Netflix’s “KPop Demon Hunters” became a global hit this year. This animated film did more than entertain. It changed the way people see animation. At the helm is Maggie Kang, the director, who accepted Korea’s Cultural Merit Award and earned a spot on Forbes’ 2025 Power List.
How “KPop Demon Hunters” Director Maggie Kang Earned Korea’s Cultural Merit
This year, Maggie Kang brought Korean mythology to a global audience. Her outstanding work earned her Korea’s highest cultural honor. Not only that, she and her team also made a spot on this year’s Forbes list of the world’s 100 most powerful women.
Meet Maggie Kang: The Visionary Director
Maggie Kang was born in Seoul with the Korean name Kang Min-ji. She grew up in Toronto with a love for both Korean traditions and Western animation. Today, she is known worldwide for her captivating work in animation.
She studied animation at Sheridan College. Maggie began her career as a story artist at DreamWorks, where she was involved in hit projects such as “Puss in Boots” and “The Croods.” She also contributed to “Kung Fu Panda 3,” “Trolls,” “Minions: The Rise of Gru,” and led the story team for “The LEGO Ninjago Movie.”
Later, her Korean heritage inspired her to create “KPop Demon Hunters.” Her journey from story artist to director highlights her dedication and cultural pride, leading to major success.
KPop Meets Mythology: The Record-Breaker
Netflix’s “KPop Demon Hunters” reached about 479.8 million views worldwide, marking the streaming giant’s most-watched movie ever.
The film’s animated K-pop group, HUNTR/X, soared to the top of the Billboard Hot 100 with their hit song “Golden.” Performed by EJAE, Audrey Nuna, and Rei Ami—the voices behind HUNTR/X—the track reached 1 billion streams on Spotify by November.
The movie showcases Korean mythology, featuring Jeoseung Saja (Grim Reapers) as villains and Dokkaebi (goblins) with traditional mask designs, all set to lively K-pop music.
Sony producer Michelle Wong explained the film’s success: “The film wouldn’t have been as powerful without the songs, and the songs wouldn’t have carried the same weight without the story.”
Korea’s Highest Honor: Why Maggie Kang Earned the Order of Cultural Merit
Korea gives the Cultural Merit Award for truly extraordinary achievements. The Korean government honored Maggie Kang with the Okgwan Order of Cultural Merit. She’s one of the visionaries who have shaped Korea’s image worldwide this year.
Maggie Kang received this award for making a movie that shares Korean culture with the world and stays true to its roots. She did more than make a movie; she connected millions of people through culture. Her film brings Korean myths into the worldwide K-pop craze. This movie is more than just fun to watch; it is a celebration of Korean pride.
Forbes Power List: Her Global Impact
Maggie Kang and her team landed on #100 on Forbes’ 2025 list of the World’s 100 Most Powerful Women. This recognition celebrated “The Women of KPop Demon Hunters,” honoring the creators, cast, and even the fictional HUNTR/X members.
Forbes highlighted the film’s record-breaking success. It became Netflix’s most-watched movie, featured an animated girl group that topped the Billboard charts, and produced songs with over 1 billion streams. This ranking places them alongside Korean business leaders such as Lee Boo-jin (CEO of Hotel Shilla, #90) and Choi Soo-yeon (CEO of Naver, #91).
According to Forbes, the ranking criteria are based on asset size, media exposure, and policy or business influence, and “KPop Demon Hunters” stood out across all three. It’s rare that animation creators make it on the list. From this, we learn that powerful storytelling can be as impactful as business leadership.
What This Means for K-Culture’s Future
This Cultural Merit belongs not only to Maggie Kang but to everyone who cherishes K-culture. Her success proves that Korean stories with cultural elements can captivate the world. And animation isn’t only for children anymore. It can be a powerful force that shapes global culture.
For K-pop fans, their beloved music is now inspiring animation worldwide. For creators, it is proof that unique cultural stories can resonate worldwide. For everyone, it promises more stories that celebrate diverse identities.
Korean mythology and K-pop are now igniting a new wave of filmmaking, a trend driven by visionaries like Maggie Kang. Kang created more than just a successful movie; she has empowered other creators to confidently bring their cultural stories to the global stage.
The Beat Goes On
Maggie Kang’s journey from story artist to cultural icon is truly inspiring. With “KPop Demon Hunters,” she brought her heritage and passion to every scene. The film became a global hit, changing how people see animation, K-culture, and storytelling by blending stunning visuals, energetic dance, and lively Korean stories into an unforgettable experience.
What do you think about Director Maggie Kang of “KPop Demon Hunters” receiving a cultural merit and being named one of the most powerful women in 2025? Share your thoughts below.
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