“KPop Demon Hunters” has taken the animated world by storm, not just with its vibrant visuals and thrilling storyline, but with its incredibly catchy and meticulously crafted soundtrack. Among the fan favorites, the Saja Boys’ infectious track “Soda Pop” has emerged as a standout, proving that even a villain’s anthem can be undeniably addictive. But who are the voices, the pens, and the creative forces that brought this bubbly bop to life? Let’s dive deep into the talent behind “Soda Pop.”
The Performers: Saja Boys – A Fictional Group with Real K-Pop Voices
In the world of “KPop Demon Hunters,” the Saja Boys are the alluring, demon-infused K-pop boy band, a formidable rival to Huntr/x. Their charm is undeniable, and their music is designed to subtly weaken the Honmoon barrier. The song “Soda Pop” perfectly encapsulates their seductive, almost hypnotic appeal.
While the Saja Boys are animated characters, their compelling sound is brought to life by a talented ensemble of real-life vocalists:
- Andrew Choi (Vocals for Jinu): The charismatic leader of the Saja Boys, Jinu, is voiced by actor Ahn Hyo-seop (known for K-dramas like “Business Proposal”). However, Jinu’s captivating singing voice in “Soda Pop” and other tracks is provided by none other than Andrew Choi. A seasoned South Korean singer and composer, Andrew Choi gained recognition as a finalist on SBS’s “K-pop Star Season 2.” He has a rich history in the K-pop industry, having written songs for major groups like SHINee and EXO, adding significant authenticity and power to Jinu’s vocal performance.
- Neckwav (Vocals for Abby): The powerful vocals for Abby, one of the Saja Boys, are contributed by Neckwav. Neckwav is a versatile singer, composer, and lyricist based in Seoul, South Korea, whose contributions bring a distinctive flavor to the Saja Boys’ sound.
- Danny Chung (Vocals for Baby): The “maknae” (youngest member) of the Saja Boys, Baby, might not have speaking lines, but his low, impactful rapping in “Soda Pop” is courtesy of Danny Chung. A Korean-American rapper and songwriter under THEBLACKLABEL, Chung has an impressive resume, having penned tracks for top K-pop acts like BLACKPINK, CL, and Somi. His involvement ensures that the rap verses in “Soda Pop” are sharp and true to K-pop’s hip-hop roots.
- Kevin Woo (Vocals for Mystery): The mysterious member of the Saja Boys, Mystery, is vocally brought to life by Kevin Woo. Fans of K-pop will immediately recognize him as a former member of the popular boy group U-KISS. His established vocal talent and experience in the K-pop scene lend a layer of veteran polish to the Saja Boys’ performance.
- samUIL Lee (Vocals for Romance): Rounding out the Saja Boys’ vocal lineup is samUIL Lee, who provides the singing voice for Romance. A skilled singer-songwriter, Lee has collaborated with numerous K-pop artists, including Seventeen, RIIZE, and NCT Dream, showcasing his broad range and industry connections.
Together, these five vocalists create the dynamic and appealing sound of the Saja Boys, making “Soda Pop” an irresistible track that perfectly fits their role as the “villain” boy band.
The Wordsmiths and Producers: Crafting the Bubbly Anthem
The creation of “Soda Pop” involved a collaborative team of talented songwriters and producers, many with deep roots in the K-pop industry. The song’s catchy melody and memorable lyrics are the result of their combined efforts:
- Vince: A producer under THEBLACKLABEL (co-founded by Teddy Park, known for BLACKPINK), Vince played a key role in producing “Soda Pop.” His expertise contributes to the track’s polished, contemporary K-pop sound.
- KUSH: Another prominent producer and co-founder of THEBLACKLABEL, KUSH’s involvement ensures the song carries the signature quality and addictive nature often associated with successful K-pop hits.
- Dominsuk: Also credited as a producer from THEBLACKLABEL, Dominsuk’s work on “Soda Pop” further solidifies the track’s high production value and K-pop authenticity.
- Danny Chung: Beyond lending his vocal talents as Baby, Danny Chung is also credited as a writer and composer for “Soda Pop.” His dual role highlights his comprehensive musical talent, ensuring that the lyrics and musicality are intrinsically linked to the character and the song’s purpose within the film.
- Ian Eisendrath (Executive Music Producer): While not solely responsible for “Soda Pop,” Ian Eisendrath served as the executive music producer for the entire “KPop Demon Hunters” soundtrack. His role was crucial in overseeing the musical vision, ensuring cohesion, and bringing together the diverse talents that created all the film’s memorable songs, including “Soda Pop.”
This collective of seasoned K-pop producers and songwriters worked to create a track that not only sounds like a genuine K-pop hit but also subtly carries the ominous undertones of the Saja Boys’ true nature.
The “Soda Pop” Phenomenon: Beyond the Film
Since the release of “KPop Demon Hunters” on Netflix, “Soda Pop” has achieved remarkable success. It has resonated deeply with viewers and K-pop fans alike, often charting alongside real K-pop songs on streaming platforms. This is a testament to the skill of everyone involved – from the voice actors embodying the characters to the real singers providing their powerful vocals, and the writers and producers crafting a song that is both authentically K-pop and perfectly integrated into the film’s narrative.
“Soda Pop” is more than just a song; it’s a vibrant example of how “KPop Demon Hunters” successfully bridges the gap between animated storytelling and the exhilarating world of K-pop, delivering a fresh, fun, and fiendishly catchy experience.