Hanbok-clad performers, pansori singers, and traditional drummers captivated audiences at the 98th Academy Awards in Los Angeles on March 15. The animated film K-Pop Demon Hunters claimed two major honors: Best Animated Feature and Best Original Song, with its theme song earning a coveted Golden statuette.
Cultural Showcase Steals the Spotlight
Dancers in vibrant hanbok and traditional gat hats beat the buk drum while holding the gleaming award. A powerful pansori performance accompanied the presentation, followed by graceful traditional dances waving silk banners. Cheer sticks lit up the Dolby Theatre, evoking a Korean folk village celebration and highlighting K-pop fandom energy.
Members of the group Heartrix—Lee Jae, Audrey Nuna, and Rei Ami—accepted the Best Original Song award, their performance amplifying the cultural fusion. Dancers enhanced the spectacle by dramatically unveiling the statuette’s details, drawing widespread applause from attendees.
Critical Acclaim and Global Impact
Film critic Lee Dong-jin praised the moment, stating, “This single statuette alone has the power to transform the Academy Awards’ image.” He added, “Korea produces collaborations worth celebrating, even without government investment.”
The win underscores K-pop’s rising influence in Hollywood. Released in June, K-Pop Demon Hunters—an animated tale of a boy band battling demonic forces—surpassed 5 million global viewers. It topped Netflix charts, outpacing series like Over Game and achieving record streaming success.
