Next “KPop Demon Hunters”? Netflix’s New K-Pop Movie Hit With Scathing Backlash
A new K-pop themed film, K-POPS!, has landed on Netflix, and it is already facing strong backlash online.
The movie was first released in theaters by Aura Entertainment earlier this February before arriving on streaming.
It follows a struggling Los Angeles musician who moves to South Korea in hopes of reviving his failing career. He joins the live band for a televised K-Pop competition, only to discover something unexpected. His long-lost son is now a rising star. At first, he tries to use the situation to boost his own fame, but over time, their relationship shifts, and he begins to focus more on being a father.
After Netflix shared a short clip from the film on social media, reactions quickly turned negative.
K-POPS!, a film by and starring Anderson .Paak and his son Soul Rasheed, is now on Netflix!
Desperate to achieve stardom, an American musician joins a K-pop talent show in Seoul — only to discover a rising contestant is the son he never knew. pic.twitter.com/EMZOhTMubd
— Netflix (@netflix) May 30, 2026
Many criticized the plot for being unrealistic and tone-deaf. Some questioned its portrayal of K-pop culture and its handling of race and identity.
Making a movie about a black kid wanting to achieve stardom through racist culture vultures who constantly emulate his own culture, while amplifying the image of black males being deadbeats?!? What a fcking mess.
— Lexihardy (@Lexihardy26) May 31, 2026
A number of comments also argued that the film misrepresents the industry and leans into stereotypes rather than authentic storytelling.
This is not what bts paved the way for https://t.co/6jaezzZmTs
— ِ (@kitteewhysker) May 31, 2026
It keeps getting worse. https://t.co/F4PaAXbOn8
— nija. (@majornija) May 30, 2026
The clip continues to circulate, but instead of excitement, it has sparked debate and frustration among viewers.
