K Pop, Demon Hunting, and Deeper Yearnings
K‑Pop Demon Hunters is a wildly popular animated musical on Netflix featuring a K‑pop girl group—Huntr/x—who secretly battle demons disguised as a rival boy band. The film’s engaging mix of catchy songs, striking visuals, and heartfelt storytelling has made it Netflix’s most-watched animated original, led box office weekends with a sing-along version, and even inspired real-world chart-topping hits like “Golden.”
Whether you're an anime fan or not, it's interesting to note that pop culture often reflects hidden spiritual longings. Because this isn't just about music or hit animations, it taps into our yearnings for a rescuer against real forces of darkness. And sadly, there is a rise of fantasy heroes and demon hunters in culture, confusing wandering and searching hearts. As one commentator retorts: "Only in a K-pop fantasy can a literal half-demon become the clearest model of someone wrestling with spiritual angst."
In broader terms, the plot and storyline of K-pop resonate with audiences worldwide, primarily due to the surge of trending fantasy and sci-fi shows highlighting heroes fighting evil. Shows like Stranger Things, Riverdale, Marvel, anime, and gaming reveal cultural fascinations with spiritual-like battles, even when framed in a secular or fantasy world. There's nothing inherently wrong with these shows, but they do bring up an even greater question:
When fantasy heroes stand between us and darkness, how can we help others realize that the Savior we need—one who truly rescues—already stands among us? Most people identify with a longing for a protector in their lives. They want the light and not the dark. We watch movies and cheer for the good guys to beat the villains—someone who wins against unseen forces. But what if these longings point to something more in all of us? Something every person was created to have? What if these longings point to Christ, the true Savior of the world, defeating death (the enemy), once and for all?
The True Hero Who Fights for Us
Compared to fictional characters acting out plot scenes, twists, and turns, Jesus Christ is the greater and supreme hero. Batman, Superman, you name it, doesn't stand a chance against the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. Why? Because our superhero is eternal, steadfast, and true. He doesn't change with circumstances:
The Lord, His character, and the words He proclaims are unchanging (Malachi 3:6). “Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away” (Matthew 24:35). How do we know this for certain? Because “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever” (Hebrews 13:8). Unlike K-pop shows with fictional characters, Jesus is the real deal, and that's really good news.
Colossians 1:13-14 tells us that Jesus rescues us from the dominion of darkness. This is why John 1:15 reminds us that Christ alone is the light, and the light shines in the darkness—the darkness cannot overcome it:
"For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins" (Colossians 1:13-14, NIV).
While Netflix shows do a good job of creating entertaining series, they also remind us that the battles they show are fantasy. In comparison, however, we know from the Scriptures that wars for our souls rage on behind the scenes. Ephesians 6:12 notes that our struggle is not against flesh and blood but against spiritual forces of evil, and we need to be aware of this evil. It's not fake, it's not just a show, and it's something heaven and hell are fighting over every day. Unlike animated heroines, Jesus doesn’t just entertain us; He truly defeats sin, death, and Satan. He rescues us from this battle.
In all of humanity, there is a longing for a Savior in human storytelling. Many will refute or ignore this fact, but look at stories like Harry Potter, The Lord of the Rings, Marvel, and K-pop Demon Hunters, to name a few. As C.S. Lewis, a renowned father of apologetics, writing, and theology, once noted, these mythical stories reflect our deepest truths, but they are only fulfilled in the Gospel.
How Do We Live in Light of This?
It's clear that shows like these aren't going anywhere, and that's okay. In fact, I think that's a good thing that people are searching for heroes, because that means we have an opportunity to tell them about the one who eternally defeats demons, death, and the grave. But how do we live in light of these matters?
First, recognize these longings—in yourself, your friends, and the world around you. Our culture’s obsession with heroes points to an ultimate need: salvation. Then, use cultural touchpoints like K-pop as a bridge to talk about Jesus. This is a simple way to redirect the conversation naturally and allow for questions the other person might have. Sometimes, this may go well, and other times, they may be resistant. What matters is to stay consistent and to live as a witness to the true hero.
As Hebrews 12:2 faithfully declares, if we fix our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of our faith, then others may see Him through us. Our job as Christians isn't to consume the culture and media around us, but to remember that the fantasy battles they often portray paint a vivid picture of real wars we're all facing. Ask the Lord to show you how you can share the hope of Him in everyday conversations, and live your life in a way that points others to the Savior who stands among us.
Huntr/x may fight demons in animated songs, but Jesus already fought—and won—the real battle. “O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting" (1 Corinthians 15:55, ESV)? The Savior we all long for isn't a distant mythical creature or Superman; He already stands among us, offering freedom and life. Will you accept Him?
A Prayer for Light in the Darkness
Dear Jesus,
You are the light of the world that drives out all darkness. When stories and shows fill our minds with heroes and battles, help us to see you—the eternal hero who rescues us from death and the grave. No matter what battles come our way, we are clothed in your armour and protection. We are Ambassadors of Christ, and because of you, we don’t have to fear the demons that come our way. Give us opportunities to share this message of life with those around us, and help us to be a light as we live as children of the light. We love, praise, and thank you, Lord. You are eternal. You are good. You are the light, shining forth light within each of us into a broken, hurting, and needy world. Amen.
"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it" (John 1:1-5, NIV).
Amen.
Photo Credit: Netflix Facebook, August 24th, 2025 @6pm
Originally published August 29, 2025.
