Maggie Kang, director of the Netflix animated feature "KPop Demon Hunters", left the door open for the possible return of Jinu (voiced by Ahn Hyo-seop) in a sequel.
At a press conference held Aug. 22 at CGV Yongsan in Seoul, Kang smiled when asked whether Jinu―arguably the film’s male lead―might join a follow-up. “Who knows,” she said with a grin.
Jinu, the charismatic leader of the boy group Saja Boys and the film’s chief villain, became a breakout favorite. In the movie, he makes an exit that suggests a fatal end, but his fate is left deliberately ambiguous.
Kang declined to confirm whether Jinu lives or dies, repeating that it’s “hard to say,” then added with a laugh, “Don’t Korean stories love a good tragedy?”
Addressing questions about whether "KPop Demon Hunters" showcases both the global reach of K-pop and its darker side, Kang said, “Every industry―from Hollywood on down―has light and shade. With this film, we didn’t set out to spotlight any ‘darkness’ in K-pop. As the first animated feature centered on K-pop, we wanted to celebrate what’s positive―though we’re well aware of critical viewpoints.”
She added that “Saja Boys are demons and villains,” noting that the “real threat reveals itself through the story.”
"KPop Demon Hunters" follows K-pop superstars Rumi, Mira, and Zoey, who moonlight as secret heroes protecting the world once the stage lights go down. Released in June on Netflix, the film has become the streamer’s most successful animated title and now ranks as its No. 2 most-watched movie of all time.
Riding that momentum, fans are clamoring for a sequel―and both Netflix and Kang sound optimistic.
(SBS Entertainment News | Kim Ji-hye)