More motifs and iconography but also... Lions (Pt.3)
in K-pop Demon Hunters because shutting up is not my forte
Part 2 is here specifically on weapons and such
The stage - already you see it.
This English article has good info on some of the weapons, motifs, and traditions. This is just one small excerpt:
"In K-pop Demon Hunters, norigae appear as costume elements, props (like the lightstick), and weapon accessories. Their inclusion isn’t decorative—it’s intentional, celebrating Korean femininity, elegance, and spiritual symbolism.
Director Maggie Kang revealed that the idea for the Huntrix came directly from Korean shamanism...The similarities to a K-pop concert are uncanny—and that’s exactly the point. The Huntrix are modern-day performers whose roots trace back to ancient spiritual traditions. In the film’s lore, the first demon hunters were shamans, and their tools evolved into stage-ready weapons of power.
In Korea, the majority of shamans are women. Gut rituals have historically offered women a rare space for power, performance, and healing. In this sense, the film highlights the connection between female strength, art, and cultural preservation—while giving fans magical girl aesthetics rooted in real history."
Also, a note about the word Saja: It means lion, but also means messenger - or the deliverer of death. Grim Reaper, if you will. Which is how the saja boys are dressed in their demonic form.
But even if you go by lion - Lions are not native to Korea. Tigers are - the largest, most powerful feline predators on earth. So a lion is a creature that almost looks like a tiger but isn't - upon closer inspection, it doesn't quite fit and doesn't quite belong and you realize it's not quite right.
And maybe that's the point.