both externally and internally. Rumi is keeping an important secret from her friends: she’s half demon. This secret threatens her relationship with her bandmates and her ability to fight other demons.
Co-directors and co-creators Maggie Kang and Chris Appelhans left a few mysteries in the film to hopefully expand the world they created, either through a sequel or a prequel. Although after that ending, a sequel seems like the obvious priority. There are questions regarding Rumi’s parents that remain unanswered, as well as exploring the mythical aspects of the film, including the demons and the nature of Rumi’s powers. A sequel could also explore Zoey and Mira’s families and delve deeper into the origins of the demon hunters, and most importantly, give fans of the film more incredible songs to jam out to. KPop Demon Hunters is a film that can stand on its own, should Netflix decide against expanding this universe, but in the spirit of wishful thinking, let’s dive deep into potential plot points for a follow-up KPop Demon Hunters film.
A ‘KPop Demon Hunters’ Sequel Could Delve Into Rumi’s Parents
Release Date
June 20, 2025
Runtime
95 minutes
Director
Maggie Kang, Chris Appelhans
Writers
Maggie Kang
Producers
Aron Warner
A key point in the storyline revolves around Rumi and her identity. One of, if not the biggest, twists in KPop Demon Hunters is that Rumi is half human and half demon. Her mother was a hunter, but her father was a demon. There was very little exposition regarding her parents’ backstory, so their relationship and individual characteristics have yet to be explored. Rumi’s father’s identity and whereabouts in this film’s timeline remain a secret, although some fans have theorized that Gwi-Ma may be Rumi’s father. Her mother’s death was revealed early on in the movie, but her father’s fate is unknown. Nevertheless, seeing Rumi’s mother in action as a hunter is intriguing, as well as seeing how her relationship with Rumi’s father developed, and how the hunters and demons responded to their relationship.
If Rumi’s father is still alive, a sequel could feature him in the modern world, possibly searching for Rumi after the events of this film unfold. He could potentially be a villain looking to confront Rumi or a demon who has found redemption and hopes to have a relationship with his daughter. His appearance would also impact Rumi’s aunt Celine (Yunjin Kim), who has played a part in Rumi’s self-doubt and shame. It was seemingly confirmed that Celine disapproved of their relationship, so introducing Rumi’s father in a KPop Demon Hunters sequel would be a compelling storyline, as there would be tension between them.
The ‘KPop Demon Hunters’ Ending Left the Door Open To Explore Rumi’s Demonic Side
Rumi’s demon side is a contentious point throughout the film, and her shame for this part of herself prevents her from being able to fully trust Mira and Zoey with this secret. By the end of KPop Demon Hunters, Rumi comes to accept her demonic side, but it doesn’t answer whether this part of her was also suppressed, or if Jinu giving her his soul solidified it once the Honmoon was sealed. A follow-up film gives the creators, Kang and Appelhans, the opportunity to dive into other mystical lore and cherry-pick which ones serve Rumi’s character and the world they’re building. The questions left unanswered regarding her demon-half are: Does she have the same powers as a demon, or is her power limited because she’s only half demon? Does she have to take someone’s soul to survive, or can she survive on human food?
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There’s also the moral aspect to Rumi’s character that can be further explored. By being half hunter, half demon, she bridges the gap between the two worlds and therefore has the potential to rid both sides of prejudice and any binary thinking that prevents understanding and compassion. This was represented in Rumi and Jinu’s (Ahn Hyo-seop) connection, as they saw past the enemy and recognized a being who shared the same guilt and shame. While Rumi seemed to be at peace at the end of KPop Demon Hunters, it would still be interesting to see how she adjusts to every obstacle her new reality throws at her.
The Sequel to ‘KPop Demon Hunters’ Could Bring Jinu Back
Netflix
Am I the only one who thought Rumi and Jinu should’ve had more time? No? I didn’t think so. His sacrifice was necessary for his character arc to achieve its goal, but the consensus among viewers is that he needs to come back. Their Troy Bolton and Gabriella Montez duet is what modern cinema needed, and Kang and Appelhan delivered. Jinu was a complex character who represented humanity as a collective. Everyone makes mistakes, and the shame elicited from those mistakes holds immense power over us, manipulating us into believing we are the worst of the worst. Some might argue that bringing him back would undermine his sacrifice, but the case for his return lies in the belief that everyone deserves a second chance.
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Not only would Jinu’s comeback mean a second chance for him, it would also open another window into the mythological lore. Were all demons human at one point? If they were, does redemption return their soul? Once they regain their soul, do they return to their human state? The philosophical exploration is endless, but honestly, Rumi and Jinu have to be the end game. They see and accept each other, forging a unique understanding only they can share. Selfishly, we need another duet between them. Please bring him back, sincerely, the KPop Demon Hunters fans. KPop Demon Hunters is streaming on Netflix.
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