K-POP Demon Hunters and The Power of Voice - Guest Chapter by Colin Wallace

As a nineteen-year-old male, you can imagine how shocked I was to find myself liking this movie. Whatever expectations I had were blown clear out of the water, and I’ve got to say that I really enjoyed the experience. Whether it was the catchy music, the elaborate fight scenes, or just the overall story, this movie seriously pulled at some heartstrings. The story revolves around a band called Huntrix, who are also guardian warriors who defend their world from soul-sucking beings called demons.

Through the generations

Huntrix wields an ancient power that has been passed down from one generation to the next. Even though the use of its power changes with the times, it stays the same in source and effect. A trio uses their combined voices in order to unite the people, which creates a barrier, stopping the enemy from invading their world. This concept is similar to what we see in 1 Corinthians 9:20-22, which says:

“To the Jews I became like a Jew, to win Jews; to those under the law, like one under the law— though I myself am not under the law—to win those under the law. To those who are without the law, like one without the law—though I am not without God’s law but under the law of Christ—to win those without the law. To the weak I became weak, in order to win the weak. I have become all things to all people, so that I may by every possible means save some.”

Just as the guardians of HunterX used their powers and gifts differently than their ancestors, we also use slightly different methods than those in the time of Paul. The reason that our ministry looks different than the biblical leaders of that time is mainly that we have some things that they didn’t have. One: We have the completed Bible. Though they had the Old Testament and other letters of the law, the Bible wasn’t completed yet. Two: The Holy Spirit living in us. Back then, the Spirit came powerfully upon people, (Judges 14:6) in order for a miracle to take place and then leave. After Jesus died and rose from the dead, He gave the Holy Spirit to live inside of His believers 24/7 so that more miraculous things can take place (John14:12). Three: Technology. With the advancements in music, travel, and social media, it’s now possible to influence more people than ever before. The only question is: do we make good use of it? Especially when considering what the disciples had to go through in order to reach the same number of people that we can easily follow on Instagram (if we’re being honest, probably not). Now, to specify, what I am not saying is that all new methods are better or even equally effective. The Bible should still be the foundation of every teaching and proper doctrine; not websites, pastors, or books (including this one). Double-check everything with the reading of actual, Biblical scripture!

Tactics of the enemy

One of the things that caught my attention is that this movie has one of the most Biblically accurate depictions of demons that I’ve seen in a while. Gwi-Ma (the demon king/lord/whatever you wanna call him) first uses his demons to directly attack Huntrix, which ultimately fails again and again and again. Then he decides to change his strategy by using a seemingly less threatening approach: a demon boy band dubbed the Saja Boys. This actually proves to be more effective. They use their seemingly harmless charm and catchy beats in order to steal Huntrix’s fans, therefore weakening the barrier. Though I do agree that they lay down some fun beats, if you really pay attention to the Saja Boys’ lyrics, you’ll find their true agenda. It seems innocent enough if you’re not paying too much attention to the lyrics (see “Soda Pop”). Eventually they show their true colors, up front and center. But by then, everyone is already so numbed that they either don’t notice or just don’t care anymore (see “Your Idol”). Throughout history, Satan has used very similar methods to weaken Christians.

Murder and persecution:

He persecutes Christians and attempts to wipe them out, which seems to actually make the Gospel spread because hardship pushes people to be bold and to lean further into God. (See Romans 5:4)

Mixture:

He tries to redefine what being a Christian means, so much that they look just like the rest of the world. This has been the tactic that usually works the best out of the two. It seems innocent enough at first. Then eventually people start calling sin “free choice” or “free expression” and take passages like Matthew 7 out of context, saying “don’t judge me” or “To each their own.” The aforementioned passage actually means that we need to check ourselves first so that we can better assist others.

“Hypocrite! First take the beam of wood out of your eye, and then you will see clearly to take the splinter out of your brother’s eye.” Matthew 7:5

Isolation and shame:

When Rumi kept secrets from her friends, is when she was struggling the most. It affected her voice, her thoughts and actions, as well as her relationships with not just her bandmates, but the only family she had. When her friends kept asking what was wrong, she continued to keep them at arm’s length, afraid of what they’d think of her. If they knew she was part demon, if they knew that she’d gone on secret “dates” with Jinu, leader of the Saja Boys. Jinu was also being manipulated and shamed for things that he’d done and was enslaved by his past actions. We’ve all been in this situation before. Now you might not be getting date invitations from a demon K-pop singer via a magic, teleporting tiger (or you might, who knows). The main thing here is that we’ve all been in that situation that makes us feel like we can never go back and that no one would forgive us for what we’ve done. There’s a beautiful story in the Bible about a young man who sinned against his father in Luke 15:11-32. I know it’s a big chunk of scripture, but I do think this is important.

“A man had two sons. The younger of them said to his father, ‘Father, give me the share of the estate I have coming to me.’ So he distributed the assets to them. Not many days later, the younger son gathered together all he had and traveled to a distant country, where he squandered his estate in foolish living. After he had spent everything, a severe famine struck that country, and he had nothing. Then he went to work for one of the citizens of that country, who sent him into his fields to feed pigs. He longed to eat his fill from the pods that the pigs were eating, but no one would give him anything. When he came to his senses, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired workers have more than enough food, and here I am dying of hunger! I’ll get up, go to my father, and say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight. I’m no longer worthy to be called your son. Make me like one of your workers.” So he got up and went to his father. But while the son was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion. He ran, threw his hands around his neck, and kissed him. The son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight. I’m no longer worthy to be called your son.’ But the father told his servants, ‘Quick! Bring out the best robe and put it on him; put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. Then bring the fattened calf and slaughter it, and let’s celebrate with a feast, because this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found!’ So they began to celebrate.”

This story shows us just how much God loves us. He’s always waiting and patiently watching the horizon, longing for His sons and daughters to come home so that He may welcome them back into His arms.

Truth and community Prevail

It wasn’t until Rumi came clean about her past that she was able to break away from it. It wasn’t until then that Rumi, Mira, and Zoey could finally unite as one force. It wasn’t until then that they were able to reunite their band, write that song, and release a power within themselves that they’d never known before. And they were not alone. Each of their fans was there in full support. Now, whether they knew what was actually going on or not, the stadium community definitely helped. The same is true for all of us! In Genesis 2:18

Then the Lord God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper corresponding to him.”

The very first negative statement in the WHOLE Bible is that man (the race, not the gender) isn’t meant to be alone! If you’ve been searching for your breakthrough by yourself, I encourage you to find a group of believers who will help guide you into His calling over your life. Even though Huntrix had many fans and managers fully supporting them, very few people actually knew all their secret struggles. They only trusted each other and Rumi’s aunt with their biggest secrets. It’s good to have a lot of friends for moral support, but not all of them necessarily need to know all your deepest, darkest secrets.

Proverbs 18:24 “One with many friends may be harmed, but there is a friend who stays closer than a brother.”

Sometimes it’s really good to have a lot of friends around to talk and hang out with. But not everyone can handle the kind of total commitment that you need. You need a select few rideor-die friends who you know are there for you till the very end. Get your squad together, go out, and conquer this world together.

“Truth after all this time

Our voices all combined

When darkness meets the light

This is what it sounds like.” - Huntrix

 Colin Wallace is a lifeguard, drummer, youth small groups leader and now two time guest author for Faith and Fandom. You can find him saving lives at Fantasy Lake Adventure Park, jamming out with the Cross Assembly worship team, or chilling at home, watching movies and shows with his amazing family. It’s been an honor and privilege to write for these books and I pray blessings over this great ministry.