Writing and Directing KPOP DEMON HUNTERS
Writing and Directing KPOP DEMON HUNTERS  
Podcast: In Proximity
Published On: Mon Feb 16 2026
Description: We are sealing the Honmoon with KPOP DEMON HUNTERS directors and co-writers, Maggie Kang and Chris Appelhans! The veteran animation filmmakers break down how Maggie developed the story based on Korean culture and music, how she collaborated with Chris as a directing team, and how they pitched the idea to Netflix and K-pop music producers. They also share stories from behind the scenes of their seven-year production process including the creation of the film’s iconic “popcorn eyes” and how they worked with songwriter and producer EJAE to write the music… with a special surprise voice memo from the woman behind Rumi’s singing voice herself!  SHOP OUR PROX BOOKS RECS ON BOOKSHOP.ORG LEARN MORE AND READ THE TRANSCRIPT AT PROXIMITYMEDIA.COM WATCH/LISTEN TO IN PROXIMITYYOUTUBEAPPLE PODCASTSSPOTIFY FOLLOW PROXIMITY MEDIAINSTAGRAMTIKTOK (00:00) K-pop meets demon hunters (00:47) Let’s talk K-pop… and demon hunters! (02:04) Fun fan reactions (03:02) Honmoon in the club, the origin of honmoon (06:12) How Maggie’s Korean upbringing in Toronto shaped her storytelling (07:51) K-pop meets demon hunters (the full story) (09:59) How they became a directing team, WISH DRAGON (11:19) How they pitched KPOP DEMON HUNTERS (12:45) The music was the hardest part, how EJAE’s demos made it seem possible (13:20)EJAE, Teddy Park, THEBLACKLABEL, the demo for HOW IT’S DONE (15:23) Comps: “old people” anime, Cowboy Bebop, Sailor Moon, K-dramas, and GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY (17:10) Comedy, female empowerment, being your “stupidest self” with your friends (18:04) Collaborating on directing and screenwriting (19:53) Writing the script for KPOP DEMON HUNTERS (20:39) Sony Pictures Animation, shout out to the crew (25:00) The joke that became the iconic “popcorn eyes” scene (27:12) Voice Memo from EJAE (Musician, Songwriter, Producer, Singing Voice of Rumi) (29:45) Prox Recs IN PROXIMITY IS A PRODUCTION OF PROXIMITY MEDIA Host, Director, Producer: Paola Mardo Executive Producers: Ryan Coogler, Zinzi Coogler, Sev Ohanian Theme Song and Additional Music: Ludwig Göransson Co-Director and Director of Photography: Patrick Epino Sound Designer and Mix Engineer: Ken Nana Editors: Patrick Epino, Ken Nana, Ben Caloza Sound Recordist: Isabella Miller Motion Graphics Designer: Apollo Baldoz Associate Producer: Celine Mendiola Social Media Coordinator: Alexandria Santana Production Intern: Ben Caloza