To celebrate Korean heritage through pop culture, the Korean Cultural Center in the Philippines (KCC) held a four-part event series titled “Step Into the World of K-Pop Demon Hunters.” Inspired by the hit animated film K‑Pop Demon Hunters, the program took place from July 18 to August 4, 2025, both at the KCC building in Taguig and online. Each activity was designed to introduce Filipino fans to the traditional elements featured in the film.
The program focused on Korean cultural symbols such as the gat (a traditional Korean hat), maedeup (decorative knots), and the Kkachi Horangi (Magpie-Tiger) painting. By combining hands-on activities with visual storytelling, the event offered a meaningful way for audiences to learn about Korean tradition through a modern lens.
Exploring the Culture Behind the Film
The characters and visuals in K‑Pop Demon Hunters are based on Korean folklore and aesthetics. Sussie and Derpy, the magpie and tiger duo in the film, are drawn from a traditional Korean folk painting called Kkachi Horangi. The gat worn by the demon idols reflects dignity and intellect from the Joseon era. The maedeup bracelet, which appears in an emotional scene, represents centuries-old craftsmanship in knot-tying, commonly used in Korean clothing, furniture, and ceremonial objects.
Event Highlights
The event opened with Show Us What You Gat × Hanbok Fridays, where visitors wore traditional hanbok and gat, or dressed up as characters from the film. Costumes were provided by KCC, and guests enjoyed a mini photo session at the “Lights of Korea: Jinju Silk Lanterns” exhibit.
In the Maedeup DIY Activity, titled Threads of Fate, participants created their own knots at the KCC’s Han Café. The activity introduced the symbolic value of maedeup and gave guests a chance to craft something meaningful with their hands.
The Kkachi Horangi Minhwa Workshop, held on August 2, allowed a limited number of participants to paint the famous magpie-and-tiger scene under the guidance of an art instructor. The workshop highlighted the connection between traditional art and modern storytelling.
To reach fans online, KCC launched the Show Us What You Gat – Online Edition, which ran from July 28 to August 4. Participants shared film-inspired outfits on Facebook and Instagram using the hashtag #ShowUsWhatYouGat. Five winners were chosen to receive gat-themed prizes.
Why It Matters
According to KCC Philippines Director Kim Myeongjin, the purpose of the event was to deepen the audience’s understanding of Korean culture.
“When viewers fall in love with Sussie and Derpy, marvel at the sleek black gat, or spot the maedeup bracelet on screen, they’re actually looking at symbols that have been part of Korean life for generations. Our role is to open the door from pop culture to cultural appreciation,” she added.
By turning film references into interactive learning experiences, the program helped audiences connect what they see on screen with real traditions. It also gave participants a chance to engage with Korean culture in a fun and creative way.
All activities were free and open to the public. Registration was required for the painting workshop due to limited slots.
More Than Entertainment
K‑Pop Demon Hunters may be an animated film, but its roots come from real culture. Through this event, KCC Philippines showed that pop culture can be a gateway to deeper cultural appreciation. Whether it’s a knot, a hat, or a painting, each element holds a story worth sharing.
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