The Korean Cultural Center in the Philippines (KCC) is turning the worldwide buzz around the hit animation film K‑Pop Demon Hunters into a deeper encounter with Korea’s rich artistic traditions.
From July 18 to August 4, KCC is hosting a four‑part program—Step Into the World of K‑Pop Demon Hunters—that invites fans to trace the movie’s distinctive visual icons back to their cultural roots.
“When viewers fall in love with Sussie and Derpy, marvel at the sleek black gat, or spot the maedeup bracelet on screen, they’re actually looking at centuries‑old symbols of Korean life,” said Kim Myeongjin, director of KCC Philippines. “Our role is to open the door from pop culture to cultural appreciation, so the Filipino audience can experience the stories, skills, and values woven into these elements.”
The visual world of K-Pop Demon Hunters draws heavily from Korean folklore and traditional aesthetics. Sussie and Derpy, the magpie and tiger duo who have captured viewers’ hearts, are modern interpretations of an iconic Korean painting. The mysterious gat, worn by the film’s demon idols, was a symbol of intellect and dignity during the Joseon dynasty. The hand-knot maedeup bracelet shown in a key emotional scene is rooted in centuries of traditional Korean knots, which were worn and decorated people and places of Korea.
These three elements serve as the cultural foundation for KCC’s four-part public event series:
The line-up of events:
Part I: Show Us What You Gat ×Hanbok Fridays, July 25, 1:30-3:30 pm, 5F Exhibition Hall, KCC—Come dressed as your favorite K‑Pop Demon Hunters character or dress in the traditional hanbok and gat provided by KCC. Plus, a mini photoshoot in the Lights of Korea: Jinju Silk Lanterns exhibit awaits participants.
The gat is an exceptional handicraft made from different materials like bamboo and horsehair tail, woven together to create a semi-transparent hat. The black siilk straps are tied under the chin in a knot. Gat strings hanging down to the chest are also attached for added style.
Part II: Maedeup DIY Activity, July 25, 10 am–3:30 pm, Library, KCC—Learn to knot a charm similar to the bracelet Rumi gave Jinu. Maedeup is created by hand-knotting and tightening plaited cords, which have also been made by twisting yarns by hand. Maedeup has always been present in the Korean everyday life and can be seen in clothing and accessories, furniture, household items, and ceremonial or royal court items.
Part III: Kkachi Horangi (Magpie–Tiger) Minhwa Workshop, August 2, 10 am and and 2 pm, Art Classroom, KCC – Paint your whimsical magpie‑and‑tiger scene under the guidance of our art class instructor. Limited to 20 participants per session; registration opens July 14.
The magpie and tiger that make up the Kkachi Horangi (Magpie and Tiger) painting are all beloved motifs in Korean culture. The tiger holds a deep emotional connection with the Korean people, and the magpie is cherished as a bird that brings good fortune. For these reasons, Kkachi Horangi has long been regarded as a quintessential example of Korean folk painting.
Slots are limited, so pre-registration is highly required <bit.ly/DerpyAndSussieMinhwaWorkshop>
Part IV: Show Us What You Gat, Online Edition, July 28–August 4 – Instagram & Facebook Post your best film‑inspired outfit, tag KCC, and use #ShowUsWhatYouGat. Five fan favorites to be announced on August 6 will win exclusive gat‑themed prizes.
This is fan creativity powering Korean heritage in the digital space.
Each visual motif featured in K-Pop Demon Hunters tells a story that stretches back hundreds of years, and KCC hopes to inspire more Filipinos to learn about those stories. By connecting the aesthetics of modern media with their origins in Korean folk culture, the program highlights how heritage continues to evolve, survive, and thrive in popular entertainment.
“Cultural appreciation is about recognizing the deeper meaning behind what we see on screen,” added director Kim. “We want this event to be a fun and meaningful celebration of creativity, tradition, and the bond between Korean and Filipino audiences.”
All activities are free and open to the public. However, Minhwa workshop slots are limited, and interested participants can sign through <bit.ly/DerpyAndSussieMinhwaWorkshop>.
Join us at KCC and uncover the meaning, magic, and history behind every gat, every knot, and every brushstroke.
The world of K‑Pop Demon Hunters is more than just action and style; it’s a doorway to tradition. Open it with us!
