When K-Pop Demon Hunters premiered, it didn’t just debut – it detonated. Conceived, and directed by Maggie Kang, the film shattered streaming records, topped charts, and defined what an animated musical fantasy inspired by Korean pop culture could achieve on the global stage.
Long before it became a worldwide cultural force, the project began with a singular creative voice shaped by animation, music, and a deep commitment to storytelling. A Sheridan College alum, Kang’s journey from student artist to visionary filmmaker is as compelling as the phenomenon she helped create.
In this intimate fireside conversation, Maggie will trace the film’s origin story from early concept sketches and musical influences to building a universe that seamlessly fuses spectacle, mythology, and character-driven narrative. She’ll reflect on the power of specificity in storytelling, and how authenticity can translate into global resonance.
The discussion will also explore her broader creative evolution: navigating the animation industry, scaling ambition while protecting artistic voice, and building globally relevant IP without compromise. What comes after a record-breaking hit? How do creators continue expanding their vision while staying grounded in their core identity?
A rare look at vision, resilience, and the long arc from classroom to cultural phenomenon.
