KCC Philippines invites audiences to discover the Korean heritage behind the hit animated film, “K-Pop Demon Hunters”
Thrilling news for every K-pop Demon Hunters fan out there!
The Korean Cultural Center in the Philippines invites everyone to go beyond the screen and dive into the rich Korean heritage that inspired K‑Pop Demon Hunters!
Started last July 18 to August 4, KCC hosts a four‑part program—Step Into the World of K‑Pop Demon Hunters—that invites fans to trace the movie’s unmistakable visual icons back to their cultural roots.
Sussie, the magpie, and Derpy, the tiger, are those characters that captured the hearts of many viewers. They are modern interpretations of an iconic Korean painting called “Hojak-do”. The mysterious gat, worn by the film’s demon idols, has long stood as a symbol of intellect and dignity during the Joseon dynasty. Meanwhile, the hand-knotted maedeup bracelet shown in a key emotional scene is rooted in centuries of traditional Korean knots, which were worn and decorated people and places of Korea.
These three elements serve as the cultural foundation for KCC’s four-part public event series:
EVENT LINEUP: STEP INTO THE WORLD OF K-POP DEMON HUNTERS
Part I. Show Us What You Gat × Hanbok Fridays
Come dressed as your favorite K‑Pop Demon Hunters’ character or dress in the traditional hanbok and gat – provided by KCC! Plus, a mini photoshoot at the “Lights of Korea: Jinju Silk Lanterns” exhibit awaits participants that will be held on July 18 and 25, 1:30–3:30 PM at 5F Exhibition Hall, KCC.
Cultural Focus: The gat is an exceptional handicraft item made from different materials like bamboo and horsehair tail which are woven together to create a semi-transparent hat. The hat was tied under the chin with black silk straps. Gat strings hanging down to the chest were also attached for added style.
Part II. Maedeup DIY Activity
Learn to knot a charm similar to the bracelet Rumi gave Jinu on July 18 and 25, 10:00 AM–3:30 PM at KCC’s library.
Cultural Focus: Maedeup is created by hand-knotting and tightening plaited cords, which have also been made by twisting yarns together by hand. Maedeup has always been present in the lives of Koreans and can be seen in clothing and accessories, furniture, household items, and ceremonial or royal court items.
Part III. Kkachi Horangi (Magpie–Tiger) Minhwa Workshop
Paint your whimsical magpie‑and‑tiger scene under the guidance of our art class instructor. (Limited to 20 participants per session). This will be held on August 2, 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM at KCC’s Art Classroom.
Cultural Focus: The magpie and tiger that make up the Kkachi Horangi (Magpie and Tiger) painting are all beloved motifs in Korean culture. The tiger holds a deep emotional connection with the Korean people, and the magpie is cherished as a bird that brings good fortune. For these reasons, Kkachi Horangi has long been regarded as a quintessential example of Korean folk painting. Registration Slots are limited, so pre-registration is highly recommended.
Part IV. Show Us What You Gat — Online Edition
Post your best film‑inspired outfit on Instagram and Facebook from July 28 to August 4, tag KCC, and use #ShowUsWhatYouGat. Five fan favorites to be announced on August 6 will win exclusive Gat-themed prizes.
Cultural Focus: Sharing Korean heritage in the digital sphere, powered by fan creativity.
“When viewers fall in love with Sussie & Derpy, marvel at the sleek black gat, or spot the maedeup bracelet on screen, they’re actually looking at centuries‑old symbols of Korean life. Our role is to open the door from pop culture to cultural appreciation, so the Filipino audience can experience the stories, skills, and values woven into these elements.”
– Kim Myeong Jin, Director of KCC Philippines.
KCC wants this event to be a fun and meaningful celebration of creativity, tradition, and the bond between Korean and Filipino audiences. All activities are free and open to the public so don’t miss this exciting event at KCC!
Source: PR from KCC Philippines
