KPop Demon Hunters: Korean Content Demand Surges with Netflix Hit

The Korean Wave is making big waves in the entertainment industry, and it’s not just a passing trend. Korean content is now a major force that is shaping the global entertainment landscape. From award-winning films like “Parasite” to viral hits like “Squid Game,” Korean creations are not only gaining critical acclaim but also changing how the Western entertainment industry works.

Recent data from Parrot Analytics shows that Korean titles were a major contributor to global revenue for streaming platforms in the last quarter of 2024, coming in second only to Japanese content. This shows that Korean content is not only popular with audiences but also financially lucrative. As streaming platforms aim to reach international audiences, Korean intellectual property (IP) has proven to be a valuable asset.

Netflix’s whopping $2.5 billion investment in Korean content over four years is a clear sign of their long-term commitment to this growing market. Korean entertainment is not just about licensing and budgets anymore; it’s about influencing creative decisions worldwide. Take, for example, “KPop Demon Hunters,” an animated film released on Netflix in June. Although produced in the U.S., the film is heavily inspired by Korean aesthetics and storytelling.

The story follows a girl group that secretly battles demons, blending K-pop fandom and Korean fantasy elements. According to Parrot Analytics, “Demon Hunters” reached one of the highest global demand peaks of any original streaming film in 2025. Even the film’s soundtrack made its mark, reaching the No. 2 spot on the Billboard 200 chart, showing the power of combining music, storytelling, and youth culture.

The influence of Korean entertainment is not limited to films and shows. The music industry is also feeling the impact, with three of the top five globally demanded music artists in the first half of 2025 being Korean. A significant portion of their fanbase comes from Gen Z, making Korean IP a strategic choice for reaching younger audiences worldwide.

The global demand for Korean content is evident, with “Demon Hunters” captivating audiences in 20 countries during its debut week, surpassing average viewership rates by more than 32 times. The U.S. led in demand, followed by four Asian markets, while countries like France and Brazil also showed a strong interest despite not being primarily English-speaking or Asian.

Korean entertainment has gone beyond being simply exported; it’s now being emulated, adapted, and celebrated worldwide. The impact of Korean content extends beyond entertainment, boosting Korea’s soft power, tourism, and cultural influence globally. For those in the entertainment industry, investing in Korean IP is no longer just a trend – it could be the key to staying relevant on a global scale.