K-POP DEMON HUNTERS MAKES OSCARS HISTORY At the 98th Academy Awards, held at the Dolby Theatre, the animated feature KPop Demon Hunters secured the award for Best Animated Feature, marking a defining moment for Korean-led storytelling on the global stage. Directed by Maggie Kang, the film triumphed over major studio contenders including Zootopia 2 from Walt Disney Animation Studios and Elio by Pixar Animation Studios. The win crowns a remarkable awards-season run for the film, which had already taken honours at the Golden Globe Awards and received recognition at the Grammy Awards for its music. In her acceptance speech, Kang dedicated the Oscar “to Korea and to Koreans around the world,” reflecting on the long wait for animated protagonists who resemble her own experience. Her words underscored a broader cultural shift: global audiences are not merely embracing Korean pop culture, but recognising it as a creative force capable of shaping mainstream cinema. With its Oscar victory, K...