The immense power of K-pop was on full display this weekend as the animated film KPop Demon Hunters shocked the industry with a box office win. The Netflix original earned a massive $18-$20 million from a limited sing-along run, a testament to the genre’s dedicated global fanbase and their willingness to show up for the content they love.
The film had already leveraged the appeal of K-pop to become the second-most-watched movie in Netflix’s history. Its soundtrack, filled with catchy and dynamic songs, further solidified its connection with fans and became a phenomenon in its own right, dominating music charts worldwide.
The theatrical sing-along event was a brilliant strategy to mobilize this fanbase. Held in 1,700 theaters, the event saw overwhelming demand, with an estimated 1,150 shows selling out completely. This fan-driven success occurred even as AMC Theaters, the country’s largest exhibitor, declined to participate.
The movie’s plot, centered on a K-pop girl group that secretly battles demons, is a perfect fusion of action and music. Its surprising box office triumph has made it a major success story, providing a significant boost to an otherwise lackluster summer for cinemas.
Picture Credit: X/@Netflix
