13 K-Pop Albums You Have To Listen To If You’ve Watched KPop Demon Hunters

K-Pop Demon Hunters” is one of Netflix’s newest animated films that has quickly climbed to the top of their most-streamed movies. The title itself gives you a hint about its plot: it features a group of three hunters who secretly work as a K-pop band, and their singing voices function as a powerful barrier preventing the demon world from invading the human one.

This musical, with its overwhelmingly positive reviews, is much more than just a fun action flick: Kpop Demon Hunters serves as an ode to the global phenomenon that is K-pop. Adored across the globe, particularly in western cultures, K-pop has gained massive popularity and influence worldwide. Intriguingly, it seamlessly intertwines within the narrative of Kpop Demon Hunters. The portrayal of K-pop in this production resonates with devoted fans, while its catchy tunes could potentially convert new admirers of the genre. In short, these albums are a must-listen for both veteran and novice K-pop enthusiasts.

13. UKISS – Neverland

In the animated series “Kpop Demon Hunters“, the primary trio, HUNTR/X, frequently clash with their rival demonic boy band, the Saja Boys. Interestingly, one of the vocalists who lent his voice to the Saja Boys is Kevin Woo, a past member of the group UKISS. Post-UKISS, Kevin Woo has been involved in the creation of “Dead by Daylight’s” “All-Kill” chapter.

As a movie-goer enthusiast, I must say that UKISS played a pivotal role in propelling Woo’s career to new heights. This powerhouse band boasts an impressive collection of 11 studio albums, but among them all, “Neverland” stands out as the crowning achievement – particularly during Kevin Woo’s tenure with the group.

This album is a delightful fusion of lively electronica and heartfelt ballads that truly resonate with listeners on an emotional level. It’s hard to overstate Woo’s impact on this masterpiece, but his most significant contribution can be heard prominently on the title track, “Neverland.” Here, Woo takes center stage on the chorus and bridge, providing a powerful anchor for the album in many ways. His voice is truly the heart of this musical journey.

12. Dreamcatcher – [Apocalypse: Save Us]

When it comes to specific moments in the narrative, the soundtrack for Kpop Demon Hunters can be ominous and imposing at times. Frankly, I can’t think of many rock infusions more fitting for k-pop fans than the music by Dreamcatcher. In fact, there might not be a better representation of rock within the realm of k-pop than what Dreamcatcher offers.

It’s evident that the South Korean girl band has earned the title “The Face of Rock in K-pop” from Rolling Stone themselves, as their most impressive work shines through in the album “[Apocalypse: Save Us].” This album not only meets but surpasses those lofty expectations. The album’s structure is remarkably cinematic, using each song to contribute to a larger narrative. Even if listeners don’t understand the language, they can sense the increasing intensity with each track, much like following the climax in a film.

11. PURPLE KISS – HIDE & SEEK

HIDE & SEEK showcases the versatility and high energy of PURPLE KISS as a band. It’s challenging to find two songs on this project that sound alike. For instance, “Zombie” is a fast-moving, energetic track, while “2am” has a slower R&B vibe that’s reminiscent of the night hours.

The third song on the album embodies pure hyperpop, much like the music in Kpop Demon Hunters complements its narrative. Just as the film skillfully blends various sounds and moods to match the evolving storyline, HIDE & SEEK ensures a harmonious mix of diverse tunes without any track feeling misplaced or inconsistent within the album.

10. BLACKPINK – The Album

Many might label BLACKPINK as the pinnacle or epitome of the k-pop genre. Whether they are the absolute best in k-pop is up for debate, but it’s challenging to argue against their status as one of the most successful k-pop girl groups currently and among the most prosperous k-pop acts in music. Their success was reinforced by a performance at Coachella more recently.

Blackpink has risen above the boundaries of Korean pop music, earning them global recognition as one of the world’s standout musical acts. By making significant strides in popularizing k-pop on a Western scale, they’ve paved the way for productions like “Kpop Demon Hunters” to captivate American audiences and even find success in the U.S. The Album serves as the ultimate testament to their talent and achievements – it’s their grand masterpiece that encapsulates their skill and success in its entirety.

9. Stray Kids – ODDINARY

Title such as ODDINARY might imply that the album embodies chaos. Like many k-pop albums, this one mixes various music styles into a single piece. However, it’s common to pick up on conventional pop tones within the melodies. The melodies incorporate elements from different genres to suit each song, but they remain identifiably pop at their core.

The Stray Kids project seamlessly integrates multiple genres, stacking them upon each other rather than just transitioning from one to another. It’s a genuine blend of styles that creates a final product that is hard to categorize due to the extraordinary uniqueness of each track. This album might be seen as pushing the boundaries of what k-pop can achieve, offering a delightful surprise for both veteran and novice listeners alike.

8. Key – Gasoline

In the sequence of Key’s retro trilogy, which kicked off with his “BAD LOVE” mini-album and concludes with a reissue of “Gasoline”, “Gasoline” itself stands as the second installment. This series, with its cinematic style, is a treat for fans of Kpop Demon Hunters. Each part of this trilogy is worth a listen, but undoubtedly, “Gasoline” is the standout among them.

In essence, this album shares the same deep, mysterious themes as the popular series “Kpop Demon Hunters,” and this is evident in its dark disco synthpop sound. Tracks such as “Another Life,” “Villan,” and “Ain’t Gonna Dance” are particularly mesmerizing, drawing listeners in and making it difficult to resist replaying them whenever the opportunity arises. Just like how Kpop Demon Hunters gained global fame with its unique vibe, this album is worth a listen for any music enthusiast.

7. ATEEZ – ZERO: FEVER Part.2

Instead of being their long-play album, Zero: Fever Part.2 serves as Ateez’s sixth extended play (EP). Despite its brevity, clocking in at less than 25 minutes, it offers a compelling listen for new k-pop enthusiasts. For those hesitant to dive into longer projects, this EP presents an excellent starting point.

If you’re eager to explore this genre but find the idea of diving into such an extensive album daunting because it’s new to you, consider giving Zero: Fever Part.2 a try as an introduction. Notably, Part.2 offers a distinct sound and character that sets it apart from its predecessor, so there’s no need to listen to Part.1 first to grasp the content (though listening to Part.1 is still strongly suggested).

6. TWICE – Formula of Love: O+T=<3

In the movie “Kpop Demon Hunters”, the members Jeongyeon, Jihyo, and Chaeyoung from the group TWICE make an appearance. They perform their popular tracks “Takedown” and “Strategy”. American viewers might be familiar with “Strategy”, as it’s a song they collaborated on with Megan Thee Stallion. This collaboration is one of many instances where K-pop artists have worked together with international stars, and for many Americans, “Strategy” served as their initial introduction to TWICE.

Many American fans are eager to delve deeper into TWICE’s discography, but with ten albums, it can seem like a daunting task. For newcomers yearning for more of TWICE, their “Formula of Love” album is an ideal starting point. It’s their Korean studio album and marked their first significant success, earning them their first triple platinum certification, and debuting at the third spot on the Billboard charts.

5. Taemin – Never Gonna Dance Again: Act 1 & 2

From my perspective, it’s impossible for listeners to fully appreciate the entirety of this extraordinary project without immersing themselves in both acts in one continuous listening session. That’s why I find it compelling and necessary to discuss these two acts together, as they form a unified narrative that unfolds only when listened to consecutively. So let’s delve into Act 1 and Act 2 as a captivating duo, bound by their shared storytelling purpose.

In both albums, a story can be understood through the thoughtfully arranged songs. Listeners who don’t understand Korean can still sense the growing intensity of each song as they progress. Similar to many k-pop songs, various genres are fused together, such as R&B, synthpop, and even jazz. These diverse genres are skillfully blended into a cohesive and compelling whole. This unique double album is a must-listen for anyone who loves music in general.

4. Audrey Nuna – TRENCH

As a versatile artist, I take great pride in my dual roles as a rapper and R&B vocalist. My rapping abilities shine through on tracks such as “Jitterbug,” “Me & My Baby,” and “Pajamas,” while my singing skills truly come to the forefront on “2High,” “Starving” (collaborating with fellow rapper Teezo Touchdown), and “Mine,” which seems to be an electronic reinterpretation of Brandy and Monica’s classic duet, “The Boy is Mine.

In the Kpop Demon Hunters series, May Hong is Mira’s main voice actor, but it’s Audrey Nuna who lends her singing voice. Mira is known as the group’s rapper, and the production team found a fitting match in Audrey Nuna to showcase Mira’s rapping talents. Nuna’s rapid-fire rapping style perfectly complements her use of trap beats, making New Jersey proud as it’s renowned for its vibrant rap scene with artists like herself.

2025-07-07 00:02