Why Fans Are Obsessed with the ‘KPop Demon Hunters’ Romance That Never Was

Netflix’s record-breaking hit KPop Demon Hunters is making major waves worldwide and has online communities buzzing with fan-made content.

Fans yearning for a deeper romance between protagonists Rumi and Jinu have been flooding social media with photoshopped images of the pair kissing, holding hands, and going on dates.

Co-helmed by Maggie Kang and Chris Appelhans, KPop Demon Hunters follows the fictional K-pop girl group Huntrix. The group’s members – Rumi, Mira, and Zoey – lead double lives as demon hunters, secretly safeguarding the world from evil spirits through their music and dance.
The film quickly became a global phenomenon, praised for its pulsating soundtrack, authentic portrayal of K-pop fandom, and innovative take on the exorcism genre.

Central to its appeal is the electric chemistry between Rumi and Jinu, the charismatic leader of the rival demon boy group, Saja Boys.

The tension between Rumi and Jinu is palpable, evident in their lingering glances and tender exchanges. However, they never share a kiss or display any overt romantic gestures.

Industry insiders reveal that while a kiss scene was initially planned, it was ultimately left on the cutting room floor.

This creative decision has only fueled fan speculation, giving rise to the “RuJinu” online fandom. Here, devotees craft fan fiction and edit footage to continue the love story merely hinted at in the film.

When a curious fan took to Reddit to question the omission of the kiss scene, director Kang offered a tantalizing response: “The restraint is sexier.”

K-drama Romance: The Art of the Slow Burn
In the world of K-dramas, a kiss is rarely rushed.

The enemies-to-lovers trope reigns supreme in these romance series. “I can’t stand you” gradually evolves into “I can’t stop thinking about you.” As the couple navigates their misunderstandings, they eventually confess their feelings, often sealing the moment – and the episode – with a long-awaited kiss. This pivotal moment typically marks a turning point, with the relationship accelerating rapidly, sometimes even leading to marriage.

As one fan astutely noted on Facebook, “They only met twice in secret. Would it make sense for them to suddenly lock lips? The allure of K-romance lies in its tantalizing push and pull.”

So why do Korean TV shows often delay the big kiss? Some point to the country’s unique “confession culture.”

“Traditionally in Korea, there’s an expectation of formally declaring one’s love before engaging in physical affection,” explains Shin Yu-eun, a 32-year-old graduate student at Hankuk University of Foreign Studies’ School of Journalism and Mass Communication. “While younger generations are less rigid about this, the cultural norm still influences media portrayals. Often, a kiss following a confession serves as a visual confirmation of love.”