What We Can Learn about Relatability from Kpop Demon Hunters and Labubu
Culture & Code2 Syys 2025

What We Can Learn about Relatability from Kpop Demon Hunters and Labubu

In this episode of Culture and Code, Rei and Tara discuss the recent popularity of fictional characters like K-Pop Demon Hunters and Labubu and what we can learn about relatability and escapism.

They explore the concept of escapism and its appeal through multidimensionality and contradiction, making these characters relatable. The conversation delves into the unexpected success of K-Pop Demon Hunters on Netflix, the strategic missteps by Sony, and how modern brands could leverage multidimensionality in their narratives.

Key Takeaways

Sony’s misstep and Netflix’s luck

  • Sony’s $100M misstep and Netflix’s $20M investment
  • Kpop Demon Hunters to become the No.1 hit of all time for Netflix
  • Netflix wins with experimentation, not bets

Multidimensionality of Characters

  • Contradictions make characters relatable
  • Emotional depth appeals across ages

Escapism vs. Relatability

  • Fantasy works best when grounded in truth
  • Audiences crave layered, imperfect personas
  • Tension drives authenticity and interest
  • AI will reshape how stories are tested and scaled


Resources Mentioned

Watch us on YouTube

-----About the Hosts

Rei Inamoto

Creative entrepreneur and founding partner of I&CO, a global innovation firm with offices in New York, Tokyo, and Singapore.


Tara Tan

Managing partner of Strange Ventures, an early-stage firm investing in the future of computing.


Connect & Subscribe

Culture and Code is a podcast about the biggest shifts in tech, business, and culture—before they go mainstream. New episodes on every Tuesday.

Jaksot(25)

Interface vs. Mind

Interface vs. Mind

Rei and Tara explore how digital interfaces are fundamentally rewiring our brains, from teenagers who can't organize files to MIT research showing AI's impact on cognitive activity. Through parenting ...

16 Syys 202526min

Intelligence As The Next OS

Intelligence As The Next OS

In this thought-provoking episode, Rei and Tara explore how artificial intelligence is fundamentally reshaping the operating system landscape. Sparked by Google's recent Pixel updates featuring Magic ...

9 Syys 202535min

Why Quality Might Win Over Hype in Tech

Why Quality Might Win Over Hype in Tech

In the inaugural episode of Culture & Code, hosts Rei Inamoto and Tara Tan dive deep into a fascinating contrast in the tech world: the billion-dollar data labeling company you've never heard of versu...

26 Elo 202529min

It's a wrap!

It's a wrap!

In the final episode of Season 1 of Hitmakers, Rei and Ana look back at the core themes that their discussions revolved around: how great products build great brands, why creativity is a mindset not a...

3 Huhti 202537min

The State Of Play

The State Of Play

Demi Moore has a house for her doll collection. David Beckham relaxes by assembling Lego kits. Board games are the preferred Saturday night pastime. Selling toys to adults is a big business, and in th...

20 Maalis 202545min

How to Brand Technology

How to Brand Technology

Some of the biggest global brands are tech companies (Apple, Google, Samsung, Nvidia), and in this episode, Rei and Ana explore the branding strategy behind technology. From myth-making to a seamless ...

6 Maalis 202542min

The Society of Spectacle

The Society of Spectacle

The culture of hype (streetwear, cronuts, Gone Girl, Hamilton...) got replaced by the society of spectacle (fashion shows, Olympics, SuperBowl, Barbieheimer). Everything is a spectacle if you lead wit...

20 Helmi 202533min

Suosittua kategoriassa Liike-elämä ja talous

sijotuskasti
psykopodiaa-podcast
mimmit-sijoittaa
rss-rahapodi
rss-rahamania
rss-lahtijat
ostan-asuntoja-podcast
rahapuhetta
rss-neuvottelija-sami-miettinen
rss-h-asselmoilanen
rss-laakispodi
inderespodi
rss-porssipuhetta
rss-startup-ministerio
rss-bisnesta-bebeja
sijoituspodi
rss-strategian-seurassa
asuntoasiaa-paivakirjat
rss-merja-mahkan-rahat
rss-paasipodi