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Welcome! I’m Sonam, a passionate middle grades educator who believes learning sticks best when students are up, moving, and engaged. Over the years, I’ve taught middle school English Language Arts in both the U.S. and abroad, primarily in independent schools, and I’ve seen firsthand how hands-on, movement-based instruction can transform a classroom.

As a former board member of the National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE), I’ve been fortunate to help shape the broader conversation around literacy education. With a B.S. in Education from The University of Texas at Austin and an M.Ed. from Johns Hopkins University, I now use my background and expertise to design creative, standards-aligned resources that bring energy, clarity, and joy into ELA classrooms everywhere.

Teaching Symbolism with KPOP Demon Hunters

K-POP: Demon Hunters isn’t just an action movie with catchy songs. The film is filled with references to Korean folklore, art, and tradition. These symbols add layers of meaning that make it a great resource for the classroom. Here are the most important ones to highlight for students.

CLICK HERE for a FREE Symbolism Analysis Activity for Middle School.

1. The Saja Boys and the Grim Reaper

  • What happens in the movie: In the performance of “Your Idol,” the Saja Boys wear black hanbok and traditional horsehair hats called gat.
  • Korean symbolism: This outfit resembles the jeoseung saja, the grim reaper figure in Korean folklore who guides souls to the afterlife.
  • Classroom connection: Ask students how this costume choice changes the meaning of the performance. What does it suggest about power, death, or control?

2. Dokkaebi (Korean Goblins)

  • What they are: Mischievous supernatural beings in Korean folklore.
  • How they’re used: Some of the demon imagery in the film draws directly from dokkaebi.
  • Korean symbolism: Dokkaebi often punish evil people and reward good ones, but they are also known to be tricky.
  • Classroom connection: Compare the way dokkaebi are shown in the film with how goblins or trickster figures show up in other cultures.

3. The Tiger and the Magpie

  • What they are: A common pairing in traditional Korean folk art.
  • Korean symbolism: The tiger stands for strength and danger, while the magpie represents good news and hope. Together, they show the balance of power and joy.
  • Classroom connection: Show students a piece of Korean folk art with the tiger and magpie. Ask them how the same symbols appear in the film and what message they send.

4. Norigae Pendants

  • What they are: Traditional ornaments worn with hanbok.
  • Korean symbolism: Each norigae carries a wish, such as good fortune, long life, or happiness. In the film, they highlight themes of identity and cultural pride.
  • Classroom connection: Invite students to design their own norigae and choose a symbol or wish that represents them.

5. Shamanic Elements

  • What they are: Rituals, chants, and spiritual imagery woven into the storyline.
  • Korean symbolism: Shamanism is one of Korea’s oldest spiritual traditions. Shamans often act as healers and bridges between worlds, which connects directly to the film’s theme of fighting demons and restoring balance.
  • Classroom connection: Discuss the role of music and ritual in the movie and compare it to how music is used in other cultures for healing or spiritual strength.

By pointing out these symbols, you give students a chance to see how traditional culture and modern pop culture come together. This not only strengthens their skills in analyzing symbolism, but also helps them appreciate a culture that may be new to them.

Encourage students to notice these details and ask, “Why would the filmmakers choose this symbol?” That simple question opens the door to deeper analysis and meaningful discussion.

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