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China Again... "Cultural Theft" Claims Against 'K-Pop Demon Hunters' at No. 1

YANG Soyeong
Input : 
2025-06-25 09:01:25
Updated : 
2025-06-25 09:43:46
'K-Pop Demon Hunters' Photo | Netflix
'K-Pop Demon Hunters' Photo | Netflix

The 'K-Pop Demon Hunters', based on K-pop idols, is captivating audiences worldwide, but some Chinese individuals are making unfounded claims.

According to the online video service (OTT) ranking site FlixPatrol, this work, released on the 20th, ranked first in the global film category as of the 23rd.

It has topped the charts not only in South Korea but also in the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Australia, Mexico, Japan, and a total of 26 countries.

However, some Chinese netizens are controversially claiming that the Korean elements featured in the work "stole Chinese culture."

As of the 24th, about 1,000 reviews related to 'K-Pop Demon Hunters' have been posted on Douban, China's largest review site.

Among these, there are absurd claims such as "It plagiarized Chinese culture," "Why are there Chinese elements in Korean aspects?" and "Chinese knots appear multiple times in the film."

Professor Seo Kyung-duk from Sungshin Women's University stated, "Currently, Netflix is not officially available in China, so it seems they watched 'K-Pop Demon Hunters' illegally and left reviews."

He continued, "Now, illegal viewing has become a daily occurrence in China," and criticized, "It is even more astonishing that they feel no shame about it."

He also asserted, "Instead of making unfounded claims that 'Korea stole Chinese culture,' Chinese netizens should first learn to respect the cultures of other countries."

'K-Pop Demon Hunters' is an action fantasy animation that tells the story of K-pop superstars Lumi, Mira, and Joy, who act as hidden heroes protecting the world behind their glamorous stages.

The popular girl group fills large stadiums with fans, and when not performing, they become brave demon hunters, protecting people from supernatural threats.

This animation, featuring K-POP exorcism action, captivates global fans with its attractive OST and stunning visuals, receiving praise for incorporating Korean elements such as Namsan Seoul Tower, traditional houses, and grim reapers.

The film is produced by Sony Pictures Animation, known for movies like 'Spider-Man: Across the Universe' and 'Hotel Transylvania.'

Actors Ahn Hyo-seop, who appeared in dramas like 'Romantic Doctor Kim Sa-bu 2' and 'Business Proposal,' and Lee Byung-hun, who captivated global fans with the 'Squid Game' series, participated in the English dubbing. Members of the group TWICE, Jeongyeon, Jihyo, and Chaeyoung, contributed to the OST.

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