Netflix animated film "K-pop Demon Hunters" won two awards at the 2026 Academy Awards, but controversy arose when music played during the acceptance remarks and interrupted the speech.
"K-pop Demon Hunters" won best animated feature and best original song at the 98th Academy Awards held in Los Angeles on the 15th (local time).
In particular, the music featuring Ije, Audrey nuna, and Ray, who sang the film's hit song "Golden," drew attention when it won best original song.
However, the mood became awkward when music suddenly started playing during the acceptance remarks. After Lee Jae gave an emotional thank-you, as other production staff were about to continue speaking, the "cutoff music" played, and then the lights were turned off, effectively ending the remarks.
A similar situation occurred earlier during the presentation of the best animated feature. Director Maggie Kang, Chris Applehans and producer Michelle Wong went on stage to deliver their acceptance remarks when music played and nearly cut off their speech. Fortunately, the music stopped soon after and the three were able to finish their remarks.
Born in Korea, director Maggie Kang said in her acceptance remarks, "It is unfortunate that it has taken so long for people who look like me to see themselves in films like this," adding, "But now films like this have been made, and the next generation will no longer have to wait."
Director Chris Applehans also said, "Movies have the power to connect people across cultures and borders," telling young creators around the world, "Tell your stories and sing in your own voice. The world is waiting for your stories."
Fans cheered at the news of the film's two awards that day, but expressed dissatisfaction over the fact that the acceptance remarks were cut off.
On social media, criticisms continued such as, "That was very rude to the production staff," "Playing music during the acceptance remarks was disrespectful," "Other winners spoke at length, so why was only this team hurriedly cut off?" and "This did not properly respect a cultural achievement."
Some netizens demanded an official apology from the ceremony organizers, saying, "There was time for other segments, yet they did not allow the acceptance remarks to be heard fully."
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