Netflix's K-Pop Demon Hunters director to visit South Korea after Oscar wins

Chris Appelhans, the director of Netflix’s animated feature K-Pop Demon Hunters, is set to visit South Korea. He co-directed the project with Korean-American director Megi Kang, and the film earned two Oscars at the 98th Academy Awards: Best Animated Feature and Best Original Song.

During the visit, Appelhans is scheduled to participate in television appearances and other public engagements in Korea. He will travel with his wife, Maren Gu, a well-known artist, and their five-year-old child, according to reports.

Gu posted multiple photos on social media the day after the awards ceremony, including images of Appelhans holding a bag of Shin Ramyun and eating instant noodles. The posts have drawn attention from fans and media.

Their five-year-old child is said to want to learn Korean, and the family’s Korea trip is expected to include related activities aimed at language and cultural exposure.

Appelhans and Kang are also working on KedeHun (케데헌) Season 2, continuing the collaboration that produced the Netflix film. The project underscores the growing cross-cultural partnerships shaping today’s global animation landscape.

For U.S. readers, the story highlights how Netflix-backed Korean talent is influencing global streaming fiction and pop culture, including the popularity of K-pop-inspired content. It also signals how Oscar wins can boost visibility for Korean creative teams in the U.S. market and among international audiences, reinforcing ongoing cultural and industry ties between the United States and Korea.