Sheridan Grad Maggie Kang reflects on turning KPop Demon Hunters into a global phenomenon

Sheridan College graduate Maggie Kang (Animation ’04) traced her route from the Animation program to the Academy Awards during an hour-long talk at Departure Festival on May 7.

Presented in partnership by Sheridan’s Creative Industries Catalyst program, the intimate fireside conversation saw Kang share her drive to ensure her blockbuster KPop Demon Hunters stayed true to Korean culture, and reveal how a mix of hard work, good luck and opportunities led the way to success.

“Maggie's persistence and mastery of her craft have led to global recognition that inspires all of us,” Dr. Cindy Gouveia said in her opening remarks to introduce Kang. “Moments like this are affirming, not just for Maggie, but for the entire creative community. They remind us that original stories still matter and stories rooted in who we are still have the power to reach the world.”

During the conversation, hosted by Penske Media Vice President Tim Chan, Kang reflected on finding a sense of community among her classmates at Sheridan, and the faculty who helped them launch their careers.

Kang got her big break during Sheridan’s Industry Day, when DreamWorks invited her to apply for an internship. She recalled the hours spent working on the assignment she needed to complete for the job, right up until the last minute when she shipped it Los Angeles.

“As I was sending it out, I told my mom ‘you know if I get this it's going to change my life.’ And I did and it changed everything,” she recalled.

“Tell stories, do things, create things that you want to see yourself. That truth will really resonate with people more than the thing you think that they wanted.” 

– Maggie Kang

One of her next big chances to seize the moment came when a colleague asked her to pitch an idea for a film she could direct. That opened the door to create a project with Korean culture at the heart. It was a risk, but one she encourages students to take as they look to break into the creative industries.

“If you're creating while thinking about what other people want and pleasing an audience, then you're going to miss the mark,” she said. “Tell stories, do things, create things that you want to see yourself. Put all of yourself in it and be honest and truthful. That truth will really resonate with people more than the thing that you think that they wanted.”

Second-year Bachelor of Animation student Kim Page was in the audience last week and says Kang’s message will stick with her. So, too, will the tenacity and courage to take her shot for new opportunities.

“The most important lesson Maggie shared was that she jumped at once when given an opportunity to pitch her idea. It was terrifying, her pitch wasn't fully complete when she was asked to share her idea, but instead of saying no, she put her heart and soul into it,” Page said. “She didn't let her fears and insecurities get the best of her. As artists, it is nerve-wracking to put our works out there, so for her to just push through and deliver her idea is truly inspiring.” 

Perseverance also helped Kang stay the course during the seven-year long process to make KPop Demon Hunters, and the challenges of ensuring the acting, animation and song all worked in tandem to drive the story forward.

“As a director, you're constantly having to prove why they should make this movie. So that's when the real challenge begins ...(co-director) Chris (Appelhans) and I talk about this all the time … We had to be at optimal level for everything. Our storytelling skills, editing, writing, design, everything.”

Finally, she reflected on the film’s incredible success as a cultural phenomenon that swept the Hollywood awards season and continues to earn accolades. Following her talk, Toronto Mayor Oliva Chow presented Kang with the Key to the City, and later that evening Kang was recognized with Departure’s Cultural Innovator Award, presented to her by Mark Jones, Sheridan Dean of Animation, Arts and Design.

“The whole journey has been incredible” she said. “This movie just keeps giving not just to me but to our crew and our cast. It’s just incredible how a movie can bring people together.”