Behind the Scenes with Director Megan Kang
If you were waiting to see your favorite K-pop stars animated in an idol athletic showdown, you might’ve done a double take watching ‘KPOP Girls! Demon Hunters’ on Netflix. Turns out, there’s a reason that scene didn’t quite make the final cut—and it’s all about what global audiences would understand.
From Idol Olympics to Fan Sign Events
On June 11th, director Megan Kang sat down for a tell-all on YouTube’s MMTG channel, explaining a quirky behind-the-scenes change. The show initially featured a parody version of the popular Korean event known as ‘Idol Star Athletics Championships’ (aka “AyuKdae”)—an annual TV special where K-pop idols compete in track and field-style games. Think ‘K-pop Olympics,’ but with more glitter and camera angles.
However, Kang revealed that the team eventually scrapped the idea. “We had produced the scene, but many people didn’t quite understand it. We figured a fan-sign event would be more relatable,” she explained.
Even Idols Had Notes
Host Jaejae pointed out that the animated fan sign looked oddly formal. Some real idols who watched the scene mentioned it felt off—one jokingly questioned whether the creators had ever been to a ‘joint fan sign’ before. TOMORROW X TOGETHER’s Soobin, known for his dry wit, even chimed in with feedback, according to Jaejae.
Kang laughed it off, saying, “Some idols actually thought this new version might even be more fun!” Jaejae wrapped it up perfectly: “Maybe K-pop fan culture could evolve thanks to KPOP Girls! Demon Hunters.”
Why It Matters
This subtle switch tells us more than it seems. K-pop culture is rooted in deeply local fan experiences—from fan chants to idol sports. But as it goes global, creators like Megan Kang are adapting those inside-jokes and traditions, aiming to keep the spark alive for both Korean fans and international newbies.
So while we didn’t get the animated Idol Olympics this time, who knows? Maybe next season will deliver an event where idols toss javelins and summon demons at the same time.
