The cast of KPOP DEMON HUNTERS might have conquered animation and streaming charts, but for the group known as Huntr/x, the next challenge is live television. During the film’s press conference, the artists shared their excitement and a fair bit of nerves about performing for the first time on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.
“It’s one thing to record in a booth,” said Rei Ami, laughing. “It’s another thing when you realize Jimmy Fallon is right there watching you sing.”
The performance will mark the group’s debut outside the film’s soundtrack, making it a key milestone for both the project and the artists who gave the fictional idols their voices.
The Real Meets the Virtual
Huntr/x might have started as an animated pop group, but the creative team has treated them like the real deal from the beginning. Co-director Maggie Kang explained that this crossover was always part of the vision.
“We wanted people to connect to Huntr/x as if they were a real band,” she said. “They have a backstory, style, and emotional arc that extends beyond the movie.”
That approach paid off. Fans have flooded social media with fan art, remixes, and even mock tour posters. The Fallon performance, in many ways, feels like the next logical step in that fan-created reality.
“It’s kind of wild,” said Audrey Nuna. “We’ve been living with these characters for so long, but now we actually get to be them.”
Stage Jitters and Shared Energy
As the cast discussed the upcoming performance, they traded jokes about choreography, stage lighting, and remembering lyrics under pressure.
“I’m trying not to trip on live TV,” said Rei Ami, earning laughs from the room. “But honestly, the energy we’ve been getting from fans makes it feel less scary.”
Their camaraderie filled the space with the same chaotic warmth that defines their animated counterparts. Ejae added that the rehearsal process was emotional in ways she didn’t expect.
“Hearing everyone’s voices come together in person hit differently,” she said. “We built these characters in separate sessions, but this is the first time we’re all performing as a real group.”
Directors Turned Hype Team
Both directors couldn’t hide their excitement either. Chris Appelhans grinned when the topic came up, calling it surreal to see the fictional group come to life.
“It’s like watching your drawings start singing,” he said. “Except these drawings have attitude.”
Maggie Kang nodded, adding that the performance felt like a full-circle moment for the entire production. “Huntr/x represents the movie’s spirit,” she explained. “They’re fierce, emotional, and a little unpredictable. Seeing the cast step into that role live is amazing.”
A Debut Worth the Wait
What makes this debut special isn’t just the stage lights or national TV exposure. It’s the personal connection between the performers and their alter egos.
“We’ve all lived through the emotions of these characters,” said Audrey Nuna. “Now we get to share that energy with a real audience for the first time.”
Rei Ami put it more simply. “Huntr/x might be animated, but they’re real to us,” she said. “This performance is like finally meeting them in person.”
The journey from studio microphones to the Fallon stage mirrors the movie’s message about courage, self-expression, and finding your voice. The KPOP DEMON HUNTERS cast didn’t just bring a fictional group to life, they became part of it.
“We’ve been hiding behind the screen for so long,” Ejae said with a grin. “Now it’s our turn to step out and shine.”
If the passion and humor from the press conference are any indication, Huntr/x’s first live performance will be more than just a debut, it’ll be a defining moment for everyone who helped create them.
