K-Pop Demon Hunters: Chris Appelhans Reveals Insights on Korean Culture and Upcoming Projects

Director Chris Appelhans / Photo: Reporter Paeng Hyun-joon

[Sports Today reporter Kim Tae-hyung] As Netflix’s K-Pop Demon Hunters continues its awards run — including two wins at the 98th Academy Awards — co-director Chris Appelhans made his first official public appearance in South Korea. The spotlight on him intensified after he confirmed he’ll appear on a Korean variety show with his family.

Appelhans co-directed the film with Korean-Canadian director Maggie Kang, and the project took home two Oscars at the 98th Academy Awards. While Kang has become familiar to Korean viewers through appearances on programs like You Quiz on the Block, Appelhans remained relatively unknown to domestic audiences until now.

Appelhans has enough clout at Sony Pictures to choose and shepherd projects he’s passionate about. He’s been praised for his disciplined storytelling and striking visual sensibility, which critics say have resonated with global audiences.

Appelhans also described a long-standing fascination with Korean culture and sensibility. He lives in the U.S. with his Korean wife — a painter and writer — and their 5-year-old son. At a press conference on April 1 at CGV Yongsan I’Park Mall in Seoul, he spoke about what he considers authentically Korean.

Appelhans said, \”I’ve lived as part of a Korean family for 20 years. Living with them taught me what Korean sensibility is. I didn’t learn it by studying or watching from the outside — I became part of it.\” He added, \”Watching how Koreans express affection and endure hardship has been eye-opening. I can honestly say that more than half my life has been shaped by these Korean elements.\”

Still from K-Pop Demon Hunters / Photo: Netflix

He continued, \”What feels Korean to me comes from the people around me. Look at Rumi’s story — she endures suffering and, through that, becomes stronger. The Koreans I’ve known have faced a lot, and there’s a pride in gaining resilience through hardship. I’m proud that Rumi can embody that.\”

Korea has also been a wellspring of inspiration for Appelhans. He said the film’s location research in Korea directly shaped the production and influenced many creative decisions. On a possible sequel, he noted, \”Korean elements are the soul of our film, so we’ll build on that. I expect the characters and narrative to be rooted in Korea. We want to use Korean culture as a foundation and then push boundaries to tell something new.\”

Photo: MBC Every1

After the press conference, Appelhans began filming for MBC Every1’s variety show Welcome, It’s My First Time in Korea?. Producers said in a press release that he arrived in Korea at dawn with his family to film the episode, which is slated to air in late May.

The episode will follow a family-style travel format, documenting the Appelhans family’s visit to Korea with his Korean wife and son. Reportedly, his 5-year-old son became interested in Hangul after watching K-Pop Demon Hunters. Appelhans has said he wants to encourage that curiosity by showing his son Korean culture firsthand, promising some heartfelt family moments.

The trip has also fueled speculation about how Korea’s 2026 landscapes will be depicted in a potential sequel and what new artistic inspiration the country might yield. Audiences worldwide are watching to see which Korean sensibilities Appelhans will bring to the next film.

[Sports Today reporter Kim Tae-hyung ent@stoo.com]
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