From Toronto to Netflix: KPop Demon Hunters and the Canadian Talent Behind the Global Hit
K-pop, demons, and girl power: it might sound like a fever dream, but it’s the exact formula behind one of the biggest animated movies of the year — KPop Demon Hunters.
A breakout hit for Netflix and Sony Pictures Animation, the film has topped charts in over 30 countries, earned a 97% score on Rotten Tomatoes, and sparked a global singalong with its original soundtrack, which rocketed into the Billboard Global 200 Top 10. But behind the flash, fandom, and folklore is a powerful creative story rooted in Canadian talent — including a VanArts graduate who helped bring it all to life.
The Visionary Behind the Demons
Courtesy of The Korea Herald
Huntrix, the film’s fictional K-pop girl group, fight demons with synchronized choreography and ultra-catchy hooks — a premise so wild, it feels like it had to be animated. And it nearly wasn’t. Writer-director Maggie Kang, who helmed the project, spent years developing the idea, writing and refining the script, and animating test scenes before the movie ever went into production.
Kang, who was born in South Korea and raised in Toronto’s North York, is a proud graduate of Sheridan College — the same Canadian animation powerhouse that educated VanArts’ Head of 2D and 3D Character Animation, Wayne Gilbert. Kang’s journey from sketchbooks to global screens is a shining example of how Canadian creatives are shaping the next era of entertainment.
But she didn’t do it alone.
“As an animator, it’s really important to feel the acting you’re going to portray,” Kang told CBC’s Q. “Even when you draw, you want to feel the expressions.”
Her team — including animators based in Vancouver and Montreal — physically acted out scenes for reference. From lip-syncing K-pop to miming demon battles, even the goofiest expressions had to feel authentic. “Sometimes the acting isn’t quite what I want,” Kang laughed. “So I’ll sit in the room and do the faces for them.”
The VanArts Connection
One of those talented animators? VanArts graduate Samuel Rico, a rising star at Sony Pictures Imageworks who contributed to the film’s high-energy visual storytelling. As a graduate of VanArts’ 2D/3D Character Animation program, Rico’s career path highlights what happens when passion meets professional training — and how local talent can help power global hits.
This isn’t just a Netflix success story. It’s a Canadian success story.
Our animation history instructor Charles Phillips invited Sam as a special guest to a recent animation history class, and interviewed him about his ground-breaking work on the film. Here are some highlights…
A Film That Breaks the Mold
Beyond the blockbuster visuals, KPop Demon Hunters is unapologetically emotional, proudly female-driven, and fiercely original. Its trio of heroines burp, gag, eat junk food, and make exaggerated faces — a deliberate move by Kang, who wanted to break the trope of flawless female leads.
“I’ve worked on a lot of films where female characters aren’t the silly ones,” she said. “I really wanted to break that. I wanted to go for the silly faces.”
The film also celebrates Kang’s Korean heritage, tying in Korean shamanic mythology and showcasing the evolution of Korean music over generations. It’s a love letter to identity, culture, and what it means to be seen — and it’s resonating with audiences worldwide.
“I didn’t think it was even possible for a movie to be this popular,” Kang said. “It’s incredible.”
Your Animation Career Starts Here
If you’re inspired by Maggie Kang or Samuel Rico’s story — or if you’ve ever dreamed of contributing to a film like KPop Demon Hunters — VanArts is where your journey can begin.
🎓 Our 2D and 3D Character Animation diploma programs are ranked #3 in the world by Animation Career Review, and we’re proud to train the next generation of global talent.
📅 Classes start September 2 — and late enrollment is open until September 15.
You’ll learn from working animators, collaborate on real projects, and graduate with a professional demo reel. Whether you choose our in-person experience in Vancouver or join 100% online, you’ll get the same industry-standard training that helped grads like Samuel Rico step into studios like Sony, DreamWorks, and Disney.
From Toronto to Seoul to Hollywood — the future of animation is global.
And it could start right here… APPLY NOW – Scholarships Available!
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