KPop Demon Hunters Stars Reunite for Special Performances

The stars behind the Netflix anime sensation KPop Demon Hunters are set to reunite for special online performances as part of a collaboration with McDonald's. This exciting initiative is part of the McDonald's Battle of the Bands, which also introduced unique menu items like Demon Sauce and the Derpy McFlurry.

Fans can look forward to the full performances, which will be available on April 26, 2026. To access them, viewers need to download the McDonald’s app and scan the Derpy Access Card that comes with the special edition meals. The collaboration features limited edition meals that include the Spicy Saja McMuffin and Huntrix Ramyeon McShaker Fries, both of which were launched on March 31, 2026. Each meal also includes a photocard, a popular collectible among K-pop enthusiasts, and the Derpy Access Card necessary for accessing the performances.

Among the performers are EJAE, Audrey Nuna, and REI AMI, the voices behind the animated group Huntrix, who will debut a new song together. Meanwhile, the singers of the Saja Boys—Andrew Choi, samUIL Lee, Kevin Woo, Neckwav, and Danny Chung—will take the stage as a real-world group for the first time.

Marian Lee, Chief Marketing Officer at Netflix, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration, stating, "KPop Demon Hunters has ignited an incredibly passionate global fandom, and we’re always looking for authentic ways to bring fans closer into the worlds they love." She added that the partnership with McDonald's allows fans to experience the rivalry between the Saja Boys and Huntrix in a tangible way, drawing from Korean culture and food traditions that are central to the film.

KPop Demon Hunters was released on Netflix in the summer of 2025 and quickly became a hit, amassing over 500 million views by December of the same year. The film has also received accolades, winning Academy Awards for Best Animated Feature and Best Original Song. As a result of its success, a sequel is currently in development, though fans may need to wait a bit longer for its release.

In a related development, EJAE, who joined ASCAP (the American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers) in 2025, has been vocal about the importance of organizations that support music creation and advocate for the rights of artists. Elizabeth Matthews, who has led ASCAP since 2015, has emphasized the organization's commitment to protecting songwriters' rights and ensuring they can earn a living from their work.

ASCAP operates as a not-for-profit organization, a distinction that sets it apart from other performing rights organizations, like BMI, which converted to a for-profit model in 2023. Under Matthews' leadership, ASCAP has seen impressive growth, with revenue increasing at a compound annual growth rate of 6.7% over the past decade. In 2025, ASCAP reported $2 billion in revenue and distributed $1.8 billion in royalties to its members, which include 1.1 million songwriters, composers, and publishers.

Matthews has made it a priority to advocate for songwriters, especially in an industry facing challenges from artificial intelligence. As AI technology continues to evolve, concerns about its impact on job security for songwriters, composers, and lyricists have intensified. Matthews has emerged as a leading voice in the industry, seeking to influence federal policy on generative AI and its implications for copyright.

In her conversations about the future of music, Matthews has expressed a clear commitment to protecting songwriters' rights. She stated, "What we do matters to more than a million people and their lives. If we screw this up, they can’t pay their bills." This sentiment reflects the urgency of ensuring that songwriters can navigate an increasingly complex industry.

As the music industry grapples with the implications of AI, Matthews has been proactive in adopting policies that accept the registration of musical compositions partially generated with AI tools. In a joint announcement with BMI and SOCAN, ASCAP committed to rejecting fully AI-generated works but acknowledged that musical works blending AI-generated content with human authorship should be eligible for royalties.

Matthews’ leadership style is characterized by her preparedness and strategic foresight. Colleagues have noted her ability to anticipate challenges and devise plans to address them. For example, in February 2020, weeks before widespread COVID-19 closures, ASCAP began conducting work-from-home drills with its staff, ensuring that the organization could operate smoothly during the pandemic.

Her commitment to innovation also extends to ASCAP’s technological advancements. Matthews initiated a full-scale cloud migration for ASCAP’s backend systems, a move deemed necessary to handle the increasing volume of performances that the organization processes. This forward-thinking approach has positioned ASCAP to adapt to the demands of a rapidly changing music industry.

As the music world continues to evolve, both the reunion of KPop Demon Hunters stars and Matthews' advocacy for songwriters highlight the importance of collaboration and support within the industry. The special online performances set for April 26 will celebrate the success of the film and serve as a reminder of the vibrant community that has emerged around it.

With the anticipation building for the upcoming performances and the continued efforts of leaders like Matthews to protect and empower songwriters, the future looks promising for both the animated series and the broader music industry. As fans await the reunion, they can also look forward to the new music that will surely resonate with audiences around the world.