The confirmed sequel to global sensation “KPop Demon Hunters” (2025) will bring the unexpected just like it did with the first one, according to co-director Chris Appelhans on Wednesday.

“I think part of what inspires us [when] working on the sequel is we want to do things that we did the first time,” Appelhans said during the film’s press conference in Yongsan District, central Seoul, on Wednesday.


The event took place to celebrate the movie’s Oscars accolades and was attended by co-directors Appelhans and Maggie Kang; singer-songwriter EJAE, who worked on the soundtrack and provided the singing voice for the protagonist, Rumi; and the music producer trio IDO.

“Not in the sense of repeating, but in the sense of surprising those fans [and] doing things that are unexpected, that are breaking rules, that are pushing the boundaries — and underneath all of that, the authenticity. The Korean-ness is the soul of the movie on every level, from the [...] characters to the music to the mythology,” Appelhans explained.

Released in June 2025, “KPop Demon Hunters” and its soundtrack, including the viral hit “Golden” (2025), have earned major awards since their release, such as the Golden Globes and the Grammys. Most recently, the movie and “Golden” won Best Animated Feature and Best Original Song, respectively, at the 98th Academy Awards last month.

The film revolves around Rumi, Mira and Zoey, members of the fictional K-pop girl group HUNTR/X who secretly hunt demons to protect the world. However, their mission takes an unexpected turn when they encounter the Saja Boys, a rival boy band made up of demons disguised as humans.

Kang previously mentioned the possibility of incorporating trot and heavy metal into the sequel’s soundtrack during a press event in Korea last August. At this press conference, she noted that such a chance remains.

“My thoughts [about including trot and heavy metal] haven’t changed, but the story hasn’t been set yet,” said Kang. “Trot is a uniquely Korean [music] style, so I’d love to introduce it more to the world. And since heavy metal is also part of K-pop’s base, I’d like to explore that genre as well.”

She added that they are still at the early stage of the sequel and “working on its big picture.”

“Just like with the first film, I want to [...] create a [movie] that I personally want to see,” Kang said. “For the [sequel], we plan to make it bigger and more eventful.”

As for the possible return of Jinu, the leader of the Saja Boys and Rumi’s love interest, the directors were tight-lipped.

“Jinu is alive in our hearts. Beyond that, we can’t say anything,” Appelhans said.

Kang also reflected on her experience as a Korean living abroad, noting that there has often been a sense of misunderstanding surrounding the diaspora. Seeing a story like this resonate globally, she said, highlights the role of art in bridging cultures.

“Now that we have reached this kind of a global market — especially in entertainment — I do think a lot of us [...] who kind of are skirting both cultures, we are the ones who will be bridging that gap [...] whether it's Korean or not,” Kang said. “I really wanted to recognize those people that are like me and EJAE, and I wanted to [...] celebrate that we are part of this culture [that] may be different, but it doesn’t make us any less Korean than anybody who was born or lived here.”

EJAE also shared her experience of performing “Golden” at the Oscars alongside Rei Ami, the singing voice of Zoey, and Audrey Nuna, the singing voice of Mira. The performance featured traditional Korean instruments and pansori, a traditional Korean method of musical storytelling.

“I actually cried a lot during rehearsals,” EJAE said. “It was such a proud moment for me as a Korean, seeing gugak [traditional Korean music] and pansori on such a big stage in the United States.”

During the performance, Hollywood stars, such as actors Leonardo DiCaprio and Emma Stone and director Steven Spielberg, were spotted waving light sticks — a surprising sight for many. EJAE said she avoided looking at the audience during the performance and only learned about the moment afterward.

“It was so surreal,” EJAE said. “I never imagined I’d see Leonardo DiCaprio holding a light stick in my lifetime. Seeing all these actors with light sticks really made me feel the power of K-culture.”

Regarding the HUNTR/X world tour, EJAE said that she, like the fans, heard about it through the news and had no further details.

The Black Label’s IDO, comprising Nam Hee-dong, Lee Yu-han and Zhun, also shared the acceptance speech that it didn’t get to fully deliver at the Oscars after being cut off.

“At the time, I wanted to take a moment to thank and congratulate everyone: our families, The Black Label, producers and all the team members,” Lee said.

“[The speech] wasn’t anything long, but it’s a bit of a shame that [we] didn’t get to say it. Still, it was an incredibly meaningful and joyful moment.”

BY KIM JI-YE [kim.jiye@joongang.co.kr]