Asian A.V. Club: Hang with Kpop Demon Hunters director Maggie Kang

If you haven't watched the fun animated film Kpop Demon Hunters on Netflix yet, get ready to be thoroughly entertained by Rumi (Arden Cho), Mira (May Hong) and Zoey (Ji-young Yoo) as they perform to sold out crowds as Kpop act Huntr/x and also side hustle as protectors of the mortal world from demon king Gwi-Ma. What we love is that you know exactly what you're getting from the title alone and we just had to talk to creator Maggie Kang about her personal journey making this smash hit (Top 10 in 80 countries!) for the masses.

Maggie is also a really chill person to talk to and we got to ask her about the connection to Shamans, convincing BlackLabel boss man Teddy Park to write songs for the film and the relief of not having to play every single part once the film was cast. It's an interesting chat and we we hope you enjoy this as much as we did.

Btw, if you're new to the Asian A.V. Club, we love to get to know creative folks working behind and in front of the camera. We have even more profiles on our substack so please go and check them out. If you like what you see, SUBSCRIBE for free (or if you're inspired to tip!) so you can get our interviews right in your inbox!

Chapters of this interview:
0:00 Asian A.V. Club intro
0:05 Growing up and Maggie's early influences through watching movies
1:30 Going to Sheridan College and learning life drawing
2:48 Growing as an artist through work and networking
3:43 Deciding to take her skills to the next level of directing
5:00 Using Asian mythology of shamans merged with Kpop
7:11 FINALLY finding the leads for the film and not Maggie doing all the parts
8:46 Collaborating with co-director Chris Appelhans
9:49 Finding real Kpop hitmakers like Teddy Park to write songs for the movie
10:49 The Chibi side of the Kpop Demon Hunters
12:32 The references of K-drama and the challenge to light Asian faces even for animation
13:58 Kpop Demon Hunters part 2 perhaps?

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