‘KPop Demon Hunters’ Songs Banned by England Catholic School: ‘References to Demons Can Feel Uncomfortable’ and Nod to ‘Forces Opposed to God and Goodness’

A Church of England primary school in Poole, Dorset, has ignited a controversy by prohibiting pupils from performing songs from the hit Netflix animated film "KPop Demon Hunters." Lilliput Church of England Infant School, which serves children aged 4 to 7, defended the ban by stating the movie's lyrical content conflicts with its established Christian values. According to a BBC report, the school communicated to parents that certain members of its community were "deeply uncomfortable" with the film's references to demonic forces, which they view as spiritually harmful.

The school's initial appeal for students to refrain from singing the songs out of respect for diverse beliefs was met with significant parental backlash. One mother described the rule as "ridiculous," noting her daughter's profound enjoyment of K-pop and the shared musical experience with friends. Other parents came to the defense of the soundtrack, pointing to the uplifting themes in songs like the chart-topping, Grammy-nominated single "Golden," which they feel champions collaboration and unity. This situation highlights the complex task faith-based institutions face when popular media, which often carries globalized secular messages, enters the classroom.

In response to the outcry, acting head teacher Lloyd Allington issued a clarifying statement. He emphasized that the school's objective was not to pass judgment on the film itself, but to foster an inclusive environment that acknowledges the varied faith backgrounds of its families. "While we respect parental choices regarding home entertainment, we must also be considerate of the wide spectrum of beliefs within our school community," Allington stated. He further explained that the policy is part of a broader effort to teach children to appreciate that their classmates may hold different viewpoints, thereby nurturing mutual respect from an early age.

The film at the heart of the dispute has been a cultural juggernaut. Since its June debut on Netflix, "KPop Demon Hunters" has shattered viewing records, amassing over 325 million views to become the platform's most-watched film ever. Its soundtrack has enjoyed remarkable commercial success, with three tracks—"Golden," "Your Idol," and "Soda Pop"—enjoying extended stays on the Billboard Hot 100. "Golden," in particular, not only secured the number-one spot but also garnered a Grammy nomination for Song of the Year, underscoring its massive crossover appeal. The movie's unique fusion of high-energy K-pop and fantasy adventure has captivated a worldwide audience, making its songs a noticeable absence in the school setting.

The franchise's journey is far from over, with Netflix and Sony having officially greenlit a sequel scheduled for a 2029 release. Co-director Maggie Kang, who created the original with Chris Appelhans, had previously expressed her enthusiasm for delving deeper into the story's mythology. "We intentionally laid the groundwork for extensive backstory," Kang mentioned in a July interview with Variety. "Naturally, numerous questions remain open and many realms are still uncharted; we had to make those choices constrained by an 85-minute runtime." This planned continuation ensures that the conversations about the series' thematic elements and its role in global culture will undoubtedly continue, potentially presenting similar dilemmas for other institutions in the future.