The director cites a hip-hop classic as a key creative influence

A Surprising Musical Reference

January 7, 2026: The filmmakers behind KPop Demon Hunters have revealed that the track “Golden” was inspired by an unlikely source: The Notorious B.I.G.’s iconic hit Juicy. According to the film’s director, the influence wasn’t about copying a sound but channeling the emotional rise embedded in the original track.

The admission surprised fans expecting purely K-pop-driven inspirations.

Image Credit: Netflix

Capturing the Spirit, Not the Sound

Rather than mimicking “Juicy” sonically, the creative team focused on its narrative arc—starting from struggle and moving toward confidence and triumph. That emotional progression helped shape “Golden,” which plays a pivotal role in the film’s storytelling.

The goal was to translate feeling across genres.

Image Credit: Netflix

Hip-Hop Meets K-Pop Storytelling

The reference highlights how modern animated films increasingly blend global musical influences. By drawing from a foundational hip-hop anthem, KPop Demon Hunters bridges cultural gaps while grounding its fantasy world in familiar emotional beats.

It’s a fusion that reflects contemporary pop culture’s fluid boundaries.

Image Credit: Getty Images

Why ‘Juicy’ Still Resonates

Decades after its release, “Juicy” remains a blueprint for aspirational storytelling in music. Its themes of perseverance and self-belief continue to inspire artists far beyond hip-hop, making it a natural reference point for creators shaping heroic narratives.

Its legacy extends well beyond its era.

Image Credit: Netflix

Fan Response to the Revelation

Fans reacted with intrigue and enthusiasm, praising the unexpected connection between Biggie’s catalog and a stylized animated feature. Many noted that the influence deepened their appreciation of “Golden,” even without obvious musical similarities.

Context added new layers to the track.

Final Thoughts

By citing “Juicy” as an inspiration for “Golden,” the director of KPop Demon Hunters underscored the timeless reach of great music. The revelation shows how classic hip-hop storytelling can inform modern, genre-blending projects in subtle but meaningful ways.

Influence, it turns out, travels further than sound.