Directors Maggie Kang and Chris Appelhans, who led the smash success of "KPop Demon Hunters", dropped hints about the sequel now in development.
At an Academy Award win press Q&A held on the afternoon of the 1st at CGV Yongsan in Seoul, Kang was asked about the direction for Part 2. “It’s a secret,” she said with a smile.
“We have a big idea, but nothing is locked yet. Like the first film, I’ll be co-directing with Chris Appelhans, and we’re going to make the movie we want to see. Please look forward to it. We’ll make it bigger and more fun than Part 1,” she added.
There was also a question about whether Jinu from the first film will return. Co-director Chris Appelhans replied, “Jinu is alive. In our hearts… (laughs). Beyond that, it’s hard to say more,” keeping details under wraps.
Even so, he promised they’re aiming to meet fans’ expectations. “I think the relationship between our movie and our fans is special. Fans discovered our film and introduced it to the world. From the start, it felt like family. So fans will be a source of inspiration for Part 2. It’s not about repeating the first film―we want to surprise fans even more and expand on what they loved. And ‘Korean-ness’ is the foundation of our movie, so we want to carry that forward. Whether in the characters or the story, that ‘Korean-ness’ will absolutely be there,” Appelhans said.
Kang, who previously shared her interest in Korean trot and heavy metal during a visit last August, was asked about it again. “Trot is so uniquely Korean, so I’m always interested. But since the story isn’t fully set, it’s hard to say anything now about the Part 2 soundtrack,” she said.
"KPop Demon Hunters" follows HUNTR/X, a girl group of demon hunters, as they face off against Saja Boys, a demon boy group that preys on people’s souls. Since its Netflix debut last June, the film has surpassed 500 million global views, becoming the top-performing Netflix film title ever.
Beyond the film, HUNTR/X’s OST "Golden" topped the Billboard Hot 100 for eight weeks, igniting massive buzz.
"KPop Demon Hunters" won two prizes at the 89th Academy Awards―Best Animated Feature and Best Original Song―beating "Zootopia 2" and "Elio," among others.
(SBS Entertainment News | Kim Ji-hye)