Netflix inks exclusive multi-year deal with Kang and Appelhans: K-Pop Demon Hunters sequel.

Netflix has formalized a multi-year exclusive animation writing and directing partnership with Korean-Canadian co-director Maggie (Mei) Kang and director Chris Appelhans to develop a sequel to the animated feature K-Pop Demon Hunters. The project is in the early stages of production, and a release date has not been announced.

Kang said global audiences are eager for more Korean stories and characters, describing it as a source of pride for a Korean filmmaker. She added that this is just the beginning and there are still many stories to tell in the world they have created.

Appelhans echoed that sentiment, noting the film’s characters have become like family to the team. He said they look forward to writing their next chapter and expanding into a new creative realm where music, animation, and storytelling converge.

K-Pop Demon Hunters centers on Huntrix, a K-pop idol girl group that protects the world from malevolent spirits. The film naturally incorporates Korean culture and sensibilities, including scenes and motifs featuring a bathhouse, a traditional medicine clinic, gimbap, and cup noodles.

Since its release last June, the film has drawn more than 500 million global views, becoming one of Netflix’s most-watched animated features to date. Its soundtrack single, Golden, also topped global music charts and became a global talking point.

The film has earned multiple awards across major ceremonies, including Golden Globes honors for Best Animated Feature and Best Original Song, and Critics Choice Awards in the same two categories. It also earned a Grammy in the Best Original Score category, marking a notable achievement for a K-pop–led project. The film is also nominated in two categories at the upcoming Academy Awards on the 15th.

For U.S. audiences and markets, the development signals Netflix’s continued investment in international IP and cross-cultural storytelling. It highlights the growing global influence of Korean pop culture and animation, with potential implications for American streaming strategies, collaborations, and the broader entertainment ecosystem tied to K-pop, multilingual storytelling, and cross-border production talent.