Netflix’s latest K-content sensation, “KPop Demon Hunters,” is taking the world by storm. Combining high-octane action, K-pop idol visuals, and ancient Korean culture and myths, this “KPop Demon Hunters” is a cultural deep dive into Joseon-era Korea.
Set in a richly imagined world where demon-hunting idols protect humanity from ancient evils, “K-Pop Demon Hunters” introduces global audiences to the mystical and mythological roots of Korean history.
“K-Pop Demon Hunters” and the Rise of Joseon Culture and Myths
Whether you’re a K-drama junkie, a history buff, or new to Korean storytelling, here’s your guide to the 7 Joseon-era myths and cultural themes that power the plot of “K-Pop Demon Hunters.”
1. Gwishin: Korea’s Vengeful Spirits Haunting the Living
Central to the series are the gwishin (귀신) — restless spirits from Korean mythology. These ghosts typically wear traditional white hanbok and long, disheveled hair, often lingering due to unresolved grudges.
In “K-Pop Demon Hunters,” the group faces terrifying gwishin drawn from Joseon legends, including murdered courtesans, betrayed generals, and royal concubines seeking vengeance.
Gwishin are the Korean equivalent of banshees or onryō (怨霊) in Japanese folklore — deeply tied to real historical tragedies.
However, the Saja Boys are demons, not spirits. They were human at one point (like Jinu) but made a pact with Gwi Ma and became immortal, corrupt beings.
So, who is Gwi Ma?
Taking the supernatural threat to another level is Gwi Ma (귀마) — the powerful, malevolent force commanding the spirit world. Unlike Gwishin, who were once human, Gwi Ma is an original creation based on traditional Korean concepts of “ma (마)” — a demonic or corrupting force.
In the series, Gwi Ma is the demonic overlord, the root of all evil the idol warriors must defeat. With shadows, and corrupted royal regalia, Gwi Ma embodies both Joseon-era fear of spiritual imbalance and modern fantasy villainy.
While “Gwi Ma” is a fictional name, it draws from real terms like “akma (악마)” (devil) and “ma” (evil spirit) used in Korean Buddhism and shamanism.
2. The Secret Order of Mudang: Shamans from the Joseon Dynasty
Mudang (무당) are female shamans (male shamans are called baksu), who played a fascinating, complex, and often controversial role during the Joseon Dynasty. Mudang serve as spiritual intermediaries between the human and spirit worlds. They can communicate with gods, ancestral spirits, and nature deities through a ritual involving music, dance, costumes, and offerings called gut (굿).
Real-life mudang still perform rituals today, especially during ancestral rites and spiritual healing ceremonies. During the Joseon Dynasty, shamanism was both revered and persecuted. In the series, this legacy fuels tension between tradition and modernity.
In “KPop Demon Hunters,“ the series introduces several generations of spirit warriors who can be interpreted as modern-day mudang (무당).
At the heart of the story is the girl group HUNTRIX, whose members descend from a powerful mudang bloodline. The generation preceding HUNTRIX is known as the Sunlight Sisters, a group made up of three women, including Ryu Mi Yeong (Rumi’s mother) and Celine. This lineage highlights the enduring legacy of shamanic power passed down through generations of women destined to protect the world from supernatural threats.
3. Samsin Halmoni: The Goddess of Life and Fate
When you were watching “KPop Demon Hunters,” did you wonder why the girl groups always consist of three members? It is not a coincidence. A key plotline of the series revolves around an ancient goddess who protects humanity — likely inspired by Samsin Halmoni (삼신 할머니), the Joseon-era goddess of childbirth and fate.
Samsin Halmoni is one of the most revered and ancient deities in Korean folk religion and shamanism — a goddess of birth, motherhood, and fate. The divine figure is often associated with the protection of children and the cycle of life (birth-life-death). Her name means “Grandmother Samsin,” and she is at the heart of domestic spiritual life in traditional Korean households, especially during pregnancy, childbirth, and early childhood.
Moreover, in East Asian numerology, three is a perfect number, symbolizing harmony between heaven, earth, and humanity. And, samsin embodies this balance in the context of life creation and continuation. That is likely why the groups always consist of three members, since the 1st generation.
4. Saingeom, Woldo, Shinkal: Historical Warriors Reimagined
HUNTRIX wields weapons inspired by real Korean martial traditions. Rumi fights with the Saingeom (사인검, 辟邪四寅劍) — the legendary “Four Tigers Evil Slayers” sword. Mira uses a Woldo (월도), a curved moon-shaped blade once used by elite Joseon warriors. Zoe channels shamanic power through a Shinkal (신칼), the spiritual blade of a Mudang.
These aren’t just stylistic choices — they ground the team’s fantasy action in authentic Korean history and folklore. From Joseon’s martial arts and advanced weaponry to the mysticism of Korea’s spiritual traditions, each element deepens the lore and heritage behind their fight against demons.
Saingeom (사인검, 辟邪四寅劍)
Rumi’s weapon, Saingeom, is a legendary Korean sword known as the “Four Tigers Evil-Slaying Sword” or “Sword of the Four Signs.” This weapon is deeply rooted in Korean folklore, taoist mysticism, and royal symbolism.
