KPop Demon Hunters Wins Two Oscars in 2026, Making New K-pop History in Hollywood

Liputan6.com, Jakarta - The animated urban fantasy musical film, KPop Demon Hunters, made history at the 98th Academy Awards, held on March 15, 2026.

The Sony Pictures Animation production for Netflix took home two prestigious Oscars: Best Animated Feature and Best Original Song for its hit song, "Golden."

These wins not only recognized the film's quality but also marked a significant moment for the K-pop industry on the global stage.

This remarkable achievement was achieved during an emotional night at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, where director Maggie Kang delivered a touching acceptance speech about representation.

The film, which premiered on Netflix on June 20, 2025, had previously broken the record for the most-watched original title in the platform's history, with over 500 million views.

K-Pop Demon Hunters is an American animated musical urban fantasy film released in 2025.

It was produced by Sony Pictures Animation for Netflix and directed by Maggie Kang and Chris Appelhans, with Michelle L.M. Wong producing.

The film follows a female K-pop idol group called HUNTR/X who lead double lives as demon hunters.

They must confront a rival male idol group, Saja Boys, whose members are secretly demons.

This unique storyline, combined with musical and fantasy elements, has captured the attention of a diverse audience.

The film features a star-studded voice cast, including Arden Cho as Rumi, Ahn Hyo-seop as Jinu, May Hong, Ji-young Yoo, Yunjin Kim, Daniel Dae Kim, Ken Jeong, and Lee Byung-hun.

Since its Netflix premiere on June 20, 2025, K-pop film Demon Hunters has become an instant global sensation and breaking viewing records.

At the 98th Academy Awards, held on March 15, 2026, K-pop film Demon Hunters made history by winning two Oscars.

The film was named Best Animated Feature.

Furthermore, the film's song "Golden" won the Best Original Song award, making it the first K-pop song to win an Oscar in that category.

This win also marked a historic milestone for South Korean songwriters Ejae, Ido, and Teddy Park, who, along with Mark Sonnenblick, became the first South Koreans to win the Best Original Song award.

Director Maggie Kang, accepting the film's first Oscar alongside Chris Appelhans and Michelle L.M. Wong, delivered a deeply emotional acceptance speech.

She highlighted the importance of representation, stating, "To all the fans who brought us here and to everyone who looks like me, I'm so sorry it took so long for us to see ourselves in a film like this. But it's here, and that means the next generation won't have to miss anymore. This is for Korea and for Koreans everywhere."

The Oscar win is just the culmination of a string of accolades that K-Pop Demon Hunters has received throughout awards season.

The film has dominated various events, winning Best Animated Feature at the Critics' Choice Awards and the Golden Globes.

Furthermore, the film swept the Annie Awards, a prestigious award for animated films and series.

The hit song, "Golden," also achieved no less, taking home the Grammy Award for Best Song Written for Visual Media.

The impact of K-Pop Demon Hunters extends far beyond cinemas and streaming platforms.

The film has had a significant cultural impact, evidenced by the increase in visitors to the National Museum of Korea and increased tourism to various Seoul landmarks featured in the film.

Given this tremendous success, Netflix has announced plans to produce a sequel.

Directors Maggie Kang and Chris Appelhans are confirmed to return to helm the sequel to the K-pop demon hunters.