MUSIC
K-Pop Demon Hunters' Virtual Group HUNTR/X Set to Make Real-World Debut at MTV VMAs
The real voices behind HUNTR/X—EJAE, AUDREY NUNA, and REI AMI—are set to appear as presenters at the '2025 MTV Video Music Awards' (MTV VMAs) on November 7th at the UBS Arena in New York. This marks a significant moment as it will be the first time global music fans can witness the essence of HUNTR/X live.
Their songs from the OST, including 'Golden,' 'How It's Done,' and 'Take Down,' have taken the world by storm, dominating music charts and eliciting an explosive response. The hit track 'Golden' has sparked a parody craze on TikTok and YouTube Shorts, transcending K-pop to become a global music phenomenon.
As a result, there is a growing movement for EJAE, AUDREY NUNA, and REI AMI to officially perform as HUNTR/X in offline settings. They are also scheduled to attend a signing event on November 5th to celebrate the release of the physical album for the 'K-Pop Demon Hunters' OST, where they will meet fans in person.
A global music industry insider commented, "Following the OST's success, collaboration offers are pouring in for them. Each artist has a distinct musical style, yet their synergy is remarkable. Fans are eager to see a real-life HUNTR/X come to fruition. If this project succeeds, it could establish a new business model for animation-based artists."
Another industry expert noted, "While virtual idols and bands have gained popularity, it's rare for the actual vocalists from a project to debut as a team in the real world. If HUNTR/X becomes a real group, it will be an experiment in blending virtual and real-world K-pop, signaling an expansion of the industry."
Additionally, "All three artists are Korean-American, positioning them uniquely to engage both global and domestic fanbases. This presents an opportunity for K-pop to craft a new narrative in the global market."
