Two major Korean museums are capitalizing on the global success of Netflix's "K-Pop Demon Hunters" by launching interactive cultural programs that showcase traditional Korean art and contemporary entertainment. The Leeum Museum of Art and the National Museum of Korea are both offering visitors unique opportunities to engage with Korean culture through exhibitions, costume contests, and special performances featuring the iconic tiger and magpie motifs that appear prominently in the hit Netflix film.
The Leeum Museum of Art in Yongsan, central Seoul, has opened its "Tigers and Magpies" exhibition, highlighting these two beloved animals that frequently appear in Korean traditional paintings. The tiger and magpie serve as important Korean cultural mascots and have gained renewed international attention through their appearances in the Netflix film as characters known as Derpy and Sussie. The exhibition features seven works, with the centerpiece being a remarkable "Hojakdo" painting from 1592.
This 1592 Hojakdo painting represents a significant cultural treasure, as it is believed to be the oldest existing Korean painting depicting a tiger and magpie together. The museum is presenting this historic artwork to the public for the first time, offering visitors an unprecedented opportunity to view this centuries-old masterpiece. Hojakdo is a traditional Korean painting genre that specifically focuses on the artistic representation of tigers and magpies in a single composition.
The cultural significance of tigers in Korean tradition extends beyond mere artistic representation. According to the museum, tigers were believed to possess protective powers against misfortune and were a common theme in Korean folk paintings. The perceived power of tigers was so strong that paintings of tiger pelts were sometimes hung in rooms specifically to ward off evil spirits, demonstrating the deep spiritual connection between these animals and Korean cultural beliefs.
To enhance the visitor experience, the Leeum Museum has developed an extensive collection of tiger and magpie-themed merchandise. Items available for purchase include envelopes, lap blankets, bath mats, key rings, socks, and message cards, all featuring designs inspired by the exhibition. These products are available both at the museum's physical location and through its online store, allowing international fans to participate in the cultural experience remotely. The "Tigers and Magpies" exhibition will continue through November 30.
Meanwhile, the National Museum of Korea is preparing to launch its own interactive program called "Dress Like a Museum Exhibit," which will begin on September 26. This three-day costume play and photo event will transform the museum's main courtyard into an immersive cultural experience. The program will feature three distinct themed photo zones: Silla Crown, Liberation, and Tiger, each offering visitors free rentals of traditional Korean attire for photography and cultural engagement.
The Tiger zone will showcase a contemporary interpretation of a traditional Hojakdo painting, connecting directly to the current cultural moment and the Netflix film's popularity. The Silla Crown zone has been specially designed to commemorate the upcoming APEC 2025 summit in Gyeongju, North Gyeongsang Province, and will feature a recreation of a dazzling golden chamber alongside a replica of an authentic Silla royal crown. The Liberation zone, created to mark the 80th anniversary of Korea's liberation, will convey powerful messages of freedom and historical significance.
The highlight of the National Museum's program will occur on September 27, when visitors are invited to participate in a special costume contest beginning at 2 p.m. Participants can dress in traditional Korean attire or wear costumes inspired by characters from "K-Pop Demon Hunters." Twenty visitors will be selected as the best dressed participants on the spot and will receive popular merchandise from the museum as prizes. Additionally, ten finalists from an online preliminary contest involving 83 participants will receive awards during the same ceremony.
The cultural celebration will reach its peak with a live performance by a male dancer influencer who will dress as a member of the Saja Boys, the villainous group from the Netflix film. This special performance is scheduled for 3 p.m. on September 27, providing visitors with an authentic recreation of the movie's characters and adding an element of contemporary entertainment to the traditional museum setting. These programs demonstrate how Korean cultural institutions are successfully bridging traditional art with modern popular culture to engage both domestic and international audiences.
