Netflix's 'K-Pop: Demon Hunters' Qualifies for Oscar Nomination List, Igniting K-Animation Buzz

Netflix's animated feature 'K-Pop: Demon Hunters' has officially been included in the list of eligible films for the 98th Academy Awards, further cementing the global impact of Korean animation.

The Academy released the full list of entries across various categories on December 21st (local time). Notably, 'K-Pop: Demon Hunters,' which has become a worldwide phenomenon this year, was among the 35 films submitted for consideration in the Animated Feature category, drawing significant attention.

Final nominees will be determined by votes from members of the Academy's animation branch, with eligibility for voting extended to members of other branches who meet minimum viewing requirements. The official nominations are slated for announcement on January 22nd of next year.

Alongside 'K-Pop: Demon Hunters,' other contenders in the Animated Feature category include Disney's 'Elio' and 'Zootopia 2,' as well as Japanese productions 'Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – To the Swordsmith Village' and 'Chainsaw Man – The Movie: Reze Arc.' In the International Feature Film category, Park Chan-wook's 'Decision to Leave' (Korean title: 'Heojil Kyol Shim') was submitted as South Korea's official entry.

The 98th Academy Awards ceremony is scheduled to take place in March next year.

Netizens expressed pride and excitement, commenting, 'So proud that a K-pop animation is in contention for an Oscar!', 'It's finally getting recognized after being talked about internationally,' and 'I hope it makes it to the final nominations next time!'