Riot Games’ virtual K-pop group, K/DA, has seen an increased amount of streams since the release of the Netflix and Sony Pictures Animation movie, KPop Demon Hunters.
According to League Charts, the monthly listeners and streams of K/DA on Spotify have significantly increased since the movie’s release.
This increase is mainly due to the similarities between the movie’s girl group, Huntr/x, and Riot Games’ group, K/DA.
K/DA streams soar thanks to KPop Demon Hunters
Riot Games’ virtual girl group first gained popularity with their debut single, Popstars.
This came during the 2018 League of Legends World Championship, which was held in South Korea.
However, the group was so popular that they made a comeback during the 2020 World Championship.
This came after Riot Games’ attempt at a boy group, known as Heartsteel, which was significantly less successful.
According to League Charts, K/DA’s monthly listeners increased by over 225,000 since KPop Demon Hunters was released.
Streams of their music have also increased by 32%, with over a million streams since the movie came out just over a week ago.
Further showing the fans’ association with K/DA and KPop Demon Hunters.
K/DA’s connection to KPop Demon Hunters
When KPop Demon Hunter was first announced, fans were quick to draw comparisons with K/DA.
Looking past the obvious similarities of being virtual K-pop girl groups, there’s more which connects the two groups.
Much of KPop Demon Hunters’ Huntr/x branding draws inspiration from K/DA’s All Out EP.
All the way down to the font which each group uses.
Both groups also exhibit shiny runway model visuals, which don’t help with the comparisons.
Coincidentally, both groups also borrow voices from the popular girl group, Twice.
KPop Demon Hunters features Twice members Ji-hyo, Jeong-yeon, and Chae-young for the end credits.
Meanwhile, K/DA also featured Ji-hyo and Chae-young, alongside a plethora of other guest appearances.
Despite the similarities, it should come as no surprise since both groups draw from the same industry for inspiration.
Huntr/x has also been connected to the likes of IVE, Itzy, and Blackpink.
The latter drew controversy for the character, Rumi, visual similarities with Blackpink’s Jennie.
KPop Demon Hunters imitation controversy
Outside of the comparisons to K/DA, KPop Demon Hunters has also seen backlash after connections were made to Blackpink’s Jennie.
As one of the most prominent members of Blackpink, many of Blackpink’s fans have accused the movie of using Jennie’s image to bring in more viewers.
This was amplified after the star was mentioned as a reference for the main character, Rumi.
The similarities don’t stop there, as fans of IVE also noticed the similarities between the songs Golden and I AM.
However, these fans were quick to make fan edits which mixed the songs instead of pointing fingers.
In addition to the comparisons with other K-pop groups, the movie also received backlash from Chinese netizens, who called out the movie for cultural appropriation.
They claimed that the charms worn by the main characters were Pan Chang knots from Chinese culture.
The similarities in culture and traditions have led to many cases of misculturing, which favours South Korean culture.
However, in this case, the knots are based on the Korean norigae.
Adding to this, Professor Seo Kyung-duk from Sungshin Women’s University pointed out the hypocrisy since Netflix isn’t officially available in China.
Meaning Chinese netizens who’ve seen the movie have likely pirated the movie.
Thus, in a sense, stealing the movie, which they claim has stolen from them.
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