Lea Salonga’s Singing Voice Joins K-pop Demon Hunters

When Filipino Broadway legend Lea Salonga lends her voice to a project, she doesn’t just sing—she tells stories that resonate across generations. Her latest appearance? Lending her iconic vocals to K-Pop: Demon Hunters, a vibrant, action-packed animated film on Netflix.

What Is K-Pop: Demon Hunters?

Set in a dazzling world where pop idols double as demon slayers, K-Pop: Demon Hunters follows a fierce girl group balancing fame and fate. Behind the glitz of K-pop stages lie shadowy enemies—and these young stars are secretly protecting the world from evil.

It’s like Blackpink meets Buffy the Vampire Slayer, with a strong dose of Korean folklore. Produced by Sony Pictures Animation (the studio behind Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse). The film promises not just action, but a celebration of Asian identity, music, and empowerment.

Lea Salonga’s Moment: A Voice from the Past

In a heartfelt flashback, Lea Salonga sings as the younger version of Celine, a legendary idol who once inspired the film’s main heroine, Rumi. As young Rumi appears on screen, Salonga’s voice soars with the emotional lines:

“Fix the world and make it right, when darkness finally meets the light.”

It’s a hauntingly beautiful moment—one that echoes themes of healing, guidance, and legacy. Salonga’s vocals don’t just enhance the scene; they anchor it. And in that brief song, Filipino viewers are reminded once again why her voice is such a source of national pride.

Lea’s Legacy in Animated Films

Long before K-Pop: Demon Hunters, Lea Salonga made history as the singing voice of:

• Princess Jasmine in Aladdin (1992) – “A Whole New World”
• Fa Mulan in Mulan (1998) – “Reflection”

These performances didn’t just break records—they broke barriers. They gave Asian children around the world someone to identify with and admire in mainstream media.

Now, Salonga continues her legacy of cultural representation—this time in a modern tale that merges today’s music scene with age-old mythology.

READ: Pinoy artist creates first Filipino Pixar characters for short animated film

Filipinos in Global Animation

Lea Salonga isn’t alone in championing Filipino talent on the world stage. In recent years, more Filipinos have taken the spotlight in animated films and series:

• Dante Basco voiced Prince Zuko in Avatar: The Last Airbender
• Hailee Steinfeld, part-Filipina, voiced Gwen Stacy in Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse
• Filipino animators contributed to Raya and the Last Dragon, Encanto, and Trese

Filipino influence in animation isn’t background noise anymore—it’s front and center, sung and celebrated.

More Than Just a Scene

As excitement builds for K-Pop: Demon Hunters, Filipino audiences have something truly special to look forward to. In just one musical scene, Lea Salonga brings beauty, wisdom, and heart to a new generation of animation lovers.

Her contribution to the film reminds us all: We don’t just watch stories—we’re part of them. And sometimes, we even sing the soundtrack.

Once again, Lea Salonga and K-Pop: Demon Hunters prove that Filipino talent doesn’t just shine—it leads, uplifts, and inspires.