TL;DR
- Hannah McMechan co-wrote KPop Demon Hunters.
- The film helped her realize her bisexuality.
- Isolation during COVID-19 prompted self-reflection.
- Her family is still adjusting to her identity.
- The film has become a global hit.
In a world where animated films often serve as mere entertainment, KPop Demon Hunters has emerged as a beacon of self-discovery for its co-writer, Hannah McMechan. This Oscar-winning Netflix project not only takes viewers on a thrilling ride with a K-pop girl group battling supernatural forces, but it also played a pivotal role in McMechan’s personal journey of coming out as bisexual.
“When I started the project, I had no idea that I was queer,” McMechan revealed in an interview. Little did she know that the creative process would lead her to confront her own identity. The film, which officially dropped on June 20, 2025, has become a cultural phenomenon, but for McMechan, it was the isolation of the COVID-19 pandemic that sparked her self-reflection.
“We went into the pandemic, and everyone was soul-searching and realizing things about themselves,” she said, highlighting how the global crisis became a catalyst for her personal revelations. Although she didn’t set out to write a queer allegory, she found herself drawing parallels between the film’s protagonist, Rumi, and her own experiences. Rumi’s struggle with her half-demon identity resonated deeply with McMechan, who grappled with her own feelings of shame and fear surrounding her sexuality.
One scene in particular struck a chord with her: Rumi’s adoptive mother insists that her demon side is something to be “fixed.” This moment of reflection mirrored McMechan’s own fears about coming out. “I was having this journey with my sexuality and not wanting to tell anyone and feeling ashamed of it,” she admitted.
https://www.youtube.com/embed/yebNIHKAC4A?feature=oembed
After coming to terms with her bisexuality, McMechan took the brave step of coming out to friends and family in 2023. However, she revealed that her parents are still processing her identity, with her mother and father believing it might just be a phase. “They think it’s a phase,” she said, a sentiment all too familiar for many in the LGBTQ+ community.
Despite the challenges, McMechan has found solace in the support of her partner of over four years and the overwhelming response from queer viewers who resonate with her story. The success of KPop Demon Hunters has not only made waves in the film industry but has also solidified its place as a significant piece of LGBTQ+ representation in media.
The film has shattered records on Netflix, becoming the most-watched film on the platform, and its catchy anthem, “Golden,” has amassed over a billion views on YouTube and streams on Spotify. As McMechan and her writing partner, Danya Jimenez, gear up to work on Tim Burton’s remake of Attack of the 50 Ft. Woman, they carry with them the powerful message of acceptance and self-love that KPop Demon Hunters embodies.
In a time when representation matters more than ever, McMechan’s journey is a testament to the power of storytelling in helping individuals embrace their true selves. KPop Demon Hunters is not just a film; it’s a celebration of identity, resilience, and the vibrant spectrum of love that exists within the LGBTQ+ community.