“We dedicate this award to Korea and to Koreans around the world.”
With the Oscar trophy in her hands, director Maggie Kang of the Netflix animation K-Pop Demon Hunters delivered those words after the film sparked a global K-culture phenomenon. The film concluded its remarkable awards journey at the Academy Awards, widely regarded as the most prestigious ceremony in cinema, taking home both Best Animated Feature and Best Original Song.
The 98th Academy Awards were held at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, Los Angeles, on March 15 (local time).
K-Pop Demon Hunters first won Best Animated Feature, beating strong competitors including Zootopia 2, Arco, Elio, and Little Amélie.
Director Maggie Kang said in her acceptance speech, “I’m sorry it took so long for a film like this, with protagonists who look like me, to be made. The next generation won’t have to wait. I dedicate this award to Korea and Koreans all over the world.” Her remarks drew emotional applause.
Producer and co-director Chris Appelhans added, “Music and storytelling have the power to connect souls across cultures and borders. To young filmmakers, artists and musicians around the world, tell your stories. The world is ready to hear your voice.”
One of the most memorable moments of the ceremony came during the performance of “Golden.” The stage opened with a dramatic pansori introduction that immediately electrified the audience. Twenty-four dancers dressed in traditional costumes, including hanbok and grim reaper outfits, delivered a powerful performance that captivated Hollywood’s biggest stars.
Singers EJAE, Audrey Nuna and Rei Ami performed “Golden” live as celebrities including Leonardo DiCaprio and Emma Stone waved K-pop lightsticks in the audience. For a moment, the Dolby Theatre felt like a full-scale K-pop concert venue.
“Golden” later won Best Original Song, adding to the night’s emotional highlights. EJAE said, “Thank you to the Academy. Right now people everywhere are singing our song and even singing the Korean lyrics. Like the song says, this award isn’t about success. It’s about resilience,” while becoming visibly emotional as she thanked her fiancé.
However, the moment ended abruptly. Despite EJAE’s request to finish her remarks, the Academy cut her speech short by turning off the microphone and stage lights, drawing criticism from viewers. Organizers cited time constraints of the live broadcast, but the incident left some disappointment.
K-Pop Demon Hunters tells the story of Huntress, a girl group of demon hunters, who battle a rival boy group of demons known as the Saja Boys who prey on human souls.
Since its release on Netflix in June last year, the film has achieved global phenomenon-level popularity. With more than 500 million cumulative views worldwide, it surpassed Squid Game to become Netflix’s most successful title.
Earlier this year, the film won both Best Animated Feature and Best Original Song at the Golden Globe Awards. Last month, “Golden” also made history at the Grammys as the first K-pop song nominated for Best Song Written for Visual Media.
From inspiring viewers around the world to seek out Korean snacks like shrimp crackers and gimbap to encouraging travel to Korea, the cultural ripple effect of K-Pop Demon Hunters reached its peak with the Academy Awards victory.
Director Maggie Kang previously said, “Our culture has endless stories to share with the world. There is no limit.” President Lee Jae-myung also commented after watching the film that it demonstrated how “the most Korean things can become the most global.”
Kang and Appelhans have already signed a multi-year partnership with Netflix and are moving forward with a sequel. The story of K-Pop Demon Hunters and the global Korean culture wave is far from over.
Reported by News Culture M.J._mj94070777@nc.press
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