KPop Demon Hunters has become the most watched animated film on Netflix, and it is popular with kids and adults globally. With its catchy soundtrack, stunning animation, and ties to Korean history and culture, it's safe to say that our souls would be doomed if the Saja Boys existed in real life.
Netflix is already looking at two sequels, making a trilogy that rivals the powers of HUNTR/X. Many fans are dying to see more romance in the next installments, but will that be possible with the way the first film ends?
Love between hunter and demon in Kpop Demon Hunters
In-universe fans of the two KPop bands begin "shipping" different Saja Boys members with the girls of HUNTR/X. They imagine relationships for Zoey and Mystery, Rumi and Jinu, and a polyamorous one between Mira, Abby, and Romance Saja.
Real-life fans of the film took these ships and ran with them. Social media is flooded with fan art depictions of each of these relationships, and the filmmakers are being hounded about including these love stories in the sequels. There's just one problem: HUNTR/X defeats the Saja Boys in the end, killing the demon boy band. So, is there much of a chance to see these relationships blossom?
The only relationship that has any substance to it is Rumi and Jinu's. The others are merely fans' imaginations. But Rumi and Jinu fall for each other when they realize that they can share parts of themselves that they must hide from everyone else.
With Jinu being a demon and Rumi being a half-demon demon hunter, their love story gives Buffy the Vampire Slayer vibes. And their duet, "Free," raises our hopes for their happily-ever-after. However, the forces of good and evil won't allow that, and Jinu sacrifices himself to save Rumi from the demon king.
Korean folklore gives a possibility for love to bloom
The biggest difference between Jinu's death and those of the other Saja Boys is that Jinu willingly gives his soul to Rumi. His soul then becomes intertwined with her sword, making it stronger and giving Rumi the ability to defeat the demon king.
While the other Saja Boys disintegrate from being stabbed with HUNTR/X's weapons, Jinu's soul is seen separating from his physical form before his body dissolves. In Korean folklore, there are tales of sentient weapons and souls possessing inanimate objects. These objects become "Dokkaebi," a type of demon or goblin that can take human form. So, it isn't impossible for Jinu to return for a sequel.
It's a bit sad that the rest of the Saja Boys most likely will not return, but knowing how closely KPop Demon Hunters ties Korean mythology into its story gives us hope for Jinu and Rumi to have a chance. And, if fans have anything to say about it, Jinu and Rumi will finally kiss in the sequel.
There is a deleted scene from the first film where Jinu kisses Rumi after accepting her demon half, so it is very likely that if Jinu returns in human form, they will "kiss, kiss, fall in love." Hopefully, Rumi won't have to kiss her sword.
The sequels might introduce new male leads for Mira and Zoey to have romances of their own. That would give the filmmakers time to actually flesh out love stories these girls deserve, and have deeper meaning like Rumi and Jinu do. And the franchise will definitely expand on Rumi and Jinu's relationship, though how they will do that remains to be seen. A warrior and their sword have a sacred bond, but fans want more for Rumi and Jinu than that. Their love deserves to find a way to escape its chains.
KPop Demon Hunters is available to stream on Netflix.
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