Netflix sued over ‘KPop Demon Hunters’

Christian metal band Demon Hunter has filed a lawsuit against Netflix and concert promoter AEG Presents in California federal court, alleging that an upcoming concert tour based on Netflix’s animated movie "KPop Demon Hunters" infringes on its trademarks. The band claims that the announcement of the tour has caused consumer confusion and threatens to overshadow its brand.

The lawsuit, filed on Tuesday, states that Netflix has no right to use the "KPOP DEMON HUNTERS" mark in connection with a recording artist, live touring show, or merchandise, just as it would be inappropriate for Netflix to launch such projects under the names "KPOP METALLICA," "KPOP U2," or "KPOP BLACK SABBATH." The band's attorney, John Tehranian of One LLP, declined to comment on the complaint.

Demon Hunter, formed in Seattle in 2000, released its most recent album last year and is scheduled to perform a U.S. tour beginning in October. Netflix's animated film "KPop Demon Hunters" about a Korean K-Pop group that secretly fights demons was released in June 2025 and became the platform's most-watched movie ever, winning Academy Awards for best animated feature and best song.

Netflix partnered with AEG in May to organize a tour based on the movie. Demon Hunter's lawsuit alleges that Netflix's actions are likely to cause confusion and drown out the band in the marketplace. The band has already received a refund request from a parent who unintentionally purchased tickets for one of its concerts instead of the "KPop Demon Hunters" tour, and has received an email from an Inside Edition producer seeking an interview with one of the movie's songwriters.

Demon Hunter seeks an injunction blocking the use of "KPop Demon Hunters" on music, merchandise, or promotional materials for live concerts, as well as unspecified monetary damages.