UK Christian School Bans 'KPop Demon Hunters' Song—Lyrics About 'Evil Spirits' Deemed Uncomfortable for Christians

According to Financial News, an elementary school in the United Kingdom (UK) has reportedly banned students from singing songs from the Netflix animated film 'KPop Demon Hunters.'

British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC), The Independent, and other local media outlets reported on the 17th (local time) that an Anglican school in the UK notified parents of this ban.
The reason for the ban was that the song's lyrics contained content considered 'uncomfortable' for Christians.
Located in Dorset, southern England, this school is a Christian school attended by kindergarteners and first and second graders.

On the 14th, acting principal Lloyd Arlington sent a letter to parents, stating, "We fully respect your right to choose what content your child is exposed to at home, but at the same time, we must also consider the diverse beliefs within our school." He added, "In respect for those who may feel that this song conflicts with their beliefs, we ask that your children refrain from singing it at school."

'KPop Demon Hunters' features the globally popular girl group HUNTR/X as the main characters. The story revolves around them defeating evil spirits through their songs, so references to evil spirits appear in the lyrics.
The Independent interpreted the school's response as acknowledging that references to evil spirits may make some Christians uncomfortable. The report also noted that evil spirits and demons can be associated with spiritual forces opposing God and goodness for Christians.

Principal Arlington emphasized, "Even using such language (like 'evil spirits') in a fictional or playful context can conflict with Christian faith," and added, "Our school, in particular, is chosen by parents who wish to foster a Christian spirit."

Parents had mixed reactions upon receiving the school's notice.
One father, who identified himself as an atheist, told the BBC, "I thought it was ridiculous. My daughter is obsessed with K-pop, and her friends love it too." He added, "The school's ban felt a bit unfair and foolish."

As parents voiced opposition to the school's action, Principal Arlington sent a second letter that day.

He wrote, "We appreciate the parents who shared their thoughts on the positive themes found in KPop Demon Hunters and its music." He continued, "We fully agree that values such as teamwork, courage, and kindness are important for children, and we feel that the song 'Golden' from KPop Demon Hunters helps convey these messages."

He reiterated, "While we completely respect parents' rights to choose what content their children access at home, we must also be mindful of the diverse beliefs within our school community," and emphasized, "For some Christians, references to evil spirits can be very uncomfortable."

y27k@fnnews.com Seo Yoon-kyung Reporter