It isn’t hyperbole to say that “KPop Demon Hunters” has taken the world by storm. Practically two months after the animated movie’s launch on Netflix again in June, it is nonetheless the primary movie on the streamer within the U.S. and the quantity two film worldwide. Fashionable animation, sharp writing, catchy songs, and an genuine connection to one of many greatest world musical actions all play into that success. However a variety of credit score can also be as a result of stellar voice forged, led by Arden Cho, Ahn Hyo-seop, Might Hong, and Ji-young Yoo.
Deeper down the decision sheet, there’s one other title that you could be acknowledge from a distinct world Netflix phenomenon based mostly in Korea — Hwang Dong-hyuk’s dystopian thriller sequence “Squid Recreation.” Korean star Lee Byung-hun performs villains in each initiatives, portraying the infamous Entrance Man in “Squid Recreation” and voicing Gwi-Ma, king of the demons, in “KPop Demon Hunters.”
It is a testomony to Korea’s ascendance in world popular culture that Lee has been a serious a part of two of Netflix’s greatest hits during the last a number of years. Nonetheless, whereas Western audiences could not have been accustomed to his work earlier than, he was extremely prolific lengthy earlier than these huge breakouts.
You have possible seen Lee Byung-hun in different motion pictures
Lee Byung-hun is most well-known for his work in Korea, which incorporates the historic TV drama “Mr. Sunshine” and movies like “Ashfall,” “Joint Safety Space,” and “I Noticed the Satan.” However he is additionally performed some Hollywood work — most notably, enjoying the villainous Storm Shadow in 2009’s “G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra” and its 2013 sequel, “G.I. Joe: Retaliation.” That very same 12 months, he additionally had a small function within the comedian guide adaptation “Crimson 2,” and in 2015, he performed a T-1000 Terminator in “Terminator Genisys.” In 2016, Lee made one other Hollywood look as one of many titular seven, Billy Rocks, in Antoine Fuqua’s “The Magnificent Seven.”
So, in the event you noticed any of these again within the day, you caught a little bit of Lee’s expertise years earlier than his world breakout in “Squid Recreation.” Whereas his more moderen roles on Netflix have been villains, Lee has had a diverse profession in Korea, enjoying all types of characters and starring throughout genres, from motion movies and thrillers to dramas, interval movies, and even Westerns.
With Korean exhibits and movies solely getting extra well-liked within the U.S. and on the world stage, it is doable that a few of Lee’s previous work may very well be pulled out of the previous for a resurgence amongst new followers. The “KPop Demon Hunters” fandom is definitely devoted sufficient to do it single-handedly, although I think they might be barely extra within the work of Ahn Hyo-seop. Sorry Lee, however these dreamy half-demon singer boys simply hit totally different. The large bundle of magic flames will get no respect today.
“KPop Demon Hunters” is at present streaming on Netflix.
