The hype surrounding Netflix’s “K-pop Demon Hunters” shows no sign of slowing, and until the film and its soundtrack win prestigious awards such as the Grammys and Golden Globes, the momentum is set to continue. The singing voices of HUNTR/X have been actively performing and making appearances as part of the campaign to secure further nominations, including at the Academy Awards.
It looks like the film has reached another milestone this year, and that is gracing the cover of TIME Magazine as the publication’s 2025 Breakthrough of the Year! The official cover was revealed yesterday (Tuesday, 9th December), but rather than featuring the stars themselves, the cover showcases the fictional K-pop girl group HUNTR/X, beautifully illustrated by Sony Pictures Imageworks as if they had actually attended a photoshoot for the magazine. The inside cover, however, featured the singing voices EJAE, Audrey Nuna and Rei Ami.
The cover story highlights the film’s impact, noting that such a phenomenon has not been seen since Disney’s “Frozen” in 2013. The article also explores the behind-the-scenes process that turned this decade-long dream into reality. The publication also interviewed HUNTR/X’s vocal trio, discussing their respective characters and the film’s mental health theme.
Rei Ami, who provided the singing voice for Zoey, revealed the similarities she shares with her character. “Zoey is very high-energy and expressive. Those were traits I was often told to suppress growing up. So when she hears [her demons telling her she is too much], the floodgates opened, because I was told the same thing all my life. But it is because of my ‘too-muchness’ that I am here today, and I hope children watching this will learn to embrace their own ‘too-muchness’,” she said.
Audrey Nuna spoke about how she shares her character Mira’s rebellious side, explaining that she grew up being told how an Asian woman should behave. “There was little room for mistakes, which can be very difficult for many children growing up,” she added. EJAE, the singer for leader Rumi, shared some of her experiences as a K-pop trainee, highlighting how the industry and culture revolve around perfectionism.
“It can be challenging and mentally exhausting to always have to be perfect. Koreans generally don’t like to burden others with their issues, which is why we tend to hide our flaws,” she said. The “Golden” hitmakers hope the film will show that it is okay to lean on loved ones and that no one has to face life’s challenges alone. The physical copy of TIME Magazine’s “K-pop Demon Hunters” issue will be available end of this month, but you can read the full story here on the official website.
Watch the interview below:
