“KPop Demon Hunters” Star Under Fire After “Shading” BLACKPINK

The director behind the record-breaking animated movie KPop Demon Hunters is under fire from BLACKPINK fans after her latest social media activity was seen as “shady.”

| Netflix

It’s not the first time Maggie Kang, who led the project, has faced criticism for comments perceived to target the YG Entertainment girl group.

“KPop Demon Hunters” Director’s Mention of BLACKPINK’s Jennie Sparks Severe Backlash

KPop Demon Hunters recently announced a major collaboration with the hit game Fortnite. As part of the event, the film’s three main characters from the in-universe group HUNTR/X received exclusive in-game skins.

Weekend lobbies are about to be golden 🌟 (psstt KPop Demon Hunters HUNTR/X are in the Shop!) pic.twitter.com/pPeglijzhe

— Fortnite (@Fortnite) October 2, 2025

Excited fans began pairing these skins with popular K-Pop dance emotes already in Fortnite, including ones inspired by BLACKPINK Jennie’s “Mantra,” Rosé’s “APT.,” and aespa’s “Whiplash.”

SHE LOOKS SO GOOOOOOOD pic.twitter.com/DrOTz5C00e

— Shany (@Shanyshdw) October 2, 2025

One viral post featured the character Rumi performing these emotes, quickly gaining traction online and catching the attention of Kang herself. She responded to the fan’s clip with a short “mmmmm,” which many interpreted as a subtle dig toward BLACKPINK — especially Jennie.

Mmmmmmmm https://t.co/DPdPxjMRK3

— Maggie Kang (@maggiemkang) October 2, 2025

Almost immediately, the comment sparked backlash from fans, who accused the director of repeatedly trying to get Jennie’s attention and using the group’s popularity for engagement.

She's still mad that Jennie never acknowledged her existence no matter how desperate she is to get her attention 😌 https://t.co/JV3SHNySYo pic.twitter.com/d1Y1rf1aU6

— jendeukieeee (@JinPBO) October 3, 2025

maggie and her hundred attempt to get jennie’s attention. she dgaf about your coco melon dear.pic.twitter.com/n6oznz0AWl https://t.co/xn4O1nRTih

— ★ (@saiIoruby) October 3, 2025

Stop leeching off bp's name and especially jennie's name https://t.co/Edli1xb4t7

— 🕸 (@vixiakgae) October 3, 2025

Others criticized her for being “unprofessional” and suggested she was “bitter” toward the group.

I know you're mad af they made her dance to blackpink members 😹

— ؘ (@pinkIovesick) October 3, 2025

you’re too damn old to be behaving like this

— ibuprofen dealer : the re up (@jnksfilter) October 3, 2025

jennie makes this bitter women impossible to hide their misogyny https://t.co/mjwDwvsBg8

— miss🐭 (@wyiyne) October 3, 2025

As the controversy grew, Kang attempted to clarify her intent by posting a screenshot explaining the general meaning of “mmmmm,” implying it wasn’t meant in a negative or mocking tone. However, her explanation did little to calm the situation, as fans continued to question her motives.

pic.twitter.com/WlQmeUaNZz

— Maggie Kang (@maggiemkang) October 3, 2025

Despite the backlash, Kang has not deleted her tweet.

BLACKPINK