Is Kpop Demon Hunters 2 Confirmed? Some Characters Are Expected to Return – Here's Why It Could Be Jinu

Kpop Demon Hunters might be the most viral animated film of the year — and now all eyes are on whether a sequel is officially on the way. After dominating Netflix's global charts, the action-musical about demon-fighting idols is rumoured to be expanding into a full franchise, with growing speculation that fan favourite Jinu could return despite his apparent death.

Sony Steps In As Sequel Negotiations Begin

While an earlier report suggested Netflix was eyeing multiple follow-ups, a new scoop from Puck News revealed that Sony Pictures, not Netflix, holds the contractual rights to produce sequels and spinoffs. This means that if there is a Kpop Demon Hunters 2, Sony would be the studio behind it, potentially moving the franchise away from streaming and onto the big screen.

Netflix had previously considered ambitious expansion plans — including two animated sequels, a live-action remake, a TV series and even a stage musical. But with Sony's legal position clarified, it looks increasingly likely that future instalments will land in cinemas rather than on streaming platforms.

Sony has already entered talks with co-directors Maggie Kang and Chris Appelhans, who created the original with writers Danya Jimenez and Hannah McMechan. Both directors have made it clear they are interested in returning to the world of KPDH. As Kang told Screenrant: 'There are always side stories, and there are things we've thought of while making this one. There are a lot of questions that are answered, but not fully. I think there are a lot of pockets that we can explore'.

Why Fans Believe Jinu Could Return

The most heated online speculation centres on Jinu, one of the Saja Boys. In the climactic battle, Jinu sacrificed himself to give Rumi the strength to win, his soul appearing to merge with her sword. While other Saja members were definitively killed, this mystical twist left Jinu's fate deliberately ambiguous.

Many fans now believe his essence lives on within Rumi's blade, setting up a potential return in the sequel. This theory would not only reopen his budding romance with Rumi, but also provide emotional stakes that fans say were one of the first film's strongest points. Director Maggie Kang has been careful not to confirm or deny Jinu's survival, which only fuels speculation.

Unfinished Stories and World-Building

The ending of Kpop Demon Hunters itself leaves space for continuation. Though the HUNTR/X girls created a new Honmoon barrier to keep demons away, its silver glow was not the golden seal traditionally associated with permanent banishment. The visual detail sparked debates online about whether another wave of demons could eventually break through.

Kang has also revealed that she and Appelhans were forced to cut character backstories due to runtime limitations, including those of Zoey and Mira. 'This was Rumi's story', she told Variety, 'but we've set up so much for potential backstory. There's a lot of questions that are left unanswered'. One major storyline teased for future films is the tragic romance between Rumi's Hunter mother and demon father — a pairing that could shed light on the deeper mythology of the world.

The Future of K-Pop Crossovers

Part of what made Kpop Demon Hunters resonate worldwide was its fresh collision of K-pop glamour and anime-style fantasy. With original songs, sharp choreography and a blend of Korean and Western voice talent — including Arden Cho, Ji-young Yoo, Ahn Hyo-seop, Ken Jeong and Lee Byung-hun — the film stood out as one of the boldest experiments in global animation this year.

Hollywood is now betting that the K-pop crossover wave is just beginning. Merchandising for KPDH is booming, and the film is expected to mount a major Oscars campaign. Given that Maggie Kang first pitched the concept in 2018 and production took nearly seven years, a sequel might not arrive until 2028 if it follows the same schedule. But with Sony's interest and the franchise's viral popularity, many fans hope the process will be fast-tracked.

Jinu or No Jinu

Whether or not Jinu returns, one thing is clear: Kpop Demon Hunters has struck a chord with global audiences hungry for new cultural hybrids. The original film answered some questions but left just enough unsolved to fuel theories, fan art and endless discussions. With talks underway and the fandom showing no signs of slowing, the stage is set for Huntrix to sing — and fight — another day.