Before the fictional groups Huntrix and Saja Boys from Netflix`s `KPop Demon Hunters` captivated audiences globally, another virtual K-pop sensation, K/DA from League of Legends, had already paved the way for animated musical stardom.
Comparisons between `KPop Demon Hunters` and Riot Games` K/DA were inevitable even prior to the film`s release. Both feature animated girl groups delivering infectious K-pop tracks, complete with unique weaponry, combat attire, and similar aesthetics. Notably, both virtual entities have also teamed up with the acclaimed real-world K-pop group, Twice.
While it`s highly probable that K/DA influenced the creators of `KPop Demon Hunters,` official acknowledgments have been scarce. However, Ian Eisendrath, the film`s music supervisor, confirmed K/DA was among “many influences” for Huntrix`s sound, serving as one of “8-12 references” to shape their musical identity.
Regardless of the extent of K/DA`s influence, Riot`s initiative demonstrated years ago that virtual K-pop groups could garner significant fan support.
Comprising League of Legends champions Ahri, Akali, Evelynn, and Kai`sa, K/DA features real-world vocal talents. Madison Beer and Jaira Burns lend their voices to Evelynn and Kai`sa, while (G)I-DLE`s Miyeon and Soyeon voice Ahri and Akali. The group mirrors traditional K-pop girl groups, with distinct member roles and personalities reflecting common K-pop archetypes.
K/DA debuted in 2018 at the League of Legends World Championship, initially serving as both an entertainment act and a promotional tool for in-game skins. Their inaugural single, music video, and augmented-reality performance in Incheon, South Korea, all launched concurrently, quickly achieving widespread recognition.
Their debut track, “Pop/Stars,” soared to number one on K-pop charts, number five on US Apple Music pop charts, and topped Billboard`s World Digital Song Sales. Its YouTube music video rapidly amassed over 100 million views within a month. Remarkably, K/DA made history as the first K-pop girl group to achieve a platinum certification for a single, despite being a virtual entity.
Viranda Tantula, creative lead for the opening ceremony, attributed “Pop/Stars“ success to their unwavering dedication to portraying the champions` “real-world” fantasy. This required crafting a pop song and performance capable of rivaling genuine stadium-level pop acts.
Despite the significant effort invested, K/DA`s debut was originally conceived as a one-off single. Tantula noted they aimed to make that “singular moment as dope as possible” without long-term plans. However, “Pop/Stars“ unexpected and immense success prompted the team to explore future possibilities for the group.
Following their debut, K/DA entered a period of silence, yet fan enthusiasm persisted through art, cosplay, and dance covers, alongside consistent sales of K/DA skins. Two years later, in 2020, they made a triumphant return with the five-track EP “All Out,” once again delivering an augmented-reality performance of their lead single, “More,” at the Worlds opening ceremony.
Although “All Out” tracks didn`t achieve the viral magnitude of “Pop/Stars,” the EP was a successful musical venture, boasting Spotify play counts comparable to Huntrix`s current discography.
Riot has not released new K/DA content since “All Out,” though they have introduced other virtual groups like the boy band Heartsteel and the Akali-centric True Damage within the League of Legends universe. Interestingly, the popularity of `KPop Demon Hunters` has sparked a renewed interest in K/DA, evident from YouTube comments on “Pop/Stars” and numerous Huntrix/K/DA fan creations on K/DA community platforms.
New K-pop fans introduced via the Netflix film are gravitating towards K/DA for more virtual K-pop. While shared musical styles likely play a role, virtual acts may also offer a less daunting entry point for those unfamiliar with real-world K-pop fan culture. Ultimately, both K/DA and Huntrix successfully serve as `gateway` artists for newcomers to the genre.
Despite their undeniable similarities, a crucial distinction separates K/DA and Huntrix: K/DA operates as a “real” virtual K-pop group with performances, music videos, and fan interactions in our world, whereas Huntrix currently exists solely within the `KPop Demon Hunters` narrative.
Riot`s successful management of K/DA offers a viable blueprint for Netflix to develop `KPop Demon Hunters“ groups. During a Reddit AMA, music supervisor Ian Eisendrath expressed enthusiasm for Huntrix and Saja Boys becoming full-fledged virtual bands, stating, “I would love that.”
Emulating K/DA`s trailblazing path, Huntrix and Saja Boys are currently dominating charts, competing directly with major real-world K-pop groups. Huntrix notably surpassed Blackpink to reach number two on US Spotify charts, while Saja Boys outranked BTS and Stray Kids as the top-charting K-pop boy group. While Netflix`s future plans for these fictional acts remain unconfirmed, their stadium-filling potential is undeniable.