However, the Saingeom is not merely a weapon. It represents divine authority, protection from evil, and the power to restore cosmic balance. The Saingeom is said to carry the power of the four cardinal tigers (White, Blue, Black, and Red Tigers), guardians of the east, west, north, and south in Korean shamanic and Taoist cosmology.
In some legends, the Saingeom was said to have been forged and wielded by kings or Taoist warriors during the Joseon era. It embodied the will of heaven and the strength of a virtuous ruler to dispel chaos.
Woldo (월도)
Mira’s weapon, Woldo, literally means “Moon Blade” — 월 (Wol, 月) = Moon, 도 (Do, 刀) = Blade or Saber. It is a traditional Korean polearm that was used by elite warriors during the Joseon Dynasty. With its elegant yet deadly crescent-shaped blade, the Woldo is one of the most iconic weapons in Korea’s martial history.
Shinkal (신칼)
Shinkal, used by Zoe, means “Divine Knife” or “Spiritual Blade.” This weapon is a sacred ritual object used by Korean mudang, during gut ceremonies. More than just a tool, the shinkal is considered an extension of divine power, a conduit between the spiritual and physical realms, and a symbol of the mudang’s authority in dealing with spirits. In some cases, mudang use multiple blades, each with a specific spiritual purpose.
5. Hanbok Meets Battle Gear: Joseon Fashion Inspired
The Saja Boys strike with elegance and menace, draped in hanbok that fuses Joseon court fashion with otherworldly charisma. Their look draws from the gwanbok (관복) — the official robes of royal officials — but it’s been twisted by their demonic transformation. The long black robes, cinched waists, and commanding silhouettes exude the air of corrupted nobility.
Each of them wears a gat (갓) — the wide-brimmed hat once reserved for yangban elites — now casting eerie shadows over glowing eyes. Gold cords, talismanic accessories, and blood-red stitching hint at forbidden rituals and ancient power.
6. The Guardian Tiger (호랑이): Fierce Protector of Joseon Myths
In “K-Pop Demon Hunters,” one of the most striking supernatural beings is the white tiger — first introduced subtly as Jinu’s pet-like companion. At first glance, it seems like just a cool aesthetic choice for Jinu. But as the story unfolds, we learn this tiger is no ordinary animal. It’s a manifestation of Baekho (백호), the White Tiger of the West, a powerful mythological guardian.
Baekho (白虎) is one of the Four Symbols (사상, Sasang) in East Asian mythology — celestial beasts that guard the cardinal directions and represent elements of nature, time, and virtue. The White Tiger is the guardian of the West, associated with autumn, metal, righteousness, and spiritual protection.
It appears in many tales, murals, and shamanic traditions, often as a guardian of sacred mountains, such as Baekdu Mountain (백두산).
Tigers, in general (not just white ones), were often believed to see through lies, chase out bad energy, and even act as spirit messengers.
In many Korean folktales, white tigers are considered messengers of the heavens — and in the series, Baekho subtly connects the characters to the divine forces watching over them.
7. Joseon’s Confucian Hierarchy: Rebellion Through Rhythm
Beyond myths and monsters, the series explores how K-pop idol rebellion reflects the historical pushback against the rigid Confucian hierarchy of Joseon Korea.
The female leads challenge expectations — just as shamans, court women, and even commoners once quietly fought back against social norms.
Music, movement, and ritual were subversive tools in the past — just as K-pop becomes a tool of justice in the series.
8. Honmoon (혼문): The Seal That Keeps Demons Away
In “KPop Demon Hunters,” one of the most important things protecting the human world is something called Honmoon (혼문) — a powerful spiritual seal that stops demons from crossing over.
According to old Joseon beliefs, Honmoon is like a contract between the human world and the spirit world. Shamans created it to keep everything in balance. In Korean tradition, people believed that words, rituals, and written symbols had real spiritual power. So, a seal like Honmoon wasn’t just symbolic. It was seen as something sacred that holds the world together.
In the series, HUNTRIX are the last protectors of this ancient seal. Their job is not just fighting demons — it’s keeping the Honmoon from breaking. If it fails, the demon realm could invade the human world.
Their ultimate goal is to create the Golden Honmoon — a stronger, unbreakable version of the seal that could finally stop the demons for good.
Honmoon is more than just a magic wall. It shows how deeply connected Korean culture is to the idea that spiritual balance matters — and that it’s up to people, especially those with courage and legacy, to protect that balance.
Watch the “KPop Demon Hunters,” Discover the Legends
“KPop Demon Hunters” is not merely a fantasy series. It’s a love letter to Korea’s rich mythological past. By blending Joseon mythology, female empowerment, and idol fandom, it invites a new generation of global fans to explore Korean culture through a fresh and entirely new lens.
If the fierce battles, electrifying soundtrack, and rich historical layers of “K-Pop Demon Hunters” pulled you in, there’s even more waiting beneath the surface. The series is packed with real Korean myths and cultural symbols that bring its world to life.
Who would’ve thought K-pop could lead you straight into the heart of Joseon legends?
Are you ready for “KPop Demon Hunters” Season 2? The myth just got deeper.
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Very well explained. I wonder why those weapons for Huntrix.