It’s official, KPop Demon Hunters is getting a sequel.
On Thursday (March 12), Netflix confirmed that a sequel to the hit animated film is moving forward, with directors Maggie Kang and Chris Appelhans returning as part of an exclusive multiyear writing and directing pact with the streaming platform focused on animation. The KPop Demon Hunters sequel will be the first project produced under that deal.
Kang said the audience response to the story motivated the continuation of the franchise.
“I feel immense pride as a Korean filmmaker that the audience wants more from this Korean story and our Korean characters," she said in the Netflix announcement. “There's so much more to this world we have built, and I'm excited to show you. This is only the beginning."
Appelhans added, “These characters are like family to us, their world has become our second home. We're excited to write their next chapter, challenge them, and watch them evolve—and continue pushing the boundaries of how music, animation, and story can come together.”
The original film, created in partnership with Sony Pictures Animation, follows K-pop superstars HUNTR/X who secretly work as demon hunters, protecting fans from supernatural threats while battling a rival boy band of demons known as the Saja Boys. Rumi, who serves as HUNTR/X’s leader, harbors a painful secret that could compromise the group’s mission.
The first film became a massive global hit after debuting in June 2025: Netflix said it surpassed 500 million views and became the streamer's most popular title ever.
Its soundtrack also generated billions of streams and major chart success. HUNTR/X became the first K-pop girl group to top the Billboard Hot 100, and breakout song "Golden" won a Grammy and received an Oscar nomination for Best Original Song.
The film itself is also nominated for Best Animated Feature at the upcoming Academy Awards, with coverage from Variety and The Hollywood Reporter noting it is widely considered a favorite in both categories.
Deadline reported that the movie’s brief theatrical run, with special sing-along screenings, added nearly $25 million domestically after an initial two-day $19 million run, making it the first Netflix film to hit No. 1 at the box office.
Netflix’s Chief Content Officer Bela Bajaria said, “With KPop Demon Hunters, Maggie and Chris didn't just reach audiences, they ignited a global fandom that crossed languages, generations, and genres. We're incredibly proud to deepen our partnership with them and, together with our partners at Sony Pictures Animation, build this universe in ways that will surprise and delight fans all over the world.”
Chairman of Netflix Film Dan Lin added, “Maggie and Chris were brave enough to take a bold creative swing by telling a story that was both deeply personal and broke cultural barriers. At Netflix, our goal is to make someone's favorite movie, and they did that by making the most popular Netflix movie of all time! There's so much more story to tell, and we can't wait to bring more HUNTR/X to fans everywhere.”
The Hollywood Reporter noted the sequel is still in early development and that the directors are expected to begin focusing on it more fully after awards season. No release date has been announced, and an earlier reported possibility of 2029 is considered unlikely given the long production timeline for a large animated film.
The original voice cast included Arden Cho, Ji-young Yoo, and May Hong, while singers EJAE, Audrey Nuna, and Rei Ami performed the songs for HUNTR/X.
The three artists were also recently named the first group to share the Woman of the Year honor at Billboard's Women in Music ceremony, an award previously given to solo artists such as Cardi B, Lady Gaga, and Doechii.