It didn’t take long for “KPop Demon Hunters” to obliterate records and become a global phenomenon.
The movie about a trio of K-pop superstars who hunt demons — including demons who shield their identity by transforming into an attractive new boy band with catchy tunes — hit Netflix three months ago and has already become the most-watched film in Netflix history, per Vanity Fair.
And then there’s the soundtrack.
The hit song “Golden” has held the top spot on the Billboard Hot 100 for six consecutive weeks — now the longest-leading movie soundtrack of the decade as it officially surpasses the previous record set by the “Encanto” hit “We Don’t Talk About Bruno,” per Billboard.
In late August, a staggering four songs from the film simultaneously charted in the Billboard Hot 100 top 10 — a first for a film soundtrack, according to Variety.
Considering the film’s popularity, it shouldn’t be too surprising that “KPop Demon Hunters” star May Hong received a remarkably enthusiastic welcome from a large crowd at Salt Lake City’s FanX convention on Saturday.
But Hong was visibly surprised and touched by the reception — a welcome so strong it made her emotional.
‘KPop Demon Hunters’ star May Hong attends Salt Lake City FanX
The response to Hong attending FanX was so great that her spotlight panel took place in the Grand Ballroom — the largest venue in the Salt Palace Convention Center that seats roughly 5,000.
Hong, who voices Mira in “KPop Demon Hunters,” was scheduled to take the stage at 5 p.m. Saturday. In the minutes leading up to the panel — which started about 10 minutes late — the Grand Ballroom felt more like a rock concert than a pop culture and comic convention as the No. 1 song “Golden” played over the speakers and had thousands of fans singing along.
When Hong finally walked out on stage, the crowd erupted.
The cheers were so loud — and so lengthy — that Hong stood on the stage seemingly in disbelief, laughing a few times and covering her face with her hands as it all washed over her.
“I have no words, thank you so much,” she told the Salt Lake City crowd.
May Hong on ‘KPop Demon Hunters’ being a ‘global phenomenon’
Hong’s spotlight at FanX on Saturday marked her first time doing a panel.
She didn’t take questions from the audience, as is the usual format, but chatted with the moderator about her career and rise to fame due to “KPop Demon Hunters.”
“I feel like I’m watching it from the outside, too, almost — except for when what just happened just happened,” she said with a laugh, referring to her warm welcome at FanX.
“Otherwise, I’m observing it as this global phenomenon as much as anyone else,” she continued. “There’s no way I could have possibly imagined that it would be like this. I hoped that people would receive it with love and appreciate the script. … It’s just so surreal. Thank you, everyone.”
After this response, Hong again received another round of applause that lasted for several seconds. She then gave the fans a shoutout for adding even more meaning to this significant moment in her career.
“I know we’re reaching these crazy records for the music and the movie … but really getting time face to face with people one on one and getting to hear their story and that it’s a comfort movie for them, I just feel so humbled and privileged that I get to be a small part of something that makes people happy.”
May Hong shares favorite Mira scene in ‘KPop Demon Hunters’
Hong praised the casting for “KPop Demon Hunters,” calling it “so perfect, truly, where we’re so our characters.”
The actor referenced one of her favorite scenes that takes place midway through the film, when Mira confronts Rumi in her room as she suspects her friend is keeping a secret from their group.
“Mira and I are so aligned in that way of just like, if I feel that something needs to be aired out or talked about I am going to bring it up,” Hong said. “Confrontational doesn’t seem like the right word because it sounds aggressive. I think it’s just more about being honest with each other and honest with the people that you love and not letting anything stew. I really don’t like that in my life. So I really love that scene for that reason.”
May Hong reveals her favorite K-pop song
Hong also shared the K-pop song she’s most likely to get up and dance to: “Super Shy” by NewJeans.
Her go-to karaoke songs include:
“I’m Like a Bird,” Nelly Furtado
“I Try,” Macy Gray
“Picture,” Kid Rock and Sheryl Crow
“Where Have All The Cowboys Gone,” Paula Cole
What’s next for May Hong?
Hong couldn’t reveal too many details about what’s next in her career — but she did say she’ll be taking on a recurring guest star role in a workplace comedy-style project filming in New York.
The actor reflected on how she’s navigated rejection throughout her career — something she said will never completely go away even as she’s found stardom in “KPop Demon Hunters.”
“You just can’t hold your breath about anything. … The best advice if you’re doing something where you’re not fully in control of whether you get a job or not, which is most things, I guess, I think it’s just really important to do things that you love and care about that aren’t for money, but you love to spend time doing.
“And I think that’s what so cool about (comic conventions), too, is that everyone invests so much time into the things that they love, and are so creative and make costumes and make art. All these gifts that I get, all these drawings, it’s so amazing, and I think that is what keeps you going. … Whatever else is happening, I think it’s about your community, spending time with people that you love, making time for them and making art.”