The name of the film Kpop Demon Hunters would be too similar to that of the Seattle rock band Demon Hunter, creating a “substantial confusion” and therefore a loss of revenue for these musicians whose genre of preference is… Christian metal.
This is what the complaint filed by the band against Netflix indicates, asking the platform to stop using this name for recorded music, concerts and merchandise (plus a few damages). Very bad timing since a world tour of Kpop Demon Hunters concerts is in preparation.
Rock and demons do not always mix well
Formed in 2000 and with 13 albums to its name, the band explains that its “carefully built” musical identity over more than 25 years is currently experiencing an “existential crisis” because of the surprise popularity of Netflix’s animated film. For example, fans of the cartoon recently spent hundreds of dollars on a show, only to realize on site that it was a metal concert.
“These allegations are baseless,” a Netflix spokesperson told IGN. “With KPop Demon Hunters, Netflix created an Oscar-winning global phenomenon that has inspired fans around the world through its powerful music, storytelling and characters. We are determined to vigorously defend this case.”
As far as we are concerned, this seemingly legitimate attempt is likely to fall flat, since the confusion is hard to make out, with the band Demon Hunter, for example, offering song titles such as My throat is an open grave or Snap your fingers, break your neck. Far removed from the colorful, syrupy world of Kpop Demon Hunters.