K-Pop's Demon Slayers: Netflix's Animated Movie's Songs Banned in an English Catholic School
The animated adventure K-Pop Demon Hunters, a Netflix original, has sparked a debate in an English Catholic school. The school's faculty has taken issue with the lyrics of the movie's original songs, deeming them incompatible with the school's Christian values.
According to the BBC, Lilliput Church of England Infant School in Dorset has banned students from singing the movie's tunes. The school's message to parents highlighted the discomfort some members of the community feel towards references to demons, associating them with spiritual forces opposed to God and goodness. However, the acting head teacher, Lloyd Allington, received feedback from parents emphasizing the positive messages within the songs.
The school initially requested students to refrain from singing the songs out of respect for those with differing religious views. Yet, this decision faced backlash from parents who noted the songs' positive themes. The head teacher responded, emphasizing the school's commitment to respecting diverse beliefs within its community. He assured parents that the school would support children in understanding and respecting their peers' differing views on faith.
Despite the controversy, K-Pop Demon Hunters has been a hit on Netflix, claiming the top spot for English-language films. A sequel is in the works, with Netflix and Sony finalizing a deal for a 2029 release. The production's scale and complexity contribute to the lengthy development time.
The movie introduces the K-pop girl group HUNTR/X, featuring Rumi (Arden Cho), Mira (May Hong), and Zoey (Ji-young Yoo), who secretly hunt demons. The film's success and sequel announcement have excited fans, although the wait for the reunion tour may be prolonged.