Is the honmoon a real thing?
No, the honmoon isn’t real and was created just for the movie. In Kpop Demon Hunters, the honmoon (or honmun) is a shield put up by the Hunters that protects the human world from a demon invasion. The honmoon gets its power when the Hunters perform and connect with their fans, and a new trio of Hunters is selected to maintain the honmoon each generation. Even though the honmoon seems rooted in Korean mythology and folklore, the writers and directors invented the term and concept specifically as a plot point for the movie.
What does honmoon mean?
Honmoon means “soul door” or “spirit gate.” The word is a combination of the Korean words yeonghon and moon. In Korean, yeonghon (영혼) means “soul” or “spirit,” and moon (문) translates to “door” or “gate.”
Where did the honmoon come from?
The honmoon is based on Korean ideas of shamanism and protection rituals. Korean shamans are considered bridges between the real world and the spirit world. When a shaman senses a spirit causing a problem, they perform a kut ceremony to help bring peace, similar to how the Hunters sing and perform to strengthen the honmoon barrier. Shrines, talismans, and boundary stones are traditionally used to mark safe and sacred spaces in Korean culture.
Shamans are typically women in Korea. While the Hunters are not a real group, they are based on mudang, or shamans, who pass down traditions between generations. Mudang are traditionally women, and more experienced shamans pass down what they’ve learned. The mudang also communicate with spirits and help protect others from them, similar to how HUNTR/X uses their songs to protect the world.
Korean Mythology in Kpop Demon Hunters
Jeoseung saja While the Saja Boys are the hot new boy band in the movie, they are also demons trying to break through the honmoon. The group gets its name from jeoseung saja, or the Korean version of the grim reaper that guides souls to the underworld. Traditionally, they wear black hanbok, similar to the outfits we first see the Saja Boys wearing.
Tiger and magpie While the tiger and magpie are comic relief in the movie, the pairing is based on popular minwha (folk art) paintings that have the hojakdo and jakhodo. Traditionally, the tiger is a guardian spirit depicted as a bumbling animal, and the magpie brings good news.
Irworobongdo Irworobongdo is a folk art painting depicting 5 mountain peaks, the sun, and the moon. In real life, the painting was behind the King’s throne and symbolizes peace and authority. When HUNTR/X performs “Golden” for the first time, the backdrop of the stage shows a version of the painting to symbolize they’re bringing peace to the human world.
Kpop Demon Hunters Quizzes & Discussions
If you want to learn more about Kpop Demon Hunters and get involved in the discussion, we have tons of quizzes and forums, plus an article, about the movie. Check out these pages to find out which characters you relate to most and chat about the movie! Quizzes What KPop Demon Hunter song are you? Which KPop Demon Hunter character are you? Which of the Saja Boys is your soulmate? Are you more HUNTR/X or Saja Boys? Forums Are the Saja Boys real? Is HUNTR/X based on a real band? Will there be a KPop Demon Hunters sequel? Article The Real Voices Behind Kpop Demon Hunters
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