Why is this Christian metal band suing Netflix over 'KPop Demon Hunters'?

Netflix is being sued by an American Christian metal band from Seattle over the streamer's Oscar-winning animated film KPop Demon Hunters.

Are they joining the English school seeking to protect "Christian ethos" by trying to ban songs because demons are associated with "spiritual forces opposed to God and goodness"?

Seriously, that's a thing – read more about it here.

No, the metal band are claiming their copyright has been infringed, as they are called Demon Hunter.

Formed in 2000, Demon Hunter claim the success of the hit animated film has led to trademark infringement, unfair competition, and brand confusion. Through their corporation Hyde Lane, the group filed a trademark lawsuit yesterday in the Central District of California against Netflix, Netflix Studios, and live events promoter AEG Presents.

The complaint focuses on the recently announced KPop Demon Hunters live tour, which the band claims causes “almost complete overlap” and will cause confusion.

According to the report, the complaint says: "The brand that Hyde Lane has carefully built over the course of the past quarter century now faces an existential crisis, thereby necessitating the filing of this action and the granting of the requested relief from this Court."

The complaint also cites the case of someone who allegedly spent $500 (approx. €430) on tickets to Demon Hunter’s Albany, New York show, only to ask for a refund so they could buy tickets for the “actual KPop Demon Hunters”.

The metal band has asked the court to stop Netflix using the KPop Demon Hunters name for recorded music, live shows and merchandise, as well as to award unspecified damages.

As of writing, neither Netflix nor AEG have publicly commented on the situation.

Since its release last year, KPop Demon Hunters has become the most-streamed movie in Netflix history and won Best Animated Film and Best Original Song for ‘Golden’ at both the 2026 Golden Globes and Oscars.

A sequel is currently in the works. We know a five-piece Christian metal band who probably won’t be tuning in...