Enthusiasts of supernatural fantasy and K-pop culture have found common ground in the growing phenomenon of tributes dedicated to Netflix’s popular series, “KPop Demon Hunters.” The innovative show, which follows the fictional girl group Huntr/x as they battle demonic forces through their musical performances, has inspired elaborate tribute events across major entertainment venues since its debut.
Last Saturday, viewers of “Saturday Night Live” were treated to an unexpected crossover when musical guest Bad Bunny introduced what he called his “dream idols” – a group of performers delivering a stunning tribute to the Huntr/x characters from the series. The performers captivated the audience with their recreation of the show’s signature song “Golden,” complete with the dramatic orchestral undertones and supernatural elements that distinguish the music from conventional K-pop.
SNL audiences witnessed K-pop magic as Bad Bunny’s “dream idols” brought Huntr/x’s supernatural “Golden” to life with orchestral flair.
The tribute performers demonstrated meticulous attention to detail, sporting the vibrant costumes featuring glowing patterns and demon motifs that are central to the show’s aesthetic. Their makeup included the distinctive demonic patterns that represent character transformations in the original series, while their choreography mimicked the powerful movements used by Huntr/x to combat demonic forces. Much like beginners learning basic chord transitions on guitar, the performers practiced extensively to master the synchronized movements central to the tribute.
Particularly striking was the performers’ portrayal of the main trio – Rumi, Mira, and Zoey – capturing their distinct personality traits and supernatural abilities. The vocalists impressed audiences with their ability to hit the challenging high notes effortlessly, utilizing proper breath control techniques that prevented strain while maintaining powerful delivery throughout the performance. The performance even incorporated elements from the antagonistic Saja Boys’ hit “Soda Pop,” creating the narrative tension between light and dark that drives the series’ plot.
Social media exploded with reactions as both K-pop enthusiasts and fantasy genre fans praised the tribute for its authenticity and creative execution. “They perfectly captured the duality between human and demon that makes Rumi’s character so compelling,” noted one viewer on Twitter. The show’s musical direction by Juan J. Buhler contributed significantly to the authentic feel of the tribute performance.
The SNL tribute reflects the broader cultural impact of “KPop Demon Hunters,” which has successfully bridged traditional K-pop fandom with supernatural storytelling, creating a cross-cultural phenomenon that continues to inspire creative expressions of admiration across entertainment platforms. The performance highlighted the show’s distinctive concept of using singing to maintain the Honmoon, the mystical seal that prevents demons from preying on humans.
