Celine Dahyeu Kim, the art director behind Netflix’s hit animated film “KPop Demon Hunters“, has publicly accused a Sony Pictures Animation executive of discrimination and mistreatment during the movie’s production. The allegations came to light when Kim responded to fan questions about a potential sequel on social media platform X.
Kim shared an emotional post featuring an image of a crying animated character, writing:
“This was exactly how I looked when I left the company. Even if there’s a sequel, Sony probably won’t call me back.”
She revealed that a high-ranking production team member repeatedly dismissed her contributions and engaged in discriminatory behavior. Kim emphasized this wasn’t an isolated incident, stating:
“The entire art team, including the production designer and character art director—who all worked hard to represent Korean culture—left together.”
Despite her negative experiences with the individual, Kim made clear she doesn’t blame Sony Pictures Animation as a whole. She praised other company executives for listening to her concerns and offering support. Kim urged fans not to criticize the studio, calling the situation “the result of one individual’s misconduct.”
The art director expressed pride in the final product, noting that over 90% of her team’s work made it into the film. She highlighted the collaborative nature of the project, which involved hundreds of artists sharing a common vision for the Korean culture-inspired animation.
Kim’s revelations quickly gained international attention, leading to reports in multiple media outlets. Following public backlash, the Sony employee in question reportedly left the company. Kim confirmed this development, stating:
“That ‘higher-up’ is no longer at Sony. Honestly, working with them was awful. Let’s never cross paths again in this industry.”
Continued Success Despite Controversy
The discrimination allegations haven’t slowed the film’s global popularity. According to streaming analytics site FlixPatrol, “KPop Demon Hunters” topped Netflix’s movie charts in 41 countries including the U.S., Canada, Germany, Thailand and the Philippines shortly after its June 20 release.
The animated feature follows fictional K-pop girl group HUNTR/X who balance their pop star careers with secret lives as demon hunters. The group battles against rival boy band Saja Boys, whose members are actually demons in disguise. The film blends K-pop music with action-packed fantasy elements while showcasing Korean cultural themes.
Produced by Sony Pictures Animation and distributed by Netflix, the movie features voice talents including Arden Cho as leader Rumi, May Hong as Mira, and Ji-young Yoo as Zoey. The soundtrack has also achieved remarkable success, with songs like “Golden” charting globally on Spotify.
Industry Reactions and Impact
Kim’s allegations have sparked discussions about workplace conditions in animation studios. While she didn’t name the executive involved, her description of the discriminatory behavior has resonated with many in the entertainment industry. The art director’s decision to speak out has been met with support from fans and colleagues alike.
The situation highlights ongoing challenges in Hollywood regarding diversity and inclusion, particularly for Asian creatives working on projects inspired by their cultural heritage. Kim and her team played a crucial role in ensuring authentic representation of Korean elements throughout the film’s visual design.
Also Read: Ahn Hyo Seop Opens Up About His Role in Netflix’s Hit Animated Film ‘KPop Demon Hunters’
Despite the behind-the-scenes turmoil, “KPop Demon Hunters” continues to receive praise for its innovative blend of music and animation. The film’s success demonstrates strong audience appetite for culturally rich animated content that pushes creative boundaries.
Source: Daum
