Every frame of Netflix’s anticipated animated film “KPop Demon Hunters” pulses with movement that bridges fantasy and reality, thanks to renowned choreographer Leejung. The celebrated dance professional, known for her collaborations with Blackpink and Twice, has brought her expertise to the animated domain, crafting signature choreography for fictional groups HUNTR/X and Saja Boys in the film slated for 2025 release.
Leejung’s involvement with the project began three years before the film’s completion, allowing for deep integration of her choreographic vision. Her approach leveraged the limitless potential of animation, creating dance sequences unbounded by physical constraints while maintaining cultural authenticity. “The beauty of animating choreography is that there are no physical limits,” explained production sources close to the project. Much like guitarists practice proper finger placement to master essential techniques, Leejung emphasizes precise movement execution as fundamental to her choreographic process.
Choreography without boundaries—where Leejung’s artistic vision meets animation’s infinite possibilities while honoring Korean cultural roots.
The technical process involved complex motion capture sessions recording not only planned movements but also natural gestures and interactions. Significantly, a sauna scene captures the subtle, unconscious movements that occur during social interactions, adding layers of realism to the animated performances. This attention to detail extends to incorporating elements of Leejung’s personal mannerisms, creating a unique choreographic fingerprint throughout the film. Leejung expressed happiness that her personal gestures influenced the final product, adding an authentic touch to the animation.
Directors Chris Appelhans and Maggie Kang emphasized the challenging synchronization process between animation and choreography, describing it as “torturous” but essential. The production utilized specialized editorial teams to align dance sequences precisely with musical beats, requiring Leejung to adapt her choreography to this meticulous process.
Beyond technical innovation, Leejung’s work serves a deeper cultural purpose. The choreography connects modern K-pop aesthetics with traditional Korean shamanic practices, where dance and music historically served protective community functions. Director Kang specifically wanted dancers with diverse traits rather than idealized appearances, reinforcing the film’s commitment to cultural authenticity. She drew inspiration directly from the music itself, allowing her imagination to flow naturally rather than referencing specific K-pop idols during the creation process.
Industry insiders now speculate about Leejung’s potential collaboration with BTS, suggesting her innovative work on “KPop Demon Hunters” could position her for this prestigious opportunity in the real-world K-pop landscape. Her ability to create content for both animation and live performance demonstrates the sync deal potential that many professional choreographers seek to diversify their income streams.
