TIME Magazine is honoring one of my favorite Netflix films.

TIME Magazine has announced KPop Demon Hunters as its Breakthrough of the Year, and honestly, it makes total sense. The animated film didn’t just take over box offices — it took over the entire internet and most households around the globe. Even if you don’t have kids, be real… you’ve probably heard or seen KPop Demon Hunters somewhere this year.

The voices behind Huntr/x became instantly recognizable, with their vocals blasting everywhere from TikTok edits to living rooms. Several tracks from the film went massively viral, especially the ones with those sky-high vocal runs that everyone on social media kept trying (and failing) to hit. It turned into a whole moment.

Beyond the memes and viral covers, the movie actually shifted the world’s perspective on K-pop. It blended animation, storytelling, and a distinctly Korean pop sound in a way that felt fresh and universally appealing. In doing so, KPop Demon Hunters broke cultural barriers, introduced new fans to the genre, and made history with their unprecedented global success.

This recognition from TIME is just the cherry on top of a year where the movie truly became a global phenomenon.

Ileyah

Ileyah is a mom, a writer and a musician. She loves late nights and gluten free snacks.