School Bans Students from Singing K-Pop “Demon Hunters” Songs

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A school in Dorset has banned students from singing songs from the Netflix movie ‘KPop Demon Hunters’ after some community members expressed concern that the lyrics conflict with the school’s Christian beliefs.

Last Friday, Lilliput Church of England Infant School in Poole notified parents that some families were upset about references to demons in the songs from a recent film. The school clarified that these references relate to forces considered evil and against religious teachings.

I was really pleased to hear from the acting head teacher, Lloyd Allington, on Monday. He shared that parents had reached out to say the songs actually contain some really positive messages, which is wonderful. He also explained the school wants to be there for any students whose families might struggle with the themes – it’s great they’re thinking about that and offering support.

The Netflix film KPop Demon Hunters, which became the platform’s most popular movie in August, centers around Huntr/x, a fictional K-pop girl group. The group members are demon hunters who juggle their music with fighting supernatural forces. The story also includes their rivals, the Saja Boys, who are secretly demons themselves, and whose songs often deal with themes of temptation and seduction.

The school requested that parents ask their children to refrain from singing certain songs at school, out of consideration for students whose beliefs might differ.

A parent who spoke to the BBC described the decision as excessive. He explained that his daughter and her friends are enthusiastic K-pop fans and enjoy performing songs at their after-school clubs. He believes it’s “just a harmless and positive activity that helps them build confidence.” As someone who doesn’t practice religion, he felt the ban was “unnecessary, unfair, and a bit ridiculous.”

Mr. Allington also pointed out that songs from the movie, like the UK number one hit ‘Golden,’ have taught children valuable lessons about working together, being brave, and showing kindness. He added, “We understand and respect parents’ decisions about what their children watch or listen to, and we also want to be sensitive to the different viewpoints within our school.”

As a fan, I really appreciated what he said next. He explained that for some Christians, even mentioning demons can be upsetting because it clashes with their beliefs about God and what’s right. But he quickly clarified they aren’t trying to tell anyone their kids can’t enjoy the movie or the music if that feels okay for their family. Instead, they want to help kids understand that not everyone feels the same way, and to learn how to be respectful and supportive of their friends’ beliefs, whatever they may be.

Released on Netflix on June 20th, KPop Demon Hunters quickly became a hit, even getting a limited release in theaters with a sing-along version later in the year. The film was celebrated for its impressive animation, catchy music, and compelling story, becoming a true cultural phenomenon.

The film broke Netflix records, becoming their most popular original movie ever with 325 million views. Its soundtrack was also a hit, featuring four songs in the top ten of the Billboard Hot 100 and earning five Grammy nominations.

Directed by Maggie Kang and Chris Appelhans, the film draws inspiration from Korean culture, mixing traditional myths, stories of demons, and the energy of K-pop. A follow-up movie is scheduled to come out in 2029.

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2025-11-18 14:44