The hit animated film KPop Demon Hunters continues to charm global audiences, and its fictional idol group Saja Boys has become a fan favorite in their own right. Now, director Maggie Kang has revealed the real-life inspiration behind the characters — none other than first-generation boy group H.O.T .
Maggie Kang , who grew up in Canada during the 1990s, described being a K-pop fan back then as “almost like having a secret identity.” With limited access to Korean entertainment overseas, she said the film allowed her to create the kind of story she longed for as a teenager. “In the ’90s, being a K-pop fan in Canada was a kind of secret identity. This film is ultimately the movie I always wanted to see as a teenager.”
Recalling her own fandom days, Maggie Kang admitted her bedroom walls were covered in H.O.T. posters, and she would record music shows on VHS tapes just to replay her favorite moments. That passion, she explained, directly influenced the creation of HUNTR/X and their rival group Saja Boys , who embody the same energy and excitement she once felt.
Beyond its fictional idols, KPop Demon Hunters also boasts a soundtrack crafted by some of K-pop’s biggest names. BLACKPINK producer Teddy and songwriter EJ from Roomies worked on the film’s OST, which quickly entered the Billboard charts after release.
Cultural authenticity was another cornerstone of the project. Traditional Korean motifs and elements of shamanism were woven into the storyline, adding layers of depth that resonated strongly with Korean viewers. For Maggie Kang , the film is more than just entertainment — it’s a love letter to K-pop fandom culture worldwide.
With Saja Boys charming audiences and the OST making waves globally, KPop Demon Hunters has cemented itself as a standout project that celebrates both K-pop’s history and its boundless global future.
Sources: Koreaboo
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