HUNTR/X's "How It's Done": A thunderous opening for K-Pop: Demon Hunters

The moment HUNTR/X's "How It's Done" kicks in at the start of Netflix's animated film K-Pop: Demon Hunters, it's clear this isn't a typical musical. More than just an introductory song, this explosive track serves as both a high-octane battle anthem and a perfect primer for the characters who sing it. With its razor-sharp production, commanding vocals from EJAE, Audrey Nuna, and REI AMI, and a bravado-filled lyrical message, the song expertly sets the stage for a story where K-pop stardom and supernatural warfare collide.

The song's energy is its most immediate and powerful quality. The producers, including THEBLACKLABEL’s Teddy, Ido, and 24, deliberately crafted a sound that feels both authentic to the K-pop genre and grand enough for a cinematic opening. The hard-hitting trap beat and industrial flourishes recall the work of groups like BLACKPINK, creating a "girl crush" sound that is all about confidence and power. This aesthetic is a deliberate choice, signaling to the audience that HUNTR/X is a force to be reckoned with, not to be underestimated. The production is layered and dynamic, effortlessly moving from sparse, beat-heavy verses to a massive, multi-layered chorus that packs a tremendous emotional and sonic punch. This maximalist approach, a hallmark of modern K-pop, ensures the song grabs your attention from the very first note.

Beyond its sound, "How It's Done" is a masterful piece of character introduction. Each member of HUNTR/X—Rumi, Mira, and Zoey—is given a moment in the spotlight to showcase their unique strengths. Rapper Zoey, voiced by REI AMI, delivers explosive, rapid-fire bars that establish her fiery attitude and adorable-yet-fierce persona. Her lyrics contrast with dancer Mira, voiced by Audrey Nuna, whose equally assertive presence is conveyed through her attitude-filled sections, cementing her as the unpredictable and cool member of the group. Finally, Rumi, the group's diva and central character, is introduced through a soaring vocal bridge that allows audiences to fall in love with her spectacular voice. The structure of the song is no accident, using each verse and bridge to layer character details and build a complete picture of the trio as both pop stars and warriors.

Lyrically, the song is an outright declaration of dominance. Lines like "That's how it's done, done, done / Better sit down for the show" and "Run up, you're done up" leave no room for interpretation. The lyrics are a bold assertion of skill, power, and resilience, perfectly mirroring the group's dual identity as entertainers and supernatural slayers. It's a classic underdog-turned-champion narrative distilled into a three-minute pop anthem. The lyrics also contain playful, genre-specific references, like "Heels, nails, blade, mascara / Fit check for my napalm era," cleverly blending the worlds of high-fashion K-pop and explosive demon-hunting. The words communicate HUNTR/X's unity and invincibility, serving as a powerful mantra against the film's demonic forces.

The visual component of "How It's Done" elevates the song even further. The opening scene sees the group battling demons on their private jet before transitioning seamlessly to a packed stadium performance. This dazzling sequence not only showcases their incredible stage presence but also establishes the high-stakes narrative from the very beginning. The music video, which doubles as the film's introduction, is a vibrant showcase of the film's flashy, neon-drenched aesthetic, perfectly synchronizing action, choreography, and music. It's a brilliant piece of animated storytelling that shows exactly why the film's soundtrack is so integral to its success.

Ultimately, "How It's Done" is more than just a soundtrack single; it's a statement of intent. For the film, it serves as a robust and confident opening that immediately hooks the audience. For the soundtrack, it's a genre-bending fusion of action and music that sets a new bar for what an animated musical can sound like. By perfectly balancing explosive K-pop energy with rich character details and narrative context, "How It's Done" cemented its place as one of the standout tracks from K-Pop: Demon Hunters, and a testament to the power of a perfectly placed pop song.