'Ken Jeong from 'KPop Demon Hunters' on Creating a 'Culturally Specific' Masterpiece'

On December 4, the IndieWire Honors Winter 2025 event will shine a spotlight on the creative forces behind this years standout films. Selected by IndieWires editorial team, the ceremony celebrates the visionaries, artists, and performers who bring these stories to life. In anticipation of the Los Angeles gathering, IndieWire is highlighting their achievements through exclusive interviews and insights from collaborators.

Ken Jeong, who voices the devoted Huntr/x manager Bobby in KPop Demon Hunters, reflects on the teamwork that made this film extraordinary. He shares that connecting with director Maggie Kang, a fellow Korean-American, was an immediate creative spark. Her mix of vision and collaborative humor allowed her to grasp even the most nuanced Korean references and improv moments during Jeongs voiceover sessions. One memorable ad-lib, Itaewon State Fair, humorously combined Seouls famous district with a classic American state fair, and Maggie found a way to include it in the final film.

Jeong praises Maggies meticulous attention to detail and willingness to experiment, qualities that helped produce a film that is culturally specific yet resonates worldwide. He credits her with fostering an environment where the team could push creative limits, resulting in a truly unique animated experience.

The musical element of KPop Demon Hunters is driven by EJAE, whose dedication to perfecting the song Golden spanned years of collaboration with Maggie and Chris Appelhans. The track showcases a vocal range of three and a half octaves, elevating the films emotional depth and placing it in the realm of iconic ballads. EJAEs contribution, according to Jeong, forms the soul of the story and enhances its overall impact.

Chris Appelhans, serving as the experienced guiding hand, ensured harmony across animation, voice acting, music, and choreography. Having previously delivered Wish Dragon, he brought expertise in blending culturally specific storytelling with high-energy, visually stunning sequences. His oversight helped fuse the dynamic world of KPop with the fluid action and mythological elements central to the film.

Ken Jeong sums up the collaboration: KPop Demon Hunters is Maggies vision, Golden is EJAEs masterpiece, and Chris is the steady force tying it all together. Their combined talents created a seamless fusion of Korean mythology, KPop culture, stunning animation, and groundbreaking music.

For Jeong, this project was more than just a roleit was an opportunity to witness a team producing something culturally resonant and universally appealing.

Author: Maya Henderson