Amid the global popularity of Netflix’s K-Pop-themed animated series K-Pop Demon Hunters, a controversy has erupted as some Chinese netizens are reportedly using images from the show without permission to promote their own country’s animation.
On Thursday, Professor Seo Kyung-duk of Sungshin Women’s University’s Department of Creative Convergence stated, “Certain Chinese internet users are mentioning K-Pop Demon Hunters or manipulating its images while promoting the Chinese animation Nezha 2 on social media platforms.”
Nezha 2, a domestic Chinese animation, adapts the ancient mythological hero Nezha from the classic novel Fengshen Yanyi. This sequel to Nezha: Birth of the Demon Child received substantial backing from the Chinese government throughout its production. Aiming for the global market, the producers even cast Oscar-winner Michelle Yeoh for the English dub. Despite these efforts, the film’s August release in North American theaters was met with disappointing box office results.
To boost the poor box office performance, Chinese netizens have been flooding social media with posts that merge characters from K-Pop Demon Hunters with those from Nezha 2.
Seo condemned these actions, stating, “Not only are they illegally watching K-Pop Demon Hunters, but now they are resorting to shameless tactics to ride on its global success.” He pointed out that they are using the hashtag “K-Pop Demon Hunters” on various China-related content to drum up interest in Nezha 2.
He concluded with a stern warning, stating, “Chinese netizens must cease these activities immediately. They need to stop promoting their content by exploiting others’ intellectual property, quit piracy, and halt the sale of counterfeit merchandise.”
