Director Maggie Kang, the creative force behind Netflix's globally successful series 'KPop Demon Hunters,' has revealed that acclaimed Korean filmmaker Bong Joon-ho served as her greatest cinematic influence. Kang made these remarks during an open talk event at the 30th Busan International Film Festival on September 21, following a sing-along screening of her debut directorial work.

"Bong has had the greatest impact on me as a filmmaker," Kang explained to the audience. She specifically credited watching Bong's monster thriller 'The Host' as a pivotal moment in her artistic development. "When I watched his film 'The Host,' I realized for the first time that a single film could mix so many tones and genres. That discovery shaped how I approached my own movie, which blends musical, romance, comedy, horror and action."

Kang's appreciation for Bong's work runs deep, with personal memories attached to her viewing experience. She recalled watching 'The Host' with her father on Christmas, describing him as "a bigger cinephile than I was" and noting how the shared experience made the film "even more memorable." Among Bong's extensive filmography, Kang expressed particular admiration for 'Memories of Murder,' calling it her favorite of his works. She also mentioned Japanese master Akira Kurosawa as another significant influence on her filmmaking approach.

The director explained her decision to infuse her debut project with Korean cultural elements, drawing from over a decade of experience working in Hollywood. "After working in Hollywood for more than a decade, one of my goals was to contribute to a film that reflected Korean culture. But that kind of project rarely existed," Kang said. She recognized the perfect timing when Korean entertainment began gaining global recognition. "When Korean music, movies and dramas started gaining global attention, I knew the timing was right."

Kang described the creative genesis of 'KPop Demon Hunters,' which began with traditional Korean supernatural elements. "The idea began with shamans, grim reapers, goblins and water spirits – things I wanted to see onscreen. K-pop was added later, and that combination became Demon Hunters." This unique blend of Korean folklore with contemporary pop culture has resonated with international audiences, contributing to the show's worldwide success.

The series' soundtrack has achieved remarkable commercial success, topping both Billboard singles and albums charts. Kang identified "Golden" as her personal favorite track from the collection, emphasizing the importance of musical storytelling. "It wasn't just about making a good song. I wanted the music to reflect the characters and the story," she explained, highlighting her holistic approach to the production.

What brings Kang the most satisfaction are the responses from younger viewers, particularly the way female audiences connect with her characters. "When parents tell me their daughters identify with the female characters, that makes me happy," she shared. Kang sees her work as creating lasting cultural icons for a new generation. "In a way, we created someone's Sailor Moon, someone's Little Mermaid, someone's Disney princess. These are characters children can grow up with and call their own."

Addressing potential concerns about her portrayal of K-pop idols, Kang acknowledged her careful approach to the subject matter. "I didn't personally know idols or hear their stories firsthand, so I was careful. But I believed the themes would resonate universally," she said. She drew parallels between idol experiences and broader human nature, noting that "everyone has a side they show on social media and another they hide – idols are no different in that respect."

Kang concluded her talk with encouraging words for aspiring filmmakers and musicians. "Embrace your individuality and don't be afraid," she advised. She candidly shared her own struggles with self-doubt during production, admitting, "I was terrified making this film, constantly wondering if people would like it or if I was going in the right direction. It took time to overcome those doubts." Her message to creative professionals emphasized perseverance: "It's okay to feel fear, but push through it, find confidence and be unafraid to be different."