In the Netflix series "K-pop Demon Hunters," members of K-pop trio Huntr/x, Rumi, Mira, and Zoey, are secretly demon-slaying hunters. To fuel their battles and perform high-energy concerts, they carb-load on Korean foods - a staple in South Korean culture. Director-writer Maggie Kang aimed to feature lesser-known dishes while avoiding the cliché of kimchi.
Kang's team included art director Celine Kim, who created paintings that resembled food photographers' works, adding a level of authenticity to the meals served in the film. The Huntr/x girls are seen enjoying a variety of Korean dishes, including kimbap, hard-boiled eggs, shrimp crackers, and sweet hotteok pancakes.
To add an extra layer of realism, Kang also featured ox-bone soup, or seolleongtang, which is often associated with comfort food in Korean culture. The team's attention to detail extended to the serving dishes used - from stoneware for the soup to green and white speckled plastic plates commonly found at casual restaurants.
According to Appelhans, a key factor in making the food scenes look appealing was creating a "bible" of reference images. This included not only paintings but also photographs of the food and serving dishes used in Korean restaurants.
The team's approach paid off as fans of Korean cuisine praised the show for its authenticity. For Kang, incorporating these lesser-known dishes served an emotional purpose, symbolizing her connection to North Korea through her family. By featuring such iconic yet often overlooked foods, "K-pop Demon Hunters" adds depth and cultural nuance to its depiction of K-pop stardom.
The emphasis on realistic food preparation is not just a matter of aesthetics but also enhances the overall viewing experience. It invites viewers to engage with Korean culture in a more immersive way and encourages them to explore new culinary horizons.
Kang's team included art director Celine Kim, who created paintings that resembled food photographers' works, adding a level of authenticity to the meals served in the film. The Huntr/x girls are seen enjoying a variety of Korean dishes, including kimbap, hard-boiled eggs, shrimp crackers, and sweet hotteok pancakes.
To add an extra layer of realism, Kang also featured ox-bone soup, or seolleongtang, which is often associated with comfort food in Korean culture. The team's attention to detail extended to the serving dishes used - from stoneware for the soup to green and white speckled plastic plates commonly found at casual restaurants.
According to Appelhans, a key factor in making the food scenes look appealing was creating a "bible" of reference images. This included not only paintings but also photographs of the food and serving dishes used in Korean restaurants.
The team's approach paid off as fans of Korean cuisine praised the show for its authenticity. For Kang, incorporating these lesser-known dishes served an emotional purpose, symbolizing her connection to North Korea through her family. By featuring such iconic yet often overlooked foods, "K-pop Demon Hunters" adds depth and cultural nuance to its depiction of K-pop stardom.
The emphasis on realistic food preparation is not just a matter of aesthetics but also enhances the overall viewing experience. It invites viewers to engage with Korean culture in a more immersive way and encourages them to explore new culinary horizons.
, but seriously, who knew demon-slaying could be so tasty? and can we talk about how ox-bone soup is actually a thing? like, my grandma makes it all the time for me when I was feeling under the weather 
. anywayz, Maggie Kang's team did an amazing job of making Korean food look and taste real, even if they're just fictional characters. now, if only K-pop fans could get their hands on some of those hard-boiled eggs... 
! I mean, who knew K-pop idols could be demon-slaying hunters too? But what really caught my attention is how they incorporated Korean food into the show - it's like a whole different level of authenticity. The way they featured lesser-known dishes and even created a "bible" of reference images for the food scenes is just genius 
! I love how it adds an extra layer of realism to the show and makes you feel like you're right there with them, savoring those delicious Korean meals 
. And can we talk about the ox-bone soup? It's so comforting, just like in real life 
. I'm totally here for it and think it's a great way to showcase Korean culture in a more immersive way 
.
I'm loving how they went all out with the food scenes! Those sweet hotteok pancakes tho 
, I need to try that ASAP! But what's up with the ox-bone soup? That's like, comfort food on a whole other level 
. And can we talk about how they did those kimbap rolls? 
The way they're all wrapped up and looking so fresh outta a Korean market 
... I'm getting major food envy! 
. I'm all about that cultural immersion! 
. And now, after watching this show, I'm totally craving some Korean grub! 
. Maggie Kang's team did an amazing job of creating a cultural experience that's authentic yet accessible. I'm so here for the Huntr/x girls carb-loading on Korean foods to fuel their battles 
. It adds this whole new layer of depth to the show, doesn't it? 
#KpopDemonHunters #FoodieFrenzy #KoreanCuisineLove
! As someone who's always been fascinated by K-pop (who isn't, right?), it was awesome to see Huntr/x enjoying kimbap and sweet hotteok pancakes on screen. And you know what's even cooler? The attention to detail Maggie Kang's team put into making those dishes look and feel authentic - from the serving dishes to the reference images they created 
. I think this really helped bring Korean culture to life in a way that felt genuine and immersive for viewers. Plus, it was awesome to see some comfort food like ox-bone soup featured in the show too 
It's clear she wanted to showcase more than just kimchi (although, let's be real, it's always a classic 
). By featuring these iconic yet often overlooked foods, the show is not only appealing to foodies but also giving fans a deeper look into Korean culture.
The attention to detail is insane, from the types of food served (I'd love to try that sweet hotteok pancake!) to the serving dishes and even the way it's prepared. It's like you're right there with Huntr/x, carb-loading for those epic battles 
. I'm also really appreciative how they showcased lesser-known dishes - it's not just kimchi every time! 
The attention to detail is crazy - stoneware soup bowls and green plates? That's like something out of a K-drama 
Are they trying to whitewash K-pop culture by focusing on lesser-known dishes instead of the usual kimchi and bibimbap? And what about the fact that Kang's personal connection to North Korea comes into play - is that a legitimate reason for incorporating those specific foods or is it just another example of cultural appropriation? 
I'd love to see more critical analysis on this, because right now, it just feels like a bunch of surface-level "oh look, we're so culturally sensitive" gestures.
. The Huntr/x girls look so cute while devouring all that delicious food 
. And those serving dishes? Mind blown! I need to try making some of these Korean dishes at home, my stomach is growling just thinking about it 
.