By Honorary Reporter Ayushi Kharayat from India

Ian Eisendrath is the executive music producer of "KPop Demon Hunters," the smash K-pop animated musical that has emerged as a global ratings and music juggernaut for Netflix.

The University of Michigan graduate is a musician and theater director is an Olivier Award winner and Grammy nominee with two decades of experience in theater, film and television.

"KPop Demon Hunters" is the most-watched piece of content -- film or series -- in Netflix history and has also dominated the Billboard charts of the U.S.

On the left is an official poster for "KPop Demon Hunters" and on the right is Ian Eisendrath. (Netflix and Ian Eisendrath)

The following are excerpts from an email interview with Eisendrath between July 22 and Aug. 30.

How did you get involved with the film and what about it excites you most?
I was working on another film at Sony, "Lyle Lyle Crocodile," with Shawn Mendes. Nearly one week after we wrapped, I got a call from Spring Aspers, president of Sony Pictures Music Group, on a new project. 

The animation of ("KPop Demon Hunters'") is some of the most incredible I've ever seen. As a huge fan of K-pop, I always felt its theatricality would lend itself to film. Naturally, I was super excited to dive in.

Ian Eisendrath is an Olivier Award-winning, Grammy-nominated executive music producer, vocal producer, conductor and arranger for theater, television and film. (Ian Eisendrath)

What core ideas defined the soundtrack's DNA? 
First and foremost, we wanted to create K-pop songs that truly landed with the K-pop audience and felt authentic to the genre. Our second goal was to ensure that the narrative, story and character elements of the songs worked for the film while maintaining stylistic authenticity.

What musical sensibilities did your collaborators bring to the soundtrack? 

The Black Label (music production company) is legendary for what it creates. We had Jenna Andrews and Steven Kirk, who were the masterminds behind BTS' "Dynamite" and are among the greatest pop songwriters of our day. They ended up doing the more epic, emotional songs like Free and What It Sounds Like. 

The star of the songwriting, however, was EJAE. She developed the sound of HUNTR/X and wrote many of the soundtrack's unforgettable top lines and sang all of Rumi’s vocals. Collaborating with her was a life highlight. Having TWICE involved was also a thrilling boost for all of us.

Ian Eisendrath (left) and singer-songwriter EJAE on June 16 pose for a photo at a screening of "KPop Demon Hunters" at Netflix Tudum Theater in Los Angeles. (Alberto E. Rodriguez/ Getty Images)

How did working with K-pop-familiar directors guide your artistic decisions?
The directors played a major role in shaping the overall direction of the songs. ("KPop Demon Hunters" creator and codirector) Maggie (Kang) knows and loves K-pop more than anyone I've met, serving as a constant barometer for what felt authentic and true to this film. (Codirector) Chris (Appelhans) also has a strong musical background, which brought the songs to life in unique ways. When all three of us were happy and aligned, we knew we had found something special.

How was your method for composing "Golden?" 
We knew the song needed to be anthemic, uplifting and joyful, something that was captured in the verses and chorus while also conveying the backstory of these three girls. A lot was riding on HUNTR/X's success, so our goal was to create something that felt like a hot new single.

Describe the composition process for "Soda Pop" by Saja Boys.
At first glance, the lyrics seem innocent, playful and hyperbolic. We needed the music to portray these boys as charming, innocent and entrancing who could somehow take over HUNTR/X. That contrast -- the bright, peppy song against the looming danger of the Saja Boys' rising popularity -- is what makes the number so fun and effective.

msjeon22@korea.kr

*This article is written by a Korea.net Honorary Reporter. Our group of Honorary Reporters are from all around the world, and they share with Korea.net their love and passion for all things Korean.