Netflix film 'K-pop Demon Hunters' won best animated feature and best original song at the 98th Academy Awards.
The action-fantasy animation 'K-pop Demon Hunters,' which tells the story of K-pop superstars "Rumi," "Mira" and "Joy" who act as hidden heroes protecting the world behind dazzling stages, has won best animated feature and best original song at the 98th Academy Awards, drawing the attention of the world.
'K-pop Demon Hunters' continued its winning streak at numerous awards ceremonies — winning best animation and best director at the 53rd Annie Awards, best animation and best original song at the 31st Critics' Choice Awards, best animation and best original song at the 83rd Golden Globe Awards, and best soundtrack at the 68th Grammy Awards — making it a leading contender for the 98th Academy Awards.
And on March 15 (Sunday) local time in the United States, at the 98th Academy Awards, 'K-pop Demon Hunters' took the honors of best animated feature and best original song. The Academy Awards, the year's most watched event and the film industry's highest honor, witnessed 'K-pop Demon Hunters' once again surprising everyone, proving it was the most talked-about work of 2025.
Director Maggie Kang, who went on stage to accept the awards, said, "To those who look like me, I want to say I'm sorry it took so long for us to see ourselves in a film like this. But I am here now, and this means the next generation won't have to wait so long. I dedicate this award to Korea and to all Koreans around the world," and Lee Jae said, "When I was young I was teased for liking K-pop, but now everyone sings our songs with Korean lyrics. I think this award is about the power of perseverance, not success. I'm truly grateful," offering heartfelt remarks.
The 'Golden' stage at the ceremony began with a performance by grim reapers that evoked a scene from the film, followed by performances featuring traditional Korean instruments, pansori and dancers in hanbok, filling the Academy Awards venue with the splendor of Korean culture. The subsequent live performance of "Golden" by Lee Jae, Audrey noona and Ray Ami, and the sight of many Hollywood actors such as Emma Stone, Leonardo DiCaprio and Gwyneth Paltrow waving light sticks to the music, evoked a K-pop performance and made apparent the overwhelming popularity and power of 'K-pop Demon Hunters' that has captivated the global stage.
Meanwhile, not only 'K-pop Demon Hunters' but also Netflix film 'Frankenstein' won costume, makeup and production design awards at the Academy Awards; Netflix film 'Singers' won the short film award; and Netflix documentary film 'The Empty Room' won the short documentary award, proving the strength of Netflix content.
[Below: backstage Q&A with 'K-pop Demon Hunters' director Maggie Kang]
Q. What do you think this award symbolizes, and what does it mean to you personally?
I'm very proud of Korean films and films about Korea. One of the most moving moments as a producer was watching director Bong Joon-ho win the Oscar for Parasite. Receiving the best animated feature with a film that embodies Korean culture feels like holding trophies in both fields. I didn't want to disappoint Korean people, so honestly I'm very proud and at the same time relieved.
Q. How do you hope tonight's win will be remembered in the history of K-pop and Korean content? And as a creator, how do you view this moment in which K-pop has expanded beyond music to reach the Academy through animation and film?
I have been a fan of K-pop since it first emerged in the 1990s, and my love for K-pop began then. That's why seeing K-pop loved by global audiences means a lot to me. I'm honored to be able to put every aspect of the culture I love into a film, and that it is accepted and loved in other cultures around the world is very meaningful as a Korean producer. I hope more films that deal with diverse cultures will emerge in animation, and I especially think such attempts are truly necessary in animation.
[Below: comments and backstage Q&A from Lee Jae, IDO and 24 of 'K-pop Demon Hunters']
Q. Message to Korean fans
Lee Jae: I'm so grateful to fans in Korea. It's truly an honor, and I dedicate this song and film to Korea. I'm really so thankful.
IDO: Although we are currently abroad, we make music in Korea and often work with Korean people, and including those here, I'm grateful and happy that the blood, sweat and tears of everyone at our company resulted in an Academy Award.
Q. How does it feel to have delivered such an electrifying performance on the Academy stage?
Lee Jae: I was very nervous, but it's an honor to perform on such an incredible stage as the Academy Awards. I am just grateful. Especially as a Korean American woman to stand on this stage and experience our culture and traditions like this is truly amazing. The performance opened with traditional Korean music, which makes me especially proud. Growing up in the U.S. as a Korean American, I sometimes wanted to hide my Korean identity for fear of being bullied for food or culture. But now I'm truly proud of being Korean. During rehearsals I was able to genuinely connect with our roots, and I am just so thankful.
Q. How does it feel to stand here as an Academy Award winner?
Lee Jae: I'm so grateful, honored and it feels unreal. Everyone worked so hard, and this song is the result of true collaboration. I want to thank Maggie Kang and director Chris Appelhans for creating a beautiful film. Everyone, including the directors, participated in the process of making this song, and I'm so happy everyone's efforts have borne fruit. I also want to thank Audrey noona and Ray Ami.
Q. Any final thanks you'd like to give?
IDO: I want to thank my family, 24, my fellow IDO members and Teddy Park. It's an unbelievable honor.
'K-pop Demon Hunters,' which achieved the feat of winning two awards at the 98th Academy Awards, once again shook the world and is streaming on Netflix.
[Photo] ©A.M.P.A.S.
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