Japanese Anime Sparks Debate Over Similarities to Netflix’s K-Pop Demon Hunters
New Anime Announcement Draws Comparisons
As Netflix’s animated film K-Pop Demon Hunters continues its international success, controversy has emerged following the announcement of a Japanese anime with a strikingly similar concept.
On the 28th of July (local time), the American entertainment outlet Kidscreen reported that Sony Music is collaborating with Aniplex to co-produce a new anime series closely resembling Netflix’s hit. The upcoming Japanese animation, titled SI-VIS: The Sound of Heroes, is set to air this autumn.
A Familiar Premise
SI-VIS tells the story of a co-ed pop group that tours across Japan, performing live while using the energy from their fans’ support to battle villains. This storyline bears a notable resemblance to K-Pop Demon Hunters, where the fictional girl group “Huntress” uses music and performance to fight evil spirits.
The voice acting and musical performances in SI-VIS will be handled by Sony Music artists, although the full cast will not be revealed until closer to its October broadcast on Fuji TV.
Netflix Original Sets Streaming Records
What makes this comparison more intriguing is Sony’s deeper involvement in both projects. Sony Pictures Animation, a key player in the production of K-Pop Demon Hunters, has also been linked to the Japanese series.
According to the report, K-Pop Demon Hunters—a CG-animated film—has been viewed over 106 million times globally and became the first Netflix film to top the streaming service’s viewership charts within five weeks of its release.
Fans and online communities were quick to react to the SI-VIS announcement, noting its similarities to K-Pop Demon Hunters. Comments like “This screams K-Pop Demon Hunters” and “Isn’t this just a J-Pop version?” have been circulating widely.
Billboard Success and Chart-Topping Tracks
Released on 20th July, K-Pop Demon Hunters was directed by Maggie Kang, a Korean-Canadian filmmaker, and produced by Sony Pictures Animation. The soundtrack, performed by the in-story groups “Huntress” and “Lion Boyz,” achieved major chart success, with tracks entering the Billboard Hot 100 for three consecutive weeks, underlining the film’s global popularity.
One track in particular, “Golden” by Huntress, topped the Genie Music monthly chart in July. It also held the number one spot on the platform’s daily chart for 18 days straight. Another song from the film, “Soda Pop,” also gained popularity, ranking sixth for the month.
The dominance of K-Pop Demon Hunters on the music charts slightly pushed down Drowning by Woods, which had held the number one position in May and June, now settling at second place. Singer-songwriter Maktub’s Child of Beginning maintained its third-place ranking from the previous month.
Merchandise Craze Adds to the Hype
Netflix has also capitalised on the film’s popularity with an official line of merchandise. As of 31st July, 55 different K-Pop Demon Hunters products are being sold through the streaming platform’s official merchandise outlets. Items include clothing, bags, phone cases, and necklaces.
Among the most popular is a printed T-shirt featuring the abs of Abby, a member of Lion Boyz who received admiration from the Huntress members in the film. Priced at 63,000 KRW (approx. £38), the shirt has quickly become a bestseller.
Other fan favourites include T-shirts featuring the adorable tiger character Duffy, baseball jerseys, and necklaces bearing the logos of Huntress and Lion Boyz.