A Buddhist monk recently conducted an unusual ceremony for a K-pop boy band, which, while fictional, has captured the public’s imagination through the animated Netflix series “K-pop Demon Hunters.” The monk’s role was to perform a ritual aimed at guiding the souls of the fictional characters to peace and rebirth. Although the band, known as the Saja Boys, is fictional, the ceremony attracted significant attention, amassing over 4,000 online viewers during its live-stream. The monk, who chose to remain anonymous, noted that this was the largest audience he had seen for such a ceremony.
The Saja Boys, depicted as villains in the series, have gained a considerable following due to their appealing design and aesthetics. The monk emphasized that while he could offer guidance, he could not assure salvation for the characters, highlighting a belief in karma as a pivotal element.
“K-pop Demon Hunters” has exceeded expectations as Netflix’s most-watched movie, thanks in part to its cultural roots, being created by Korean-Americans and produced by Sony. The film follows a K-pop girl band, Huntrix, who gain power through their music, tapping into the global popularity of K-pop.
Interest in the film has surged in South Korea, reflected in increased attendance at the National Museum of Korea, which showcases artifacts featured in the movie. The museum saw over 740,000 visitors in July, doubling from the previous year.
Additionally, local businesses, such as craft stores, report substantial revenue increases linked to the film’s success. Fans express a desire for the movie to be screened in South Korean cinemas, prompting discussions about potential sing-along events at the upcoming Busan International Film Festival. Many are eager to participate in live experiences similar to those occurring in North America, exemplifying the film’s impact on cultural engagement within South Korea.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cz0yzxx3x08o?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss