Amanda Golka, a young content creator based in LA, tells the BBC that she isn't deeply into K-pop but has become obsessed with the film and the songs. "I he been blasting the soundtrack from Spotify every time I'm in the car" she says. "I always find it fascinating through different cultures the universal language that is music."
Kim Youngdae, a music critic and ethnomusicologist specialising in K-pop, says that the series appeals even to those who he little interest in K-pop or are simply curious about it. "For the past 20 or 30 years, K-pop has really struggled to figure out how to naturally integrate into what we call the mainstream of pop culture, like in the US or the UK… because of the cultural barriers," he tells the BBC. "But animation is a very effective way to introduce unfamiliar cultures to mainstream platforms."
Tradition meets trendAnother key reason for the film's popularity is the world's growing familiarity with Korean culture. K-pop, K-film and K-dramas he already become mainstream in Western markets like the US, and this film reflects that cultural shift with remarkable authenticity. It carefully wees in everyday elements of Korean life, especially around food and dining customs, which are an essential part of Korean culture. It also captures scenes from places like the ancient walls overlooking Seoul, Hanuiwon (traditional Korean medicine clinics), public bathhouses and the iconic Namsan Tower. These choices reflect a conscious effort to portray Korean culture beyond clichés and superficial imagery. It offers Korean viewers a rare sense of representation that feels both accurate and respectful.
To achieve this level of authenticity, the production team trelled to South Korea and carried out extensive research into both traditional and modern aspects of Korean culture, from traditional clothing to the landmarks of Seoul. "We went to folk villages, we looked at what the bricks look like and how the streets are designed in Myeongdong. We took pictures because capturing the feeling is so important," Kang said. "We tried to make the movie feel as Korean as possible. And one way to do that was to, in every scene and every design aspect, add in Korean elements."
NetflixThe films wees in everyday elements of Korean life, like its food and dining customs (Credit: Netflix)