Featured image credit: Tudum by Netflix
The person who asked if I had watched K-Pop Demon Hunters yet had never listened to K-pop before. Coming hot off the heels of “APT” by Rosé and Bruno Mars, another K-pop song that broke barriers to become just as much of a hit in the West, there has never been a better time for curious listeners to start their K-pop and Korean culture journey.
If this applies to you, read on to hear about the songs I would recommend based off of the effortlessly catchy, Honmoon-sealing music from K-Pop Demon Hunters.
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“How It’s Done” by HUNTR/X– try “Pink Venom” by BLACKPINK
I know I can’t be the first one to draw this comparison. When “How It’s Done” kicked in during the movie, it immediately put me in the mind of the geomungo introduction to “Pink Venom.” The song also serves as a great introduction to the genre with its heavy use of English lyrics and even our “APT” darling.
‘Soda Pop” by Saja Boys – try “VERY NICE” by SEVENTEEN
“Soda Pop,” and the whole concept of Saja Boys, is such a perfect commentary on male idol-dom. When thinking about a comparable tune, my criteria was: what male K-pop song with a colorful concept gets played in a room of K-pop fans and lights up the dance floor? This was the obvious choice, with runner-up’s including “Boy With Luv” by BTS and “Cat and Dog” by TOMORROW X TOGETHER (but “Cat and Dog” might be for the more advanced fan…. IYKYK.)
When “Golden” got to the chorus, my ever patient husband who has to hear me play K-pop all the time went “oh, it’s this song.” Turns out he meant “I AM” by IVE, and meant it as a mega compliment. “I AM” is probably the most thrilling fifth gen girl group song to belt in the car, with “Golden” trailing close behind.
“Takedown” by HUNTR/X – try “Black Mamba” by Aespa
I love kitsch. It’s why I love K-pop. “Black Mamba” hooked me from debut, and I’ve loved keeping up with Aespa and their ever evolving lore. “Takedown” fits nicely among a lot of the Aespa title tracks, but “Black Mamba” has the storytelling element that makes it slot right into a K-Pop Demon Hunters vibe – we even directly address the villain of the story in both.
“Your Idol” by Saja Boys – try “Thunderous” by Stray Kids
This scene was EVERYTHING! I’m big enough to admit I would probably fall under the spell of the Saja Boys, and I can say that with confidence as a “God’s Menu” era STAY (Stray Kids fan) who saw Hyunjin for the first time and never looked back. While all of their title tracks have the intense power of “Your Idol,” “Thunderous” maintains a similar concept with both Saja Boys and Stray Kids prominently featuring Korean aesthetics and even a similar black and red color scheme.
“Free” by HUNTR/X – try “Spring Day” by BTS
Ah, the song of all time. I am not a K-pop slow jams person… unless it’s BTS. If you are getting your feet wet in the genre, “Spring Day” is sure to knock you on your feet. It’s one of those songs that makes you nostalgic for things that you have never experienced. This is how I felt watching “Free” unfold during the movie, relating to this fantasy world of demons despite being so far removed.
“What It Sounds Like” by HUNTR/X – try “Queendom” by Red Velvet
Red Velvet is a great group to explore if you were captivated by HUNTR/X. Their concepts are strong, their vocals are tight, and they have a whole host of certified K-pop fan classics under their belt – but it’s “Queendom” that most accurately matches the triumphant tune that accompanies the finale.
Hannah is an accidental internet meme, drummer, loud talker, and proud owner of a purse that functions as a working analog clock. She got the media writer gene from her dad, PF Wilson, another writer for Pop Culture Beast. Her favorite bands come and go on a seasonal rotation, but Marina & The Diamonds and Say Anything are here to say. She’s probably watching The Grand Budapest Hotel right now, but if she isn’t, she’s out photographing rock concerts.