kpop Demon Hunters, recently released on Netflix, is sparking heated debate on social media. Although it has attracted the attention of many K-pop celebrities, its screenwriter is currently being criticized for, according to some netizens, having borrowed elements specific to the group IVE without ever acknowledging this influence.
Recently, IVE members Liz, Rei, and Gaeul posted a video in which they dance to “Golden,” one of the film’s songs. However, they incorporated their own choreography inspired by their own single “I AM.” This combination immediately caught the attention of fans, who noted strong similarities between the film’s universe and that of the group.
The post quickly circulated online, with some netizens seeing it as IVE’s way of highlighting—intentionally or not—the similarities between their concept and that of K-pop Demon Hunters.
What further fueled the controversy was the screenwriter’s complete lack of response to the video. She had, however, re-shared several covers related to the film on her social media, including those by Jungkook (BTS), Park Junhee (A.C.E), Kim Seri (formerly AlexA), and other idols who performed excerpts from the film on M Countdown.
IVE fans demand statement confirming K-pop Demon Hunters producers were inspired by their group
The fact that IVE was ignored, despite their contribution, was poorly received.
“As a fan of K-pop Demon Hunters, it’s really disheartening to see the creator completely ignore IVE when it’s obvious she was inspired by them. She’s re-sharing everything… except their cover,” wrote one user on X.
Another post adds: “The fact that she’s constantly online and unaware of this speaks volumes.”
The criticism isn’t just about the music. Several netizens also compared the film’s visuals to those of IVE’s music videos, noting similarities in aesthetics and direction.
“It’s not just the sound, even the visuals during the song are similar,” read one of the comments shared on X, along with comparative screenshots.
The criticism isn’t just about the music. Several users also compared the film’s visuals to those of IVE’s music videos, noting similarities in aesthetics and direction.
“It’s not just the sound, even the visuals during the song are similar,” reads one of the comments shared on X, along with comparative screenshots.
While some feel the accusations go too far, DIVE (IVE fans) continue to denounce what they perceive as a blatant lack of recognition.
And you, do you think Kpop Demon Hunters should have credited IVE, or is it acceptable to discreetly borrow inspiration from them?
