South Korea Celebrates 'Miracle' Oscar Wins for KPop Demon Hunters
South Korea is erupting in jubilation following the dual Oscar victories for the hit animated film KPop Demon Hunters, with local media hailing the achievement as a cultural "miracle" that underscores the nation's growing artistic influence on the world stage. The film secured the Academy Awards for Best Animated Feature and Best Original Song for Golden during Sunday's ceremony, a feat that has resonated deeply across the country.
A Cultural Triumph on the Global Stage
Headlines in South Korea proclaimed the movie had reached "the peak of its syndrome" after its twin successes. The Hankyung business daily described the wins as a "miracle," cementing South Korea's expanding cultural footprint internationally. This Netflix production, which became the platform's most-watched film with over 500 million global views, blends Korean aesthetics and traditional culture into an American-produced animated fantasy.
Co-directed by Korean-Canadian Maggie Kang and featuring several Korean and Korean-American voice actors, the film has been praised for elevating local culture to a global audience. Film critic Youn Sung-Eun told the Yonhap news agency that sweeping awards at the Golden Globes, Grammys, and Oscars demonstrates global recognition of both the popularity and artistic merit of KPop Demon Hunters.
Oscars Performance Brings Korean Culture to Hollywood
The Oscars ceremony featured a vibrant performance of the award-winning song Golden, incorporating 24 dancers, pansori vocals, and traditional drumming. Notably, Hollywood stars such as Leonardo DiCaprio, Steven Spielberg, and Emma Stone were seen waving K-pop light sticks in the audience, symbolically bringing Korean culture into the heart of Hollywood.
Film critic Lee Dong-jin, quoted in the Chosun Ilbo newspaper, remarked that "even if the South Korean government had tried to buy that prime-time slot, such a performance would have been impossible," highlighting the unprecedented nature of this cultural showcase.
Mixed Emotions Amidst Celebration
While Kang's tearful acceptance speech, declaring "this is for Korea and Koreans everywhere," was widely celebrated, the jubilation was tempered by controversy. After singer-songwriter Ejae accepted the Oscar for Best Original Song and passed the microphone to fellow recipients, the orchestra immediately played them off stage, preventing the co-writers from delivering their prepared speeches.
Broadcaster Ahn Hyun-mo noted on cable channel OCN's live coverage that recipients of the short film award earlier in the evening had been allowed more speaking time, despite the larger group for Golden. This incident sparked some anger, underscoring the complexities of the celebration.
Beyond Entertainment: Boosting Tourism and Economy
The impact of KPop Demon Hunters extends far beyond the entertainment industry. Tourism data reveals that South Korea welcomed a record 18.9 million foreign visitors in 2025, an all-time high that officials partly attribute to tourists eager to visit locations featured in the film. This surge highlights the movie's role in promoting cultural tourism and economic benefits.
Pop culture critic Jung Duk-hyun told Yonhap that the film represents "a textbook case of elevating local culture to a global level," emphasizing its significance in showcasing Korean artistry and traditions to international audiences. The dual Oscar wins not only celebrate cinematic achievement but also reinforce South Korea's position as a powerhouse in global cultural exports.
