"I was thrilled by the fact that 'K-Pop Demon Hunters' has no physical limitations. I was overwhelmed by the production team's incredible dreams and determination. I was moved."
Dancer Lee Jung (26, real name Lee Yi-jung) sees dance as a means to realize her joy and a medium for challenge. This has led her endlessly beyond her home country to overseas. Through the Netflix animation 'K-Demon Hunters' (hereafter 'K-Demon'), she is making her mark.
Recently, during an interview following the conclusion of the Mnet dance survival program 'World of Street Woman Fighter' (hereafter 'S-Woo-Pa'), Lee Jung's eyes were ablaze with passion. Although the Korean team 'BUMSUP' she belongs to was eliminated in the semi-finals, this became a driving force for her growth.
What excites people the most about Lee Jung's journey is the success of the Netflix original animation 'K-Demon', which became a hit at the same time as 'BUMSUP'.
In the series, she served as a choreographer for the Huntress 'How It's Done' and the boy group Lion Boys' 'Soda Pop'. In this work, where K-pop is a key element, she constantly contemplated the parts where dance could communicate, and she wanted to step beyond the existing dance scene into OTT to showcase her abilities.
The work is the first overseas animation to deal with K-pop idols in earnest, depicting the journey of the K-pop girl group Huntress as they compete with the rival boy group Lion Boys to protect the world with their voices.
"I started working on the draft three years ago," she said. "When I had my first meeting with the production team and heard the planning details, my heart raced. I thought it was an opportunity to showcase dance in a realm expanded from 'S-Woo-Pa'. I was thrilled at the thought of creating something different in the unique field of animation."
She was particularly impressed by the overwhelming attitude of the production team. "I wondered if a dream for a project could be this big. I felt like there was nothing I couldn't do, and I was overwhelmed and moved by their determined eyes."
Enjoying challenges at every moment and depicting her growth through them, Lee Jung was able to draw a new line in her career with this work. Ultimately, the desire to create animated characters was fueled by the freedom of dance. "Since there are no physical limitations, it feels like I could try everything I wanted. I was able to attempt various motions that I hadn't tried before, and those processes became significant challenges and expansions."
'K-Demon' is currently a global hit, recording the highest viewership for a Netflix animation ever. Among them, the OST 'Golden' sung by Huntress has proven its popularity by ranking 2nd on the US Billboard Hot 100 main singles chart.
"I didn't expect it to be this successful," she said. "Looking back, the production team's passion seemed immense from the beginning. They were motivating people with excellent sensibilities and the ability to execute them. I believe that sincerity in the arts resonates. The effort put into it was clearly conveyed."
Videos related to 'K-Demon' are currently attracting attention, ranking high in YouTube views. This includes performance videos of Huntress and Lion Boys that Lee Jung participated in. "It feels surreal. Just a few years ago, dance videos barely reached 10,000 views and weren't a major focus, but now it's miraculous that hundreds of thousands of people are watching my choreography," she smiled.
In this way, Lee Jung wanted to engage in various works through dance, regardless of the field. She said, "Every moment comes to me with a healthy ambition rather than pressure. The same goes for work. As a dancer, I constantly think about what I can do with my own identity, including broadcasting and advertising."
That is the source of her confidence. "I'm not ashamed even if I fail. I'm someone who isn't affected by setbacks. No matter what criticism there is, I value myself for confidently shouting out. I rate myself highly for being outspoken. (laughs)"
As Lee Jung grows, the K-pop choreography scene can also be seen to develop and grow alongside her. With a variety of choreographies being born, discussions about choreography copyright have begun. Lee Jung, who has created numerous choreographies for artists like TWICE, Jennie, Chungha, ITZY, Sunmi, Taeyong, NCT Dream, and aespa, is no exception.
Cautiously addressing the topic of choreography copyright, Lee Jung said, "Rather than the necessity of it, I hope that creators' rights are recognized in any way. Personally, I think I am already enjoying that," she laughed.
Additionally, she added, "There needs to be a change in the perception of more choreographers, rather than just financial issues."
Having emerged as a key figure leading K-pop choreography, Lee Jung seems to have developed her growth DNA through 'K-Demon'.
