Netflix’s Hit Animation "KPop Demon Hunters"
In 2025, Korean culture experienced a remarkable year of expansion and reckoning, marked by significant milestones across various artistic domains. From the global phenomenon of K-pop to groundbreaking achievements in musical theater, the landscape of Korean entertainment has evolved dramatically. Among the standout successes is Netflix’s animated film "KPop Demon Hunters," which has redefined the intersection of K-pop and global culture.
A Cultural Breakout
Released on June 20, "KPop Demon Hunters" quickly became a sensation, amassing over 500 million views by December, making it the most-watched film in Netflix’s history. This supernatural action-comedy animation not only captivated audiences but also sparked singalong screenings in theaters worldwide, from the U.S. to Korea. The film’s soundtrack features the Billboard-topping single "Golden," performed by the fictional K-pop group Huntrix, which garnered five Grammy nominations and was shortlisted for an Academy Award for Best Original Song.
The film’s success signifies a historic turning point for K-pop, extending its influence beyond music into cinema as a narrative force. It showcases distinctly Korean cultural elements, such as K-pop fandom, food, and folklore, illustrating how Korea’s once-marginal culture has entered the global mainstream. According to Kyong Yoon, a professor at the University of British Columbia, this marks "a new phase of the Hallyu wave," where Korean content is increasingly diverse and reaches audiences through major entertainment platforms.
The Boom in Korean Cultural Heritage
The National Museum of Korea also experienced a surge in popularity, welcoming over 6 million visitors in a single year for the first time since its opening. Merchandise sales reflecting Korea’s cultural heritage reached a record-breaking 35.6 billion won ($23.9 million) by November. The museum’s innovative exhibits, such as the "Room of Quiet Contemplation," invite visitors to engage with artifacts in a new way, while playful events like the "Dress Like a Museum Exhibit" contest allow participants to embody historical relics.
"KPop Demon Hunters" further amplified this momentum, weaving traditional Korean art and folklore into its visual narrative, including motifs like "Tiger and Magpie" folk paintings and the "gat," a translucent horsehair hat worn by noblemen.
Musical Theater Breakthroughs
In a historic achievement, the musical "Maybe Happy Ending," co-created by composer Will Aronson and lyricist Hue Park, became the first original Korean musical to win at the Tony Awards, taking home six trophies, including Best Musical. The story, set in a near-future Seoul, follows two obsolete Helperbots, Oliver and Claire, exploring universal themes of love and resilience. The Broadway production, featuring stars like Darren Criss, opened in November 2024 and received critical acclaim, leading to a new Korean production that has enjoyed a sold-out run.
K-pop’s Expanding Global Reach
K-pop’s influence continued to grow in 2025, transcending music and permeating streaming content and global production models. BLACKPINK’s Rosé gained traction with her solo single "APT.," showcasing K-pop artists’ ability to compete in international markets without relying on region-specific promotions. The success of "KPop Demon Hunters" introduced a fictional K-pop universe to global audiences, reinforcing the genre’s viability as a long-term intellectual property.
Multinational groups like U.S.-based KATSEYE and JYP Entertainment’s GIRLSET have adopted K-pop’s training and development model, targeting Western markets and gaining notable traction. This shift underscores K-pop’s evolution from a regional export to a global pop framework, influencing how international acts are trained and marketed.
BTS’s Anticipated Return
The year also marked the completion of mandatory military service for all seven members of BTS, ending the group’s nearly two-and-a-half-year hiatus. Despite their absence, BTS maintained a strong global presence through solo releases and fan engagement. With plans for a full-member comeback in spring 2026, industry observers anticipate a significant impact on touring and album sales, marking one of the most consequential returns in K-pop history.
NewJeans and Legal Challenges
K-pop girl group NewJeans announced their return to label Ador after a yearlong contract dispute, which raised broader questions about artist-management relations in the industry. The Seoul court ruling that upheld their contracts restored clarity, but uncertainty remains regarding their future releases and promotions.
Shifts in the Korean Film Industry
In a notable trend, no film reached the 10-million admissions mark in the Korean box office for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic. Overseas animated features dominated, with Disney’s "Zootopia 2" and Japanese animation "Demon Slayer" leading the charts. This shift indicates a changing audience dynamic, where viewers gravitate toward films with established fandoms.
The Conclusion of "Squid Game"
Netflix’s "Squid Game" released its third season on June 27, marking the end of a series that became a global cultural phenomenon. The finale made history by debuting at No. 1 in every country where it was released, solidifying its status as a worldwide sensation. The series not only redefined expectations for non-English-language television but also elevated the global profile of Korean content.
A New Era in Classical Music
In the classical music realm, conductor Chung Myung-whun was appointed the music director of La Scala, becoming the first Asian to hold the position. His tenure, set to begin in 2027, reflects the growing recognition of Korean talent in the global classical music scene.
Turbulence in the Entertainment Industry
Despite these successes, 2025 was not without its challenges. The Korean entertainment industry faced legal disputes and scandals involving high-profile stars, leading to public backlash and a demand for accountability. The retirement of actor Cho Jin-woong, following revelations of his juvenile criminal record, highlighted the industry’s need for ethical standards.
As Korean culture continues to expand its influence globally, it faces both opportunities and challenges, navigating a complex landscape that reflects its rich heritage and modern evolution.
