“KPop Demon Hunters” is more than just an animated musical, it shows a story about the inner struggle that people face with their identity. This teaches us to embrace the parts of ourselves that we are ashamed of, and would rather hide. Through the characters, music, and symbolism the movie teaches messages that can positively impact people’s self esteem and mental health in many ways. 

Rumi, the main character, is half demon. Due to this, she feels intense shame. She hides it from others, even the people she is closest with, and believes that being part demon makes her unworthy of love. Rumi is very relatable because many of us hide who we really are out of fear of judgment and being different. By emphasizing this common human experience, the movie is normalizing the idea that everyone has parts of themselves that are flawed and that we may not be proud of  but it teaches the audience that hiding these parts of ourselves is painful and that facing our fears is the first step in healing.

Rumi’s journey teaches us that learning to fully accept herself is necessary for her to love herself. Her journey also teaches us that our friends are there to help us see our worth and not judge us. The movie shows that when someone isolates themselves their shame will grow. When we allow ourselves to be supported and loved, we heal. At the end of the movie Rumi doesn’t get rid of her demon side, rather she stops seeing it as a thing to be ashamed of and chooses to be happy despite it. This matters because it normalizes these conversations within ourselves and encourages self-compassion.

This movie doesn’t only entertain people but it also teaches some real psychological truths that shame hurts and that accepting ourselves completely and unconditionally is healing.