The One True Heir To KPop Demon Hunters Is Dropping In 2028

Published Aug 2, 2026, 8:30 PM EDT

KPop Demon Hunters struck the perfect balance between action and killer bops. Unfortunately, there's still a long way to go for KPop Demon Hunters' sequel, which inevitably leads fans to look for alternatives. While titles like DARK MOON: THE BLOOD ALTAR blend supernatural elements with the natural magnetism of K-pop artists, the charm of Rumi, Zoey, and Mira lies in the contrast between their roles as warriors and idols. Luckily, a new series confirmed by the K-pop agency SM Entertainment and SAMG Animation aims to harness the potential of idols in the style of HUNTR/X, combined with thrilling superhero fights.

KPop Demon Hunters Fans Have the Perfect New Animated Series to Watch Next

On July 27, 2026, SM Entertainment announced a partnership with the Korean animation studio, SAMG Entertainment, to create an animated series mixing superheroes with K-pop music. The news was shared on SAMG's official website, and although little is known about the project at the time of writing, with no promotional images or synopsis shared yet, it was unveiled that the series currently bears the working title "Superhero Idol" and will consist of 13 episodes, with a runtime of about 20 minutes each.

"Superhero Idol" aims for a global release on streaming platforms in 2028. Although that date is still some time away, it precedes the reported release of KPop Demon Hunters 2 for 2029. The series already boasts a built-in fanbase, given that SM Entertainment is the producer of many popular K-pop groups such as EXO, NCT, Girls' Generation, and aespa. Furthermore, SAMG Entertainment brings prior experience in the superhero genre, having worked on several seasons of Miraculous: Tales of Ladybug & Cat Noir. The company's CEO, Kim Su-hoon, has noted that the project has been in development for a few years.

"This project has been in development for more than two years and brings together SAMG's expertise in creating widely loved animated franchises with SM Entertainment's global leadership in K-pop and its passionate fan community." - Kim Su-hoon.

In addition to the potential for K-pop artists to have animated counterparts or be part of the soundtrack, what makes this new project seem tailor-made for fans of KPop Demon Hunters is that, much like the Netflix movie, this series aims to appeal to a broad audience. Despite celebrating K-pop artists and being steeped in Korean culture, the project targets viewers worldwide, specifically those ranging from their teens to their thirties. Considering how the K-pop fan community spans all ages, that means that "Superhero Idol" has a huge chance to grow into the industry's next flagship.

The Number of K-Pop Animated Series Keeps Growing

Beyond KPop Demon Hunters, K-pop fans are living through a golden age of streaming. Following the release of the 2023 superhero series Bastions, which featured a star-studded soundtrack with contributions from groups like BTS, Le Sserafim, and Brave Girls, an increasing number of animated series are capitalizing on the influence of K-pop. DARK MOON: THE BLOOD ALTAR, inspired by the members of the group Enhypen, premiered recently, and an anime adaptation of the K-Pop-themed manga Girl Crush is currently in production.

Even so, "Superhero Idol" seeks not only to show K-pop songs but also to frame the artists through the lens of superheroes, figures who, beyond simply impacting with their powers, often embody ideals, perseverance, sacrifice, and courage: essential qualities both for fighting evil and for surviving in the competitive music world. More information about the project is expected to emerge as the release window draws closer. It remains to be seen whether "Superhero Idol" will reach the heights of KPop Demon Hunters, but everything points to the series being a perfect match for viewers looking for a similar story.