The stars of KPop Demon Hunters are reportedly preparing for real-life performances as the Saja Boys – find out more below.
Per The Korean Times, the voices behind the hit animated film’s have registered as official members of The Federation of Korean Music Performers (FKMP), suggesting that they’re planning for real-life performances.
According to the FKMP, the five registered members of the group are Andrew Choi, Neckway and Kevin Woo – who voiced the boy group in the film – as well as newly added members Danny Chung and samUIL Lee.
Details of the planned performances have yet to be shared publicly. The report comes after the viral success of the film, as well as the real-life performances by EJAE, Audrey Nuna and Rei Ami, who provide the singing voices for Huntr/x in the Netflix film.
Meanwhile, a sequel to Netflix‘s hit animated film has reportedly been confirmed and is slated for release sometime in 2029. Plans for an animated sequel were being discussed as early as August 28, just days after the original film’s release.
Released August 23, the Netflix movie tells the story of a group of internationally renowned singers who lead a double life as demon hunters. It swiftly became a global phenomenon, becoming the most watched film in Netflix history, and its success was bolstered by sing-along screenings held in cinemas, reportedly grossing around $20million (£14.9million) in a single weekend.
Following the success of the film, rumours began circulating that a live-action remake is being considered – the creator and director of the film, Maggie Kang, told the BBC she doesn’t like the idea. “There’s so many elements of the tone and the comedy that are so suited for animation,” she said. “It’s really hard to imagine these characters in a live-action world. It would feel too grounded. So totally it wouldn’t work for me.”
Co-director Chris Appelhans agreed: “One of the great things about animation is that you make these composites of impossibly great attributes. Rumi can be this goofy comedian and then singing and doing a spinning back-kick a second later and then freefalling through the sky. The joy of animation is how far you can push and elevate what’s possible. I remember they adapted a lot of different anime and often times, it just feels a little stilted.”
For now, the film will turn its attention to awards season, with KPop Demon Hunters’ ‘Golden’ nominated for three Grammys, including Song of the Year, Best Pop Duo/Group Performance, Best Song Written for Visual Media.