Is Catlin really gonna be, gonna be Golden?
By Ariana Bajaj ‘26
Derpy and Sussy, the two Magical companions from “K-Pop Demon Hunters,” singing their way to Catlin.
Courtesy of Gracyn Gardner ‘26.
Since its June release, “K-Pop Demon Hunters” has risen to the top of global Netflix charts and international music billboards. Surpassing over 350 million views, this movie has taken the world by storm, but what reception has the film received at Catlin Gabel School (CGS), and how has it differed from the recent trends?
The movie has been recognized for its appeal to a diverse range of viewers. In fact, as Kelechi Ehenulo, a top critic from Empire Magazine, stated, “this is a stunning musical treat, a joy for all ages.” Alongside its intricate detail to culture and comedy, “K-Pop Demon Hunters” follows the unique plot of the all-girls band Huntr/x and their rebellious counterparts, the Saja Boys.
Alongside its respected animation style, the movie has sparked conversations regarding its cultural elements. While speaking to the BBC, Lashai Ben Salmi, a community leader focused on Korean culture, commented, “Unlike other animated films, …, the music here was woven into the narrative in a way that enhanced it rather than distracted.”
With top hits like “Golden,” “Soda Pop,” and “Your Idol,” the movie creates unique connections to Korean identity and heritage. Integrating traditional dance styles such as Kalgunmu, the Korean term for synchronized dancing, the movie “invites audiences to connect with the characters as if they were real idols,” said Director Kang during a Netflix press interview.
But what has the CGS Upper School thought of this recent blockbuster?
Hearing “gonna be, gonna be Golden” (famous song lyric) echoing through my classes, I was determined to find out.
You’ll want to pop a soda after hearing that the average rating from 26 Upper School students of the movie, on a scale of 1 to 5 (5 being the highest and 1 the lowest), was a whopping 3.95 stars! In addition, 100% of students who responded to the survey (26/48 students) reported familiarity with the movie and its current reach in our community.
Results based on a randomly stratified survey of 26 CGS Upper School students conducted in October 2025. This chart displays the average movie rating on a scale of 1-5 (1 being the lowest and 5 being the highest.
Courtesy of Ariana Bajaj ‘26.
Some comments from students who solely heard of the movie sounded like, “I've heard the songs are really good, and it's an interesting story about friendship.” Or, “Not much, I've just heard the name,” expressing their lack of engagement with the film.
Cole Zanfardino ‘26 recalls his initial thoughts of the movie as, “Oh, this is gonna be slop.” Describing his review after watching “K-Pop Demon Hunters,” Zanfardino identifies, “It was quite a delightful movie … but it didn't change my life overnight.”
Students from the Upper School who watched the movie left remarks on aspects of the film they appreciated or disliked. Commenting on the production quality, Gracyn Gardner ‘26 states, “It's definitely had a very big impact on … pop culture that's coming up now,” attesting to their ability to “make the songs so true to actual K-pop.”
On the other hand, some Upper School viewers who answered the survey felt the movie was “a bit overrated,” calling it “clearly a movie made for kids” and “bland.” While other viewers appreciated the artistry and innovation in the film, the animation and plot did not appeal to their tastes.
Clearly, the Upper School had mixed reactions about the movie.
Speaking of idols in the community, our very own CGS band performed the movie’s hit song “Golden” at the all-school assembly. Marguerite McKean, one of the lead singers for the CGS band, described the movie as “very upbeat and exciting,” claiming that it was the perfect movie to rewatch while washing dishes.
Catlin Gabel Faculty Band – Marguerite McKean, Deirdre Atkinson, Lindsay Babbitt, Alex Juarez – performing at the all-school assembly.
Courtesy of Catlin Gabel School.
Musically, McKean expressed, the particular key and notes that the songwriter incorporated were selected because they “expected that kids would be the ones who would sing it.” While watching alongside her children, McKean speculates that it was the catchy tunes and attractive visuals that appealed to the millennial generation.
She goes on to add, “It really spoke to my generation in a way of harkening back to some of the cartoons that we watched when we were kids. And also … the message of getting through tough times, of being your true self.”
Many Upper School community members are well familiar with “K-Pop Demon Hunters” and their unforgettable bops and striking characters. While a debate still lingers over whether its plot and animations are appealing to older viewers, we can appreciate the creative and cultural waves this film is driving for both our CGS community and beyond—perhaps even enough to seal the Honmoon.