“KPop Demon Hunters,”a high-energy, high-concept supernatural action comedy from Sony Pictures Animation,presents a unique blend ofSouth Korean music culture and demon-fighting heroics. The film, from the versatile studio behind hits like “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse,” centers on the premise that K-pop fans are not just followers but the very foundation of their idols’ power, a theme constantly echoed by the music acts themselves.

The narrative revolves around Huntrix, a girl band comprising three ultra-talented supernatural protectors: the rebellious woldo-wielding Mira (May Hong), Burbank-raised rapper Zoey (Ji-young Yoo), and purple-braided orphan Rumi (Arden Cho). These K-pop superstars leverage their fame to defend the mortal world from the menacing demon king Gwi-Ma (Byung Hun Lee). When not slicing evil spirits with their phosphorescent pink weapons, Huntrix builds a protective barrier called the Golden Honmoon, powered by the immense love of their fans, designed to block demons permanently.

However, the demon king’s acolyte, Jinu (Ahn Hyo-seop), devises a cunning plan. Along with four impossibly handsome fellow demons, he forms a rival K-pop group, the Saja Boys, aiming to siphon off Huntrix’s fanbase and undermine their protective power. This sets the stage for an unexpected romantic comedy subplot as Rumi and Jinu find themselves irresistibly drawn to each other, a predictable but charming element of the story.

Photo Credit: AP News

Co-directorsChris Appelhans (“Wish Dragon”) and Maggie Kang bring a remarkably playful and innovative approach to computer animation. Eschewing the smoother in-between movements often seen in other major animation studios, they draw inspiration from webtoons and manhwa (Korean graphic novels). This results in a style emphasizing dynamic silhouettes and characters hitting and holding lively key poses as the camera moves around them.

This technique, originally a cost-saving measure in older animated series like “Speed Racer,” now lends “KPop Demon Hunters” a distinctively Asian aesthetic, further enhanced by delightful comic-book touches. For instance, when Huntrix first encounters the Saja Boys, their pupils comically swell into puffy red hearts, and Zoey’s eyes transform into six-pack abs and buttery corncobs in reaction to the guys’ physiques, a memorable alternative to classic cartoon gags.

The film’s violence, while frequent, is visually appealing and designed to maintain a PG rating. The trio’s weapons slice cleanly through demons, identifiable by jagged purple markings, causing them to explode into bursts of confetti. Later, demons are depicted swarming through a rift in the Honmoon, galloping like Gollums and subtly sucking souls from humans, with the actual act implied rather than explicitly shown.

The fast-paced narrative quickly moves through its exposition-heavy first act. Within 15 minutes, a crucial secret is revealed: Rumi is the daughter of a pop-singer mom and a demon dad, bearing the same purple markings as the spirits she battles. Only Huntrix’s trusted trainer, Celine (Yunjin Kim), is aware of Rumi’s hybrid status, believing she can control her demon genes. Yet, Celine never anticipates Rumi’s budding romance with Jinu, who also harbors secrets of his own.

Photo Credit: AP News

A minor subplot involving problems with Rumi's voice, while less impactful, allows for fun character moments, including an action-packed spa trip and a short staycation complete with bubble tea and bingsu. Adorable animal sidekicks, a grinning tiger demon and a black bird in a tiny gat (hat), designed straight from Korean folklore, add to the charm.

Crucially for a K-pop-themed film, “KPop Demon Hunters” boasts a vibrant and original soundtrack. Compiled by A-list music producers, the macaronic score mixes English and Korean lyrics. It features three hits for Huntrix, performed by Ejae, Audrey Nuna, and Rei Ami (“How It’s Done,” “Golden,” and “Takedown”—the latter covered by Twice over the end credits), with the standout being “Free,” a duet between Ejae and Andrew Choi (Rumi’s and Jinu’s singing voices). The immersive K-pop world and catchy choreography ensure that viewers, while engrossed in the action, may find themselves singing along, making it a musical in all but name.