"It feels like just yesterday that KPop Demon Hunters was only on my radar because the internet was memeing the hell out of one of the musical's early scenes in which Huntr/x, the fictional girl group that would give Dante from Devil May Cry a run for his money on the demon-slaying front, devours their pre-show snacks in a way that can only be described as bestial."
"Launching on Netflix was undeniably a boon for the film, as kids love to watch movies on repeat, and if an audience readily has easier access to something at home, it feeds The Content Machine. YouTubers can create entire reaction videos from the comfort of their own homes, clips that aren't just grainy camera recordings in a dark theater can circulate on social media, and its soundtrack of catchy K-pop earworms can be available on streaming the day the movie comes out."
KPop Demon Hunters gained unexpected mainstream traction after memes spotlighted a shocking pre-show scene, transforming curiosity into viewership. Netflix availability enabled repeat home viewing, easy sharing of high-quality clips, and immediate soundtrack streaming, amplifying viral spread. Sony's theatrical caution contrasted with Netflix's reach, allowing the movie to become a cultural moment within two months of release. The film's design—memorable visuals, a loud engaged fanbase, and K-pop earworms—made it especially suited to platform-driven virality. The movie's success leads to consideration about whether a sequel should alter its approach or replicate the same viral-friendly elements.
Read at Kotaku
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