Netflix's film K-Pop Demon Hunters (hereafter KDH) has once again captured global attention.

The film was screened in North American theaters on August 23–24 as part of a special sing-along event. According to AFP, the two-day event propelled KDH to the No. 1 spot at the North American box office. Despite not having a formal theatrical release, the event involved over 1,700 theaters across North America, with tickets sold out at more than 1,000 locations.

Variety reported that KDH, rooted in Korean culture, is estimated to have earned approximately 28 billion KRW over the weekend. This surpasses the earnings of Warner Bros.' horror film Weapon, in its third week of release, which made around 21.6 billion KRW. Observers noted that KDH's North American box office achievement is highly unusual.

Special Sing-Along Event

Originally released on Netflix in June, KDH prepared a sing-along event in response to its immense popularity. The screenings allowed audiences not only to watch but actively participate, creating an interactive experience.

Analyst David A. Gross noted that a production intended for home viewing is connecting with audiences in ways typical theatrical hits cannot. He added, "Viewers sang, danced, and dressed up for the TV-based film, fully immersing themselves in the fun. This is the essence of pop entertainment."

International Media Spotlight

The New York Times highlighted the film's popularity, stating, "'KDH' is shaking everyone's heads, especially parents." The outlet also compared it to major Disney releases like Frozen, praising its mix of comedy, action, music, and supernatural horror elements. CNN and USA Today similarly treated the KDH phenomenon as a broader cultural event rather than merely K-pop content, recognizing its high artistic value.