The production team behind the animated blockbuster "KPop Demon Hunters" on April 1 pose for photos at a news conference in Seoul with the two Oscars they won at this year's Academy Awards. From left are the IDO composing team of NHD, YUHAN and ZHUN, co-director Chris Appelhans, creator and co-director Maggie Kang, and singer-songwriter EJAE at CGV Yongsan I'Park Mall in Seoul's Yongsan-gu District.

By Xu Aiying
Photos = Lee Jeongwoo

The production team behind the animated global phenomenon "KPop Demon Hunters" have visited Seoul to celebrate the film's two wins at this year's Academy Awards.

At an April 1 news conference held at CGV Yongsan I'Park Mall in Seoul's Yongsan-gu District, creator and co-director Maggie Kang, co-director Chris Appelhans, singer-songwriter EJAE, and the members of IDO, the co-composers -- NHD (Nam Hee-dong), YUHAN (Lee Yu-han) and ZHUN (Kwak Joong-gyu) shared behind-the-scenes stories of the Oscars ceremony and celebratory performances with Korean media.

The megahit is the first Netflix work to surpass 500 million cumulative views. Its honors include Best Animated Feature and Best Original Song at the Academy Awards, Best Animated Feature and Best Original Song at the Golden Globes, and Best Original Soundtrack at the Grammys.

On dedicating her Oscar win to Korea and Koreans worldwide at the ceremony," Kang said, "The reason I wanted to make this film was that I felt that no projects unique to Korea existed," adding, "Even if we weren't born and raised in Korea, we're part of Korean culture, and having gone through a different upbringing in no way diminishes our 'Koreanness.'"

“The background of our upbringing doesn't affect our pride in being Korean."

"KPop Demon Hunters" creator and co-director Maggie Kang (left) and singer-songwriter EJAE on April 1 pose for photos while holding the film's two Oscars at a news conference held at CGV Yongsan I'Park Mall in Seoul's Yongsan-gu District.

The Korean culture-infused celebratory performance of the movie's hit "Golden" at the Oscars ceremony went viral. Some 24 dancers clad in Hanbok (traditional clothing) including those wearing the traditional men's hat gat and musicians performing samulnori (traditional percussion) lit up the stage.

A-list Hollywood actors such as Leonardo DiCaprio and Emma Stone and director Steven Spielberg were shown enjoying the show and waving light sticks as if at a K-pop concert.

"I cried a lot at the rehearsal," EJAE said. "It was a proud moment as a Korean to perform gugak (traditional music) and pansori (lyrical opera) on such a big stage."

"I never imagined in my life that I'd see Leonardo DiCaprio waving a light stick, so I thought this is 'the power of the K.'"

The ceremony also evoked criticism after YUHAN was prevented from giving his acceptance speech after being cut off early.

"I wanted to tell all of our families, The Black Label, producers and staff good job and congratulations for their hard work, he said. "Although I have some regret over being unable to say it, I still felt honored and consider it a joyful moment."

NHD added, "Including that incident, the moment itself of going up on stage and facing many actors was both fun and an honor."

The production team behind the animated blockbuster "KPop Demon Hunters" on April 1 answers questions at a news conference held at CGV Yongsan I'Park Mall in Seoul's Yongsan-gu District.

Media representatives also asked a lot of questions on the production status of the hit's sequel as confirmed by Netflix.

Co-director Appelhans said the goal is to present a new story, adding, "Underneath all of that authenticity is the Koreanness and soul of the movie on every level from the girls' characters to the music to the mythology."

Kang said the biggest takeaway from the film's success was showcasing Korean culture to the world.

"I wanted to give a film to Korea that shows its culture," she said. "I felt the need for such a movie and for Koreans as well."