KPop Demon Hunters directors Maggie Kang and Chris Appelhans are reflecting on their long journey to the Oscars. The film, which was released in June on Netflix, has become the streamer’s most-watched title. The sleeper hit spawned toy lines and food tie-ins, along with a theatrical run for its sing-along companion. “It’s beyond anything I could have ever imagined this concept becoming,” Kang tells The Hollywood Reporter. The film has catapulted the team into the spotlight, led by the film’s lead singing voice and songwriter for multiple songs, EJAE. But Kang and Appelhans are quick to emphasize that the film is only possible because of the large team behind it. “Animation is such a collaborative process,” Kang says. KPop Demon Hunters is up for best animated feature and best original song at the 2026 Academy Awards. It’s undoubtedly a big moment for Kang and Appelhans, but the directors are keen to share this moment with their team that brought the film to life over its seven-year incubation period. “We honestly haven’t had much time to …