KPop Demon Hunters' Saja Boys Was Inspired By This Famous Group Says Director Maggie Kang: Was It BTS?

If you've seen the Netflix animated hit film KPop Demon Hunters, then you already know that the Saja Boys are a fictional rival boy band of demons in disguise.

As the main antagonists in the story, they aim to destroy the demon hunters and steal their fans. The group is part of a story that features K-Pop trio HUNTR/X, who aim to save the world from demons. Ahn Hyo Seop is cast as the voice of Jinu, the leader of the Saja Boys.

When Netflix released the teaser trailer and images for KPop Demon Hunters, fans immediately started comparing the characters to well-known idols. Many believed that the Saja Boys reflected specific members from groups like BTS, Stray Kids, and ATEEZ. Maggie Kang, who directed the series, saw these comparisons but emphasised that the characters are based on broader archetypes rather than direct copies.

Kang and her team used a digital bulletin board to gather references from idols, models, and actors, aiming to create characters that felt both recognisable and unique. She adds that the process was collaborative, involving input from her art department, which brought together numerous images to shape each character.

Breaking Down the Archetypes

The Saja Boys are inspired by a range of Korean idol groups including Tomorrow X Together, BTS, Stray Kids, ATEEZ, BIGBANG, and Monsta X. Kang explains that each member was designed to embody a specific archetype: the 'muscular guy', the 'romantic', and, of course, the 'baby' or maknae. For example, Abby Saja was made slightly larger—about 20% bulkier—to reflect his role as the group's 'tough' member.

Jinu, the leader of the group, draws inspiration mainly from well-known K-drama actors like Cha Eun-woo and Nam Joo-hyuk. Kang aimed for a classic Korean look with dark hair, which influenced the character's design. Interestingly, the character was created before actor Ahn Hyo-seop was cast as the voice, but Kang admits she sees similarities with his appearance in the drama Business Proposal.

The character Mystery, whose face is mostly hidden by long purple hair, was inspired by anime rather than a specific idol. Kang's team chose to leave Mystery's face as a question mark, both as a creative challenge and a visual choice that fits the character's mysterious nature. It also simplified animation, as it avoided needing five distinct faces for the characters.

Visual Design and Influences

Kang's team created detailed reference boards for each character, blending images of idols, models, and actors. The Saja Boys share the same computer-generated (CG) body model, except for Abby Saja, who is marginally bulked up. Kang describes this as a deliberate choice to give each member a distinct physical presence.

The female members of the girl group Huntrix also reflect specific K-pop influences. Kang worked with her team to ensure each had a unique style, referencing groups like ITZY, BLACKPINK, and TWICE. She also credits Korean model Ahn So Yeon as inspiration for Mira, the fashion-forward member. For Zoey, the aim was to create a cute and approachable vibe, pulling from various idols to craft her look.

The Cultural Side to the Saja Boys

In addition to their 'pop' look, it's important to note that the name Saja Boys carries symbolic weight. In Korean, 'saja' can mean lion, which appears in their logo and branding through lion imagery. However, the name also alludes to a traditional folklore figure, 'jeoseung saja', who are keeper spirits guiding souls to the afterlife.

These figures are depicted wearing black hanbok and wide-brimmed hats, similar to the demon forms of the Saja Boys. Kang explains that this dual meaning adds a layer of cultural depth to the characters, linking modern idol archetypes to traditional legends.

The Saja Boys in KPop Demon Hunters are a carefully constructed blend of idol archetypes and folklore symbolism. Maggie Kang's approach was to draw from familiar faces in the Korean entertainment industry while maintaining a creative distance. This combination resulted in characters that resonate with fans but also serve the story's supernatural themes.