Maggie Kang, the creator and co-director of the Netflix animated smash hit ‘KPop Demon Hunters,’ has been recognized as a TIME100 Next honoree for 2025. This prestigious list highlights emerging leaders who are shaping the future across various fields.
Her recognition follows the immense, record-breaking success of ‘KPop Demon Hunters,’ which quickly became Netflix’s most-watched original animated film in history.
Read More: “I Wanted to Show a Different Kind of Female Superhero”: Maggie Kang on ‘KPop Demon Hunters’
A Visionary Filmmaker
Kang’s success with ‘KPop Demon Hunters’ is the result of years of dedication. Actor and producer Daniel Dae Kim, who is a Tony-nominated actor, wrote about Kang, confirming her hard work: “I’ve heard some say this movie came “out of nowhere,” but for visionaries like Maggie, it’s hardly the case. She knew exactly where it was coming from right from the start: great storytelling imbued with a spirit of love and hope, as well as empowerment for a whole new generation.”
The director spent seven years developing the film, which blends the high-energy world of K-pop with supernatural action. This followed over a decade of her working in Hollywood animation.
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Grateful to be included in the 2025 #TIME100NEXT list. See the full list here: https://t.co/FAEvNBk2gE
Thank you @danieldaekim and @TIME
— Maggie Kang (@maggiemkang) September 30, 2025
The film’s impact lies not only in its massive viewership but also in its commitment to representation. Kang brought strong Asian female superheroes to the screen, a milestone she is being celebrated for.
Read More: ‘KPop Demon Hunters’ Drops Official Light Sticks as Fandom Takes Over
In praising her work, Daniel Dae Kim continued: “In creating strong Asian female superheroes for our screens, she’s done something even more remarkable in the process. She’s become one herself.”
The recognition by TIME is the latest accolade for Kang, who is seen as a key figure pushing for more authentic and diverse storytelling in global animation.
