The Electrifying Anthem of K-Pop Demon Hunters: A Deep Dive into 'How It's Done'

Introduction to a Cultural Phenomenon

In the vibrant universe of K-Pop Demon Hunters, few songs capture the essence of the film's energy and message as powerfully as "How It's Done." This electrifying anthem serves as both a battle cry for the demon-hunting girl group HUNTR/X and a statement of artistic dominance in the competitive world of K-pop. Released on June 20, 2025 as part of the Sony Pictures Animation film's soundtrack, the track immediately established itself as a standout musical moment that perfectly blends the film's supernatural action with its musical heart. Experience the full "How It's Done" track and more HUNTR/X hits in our comprehensive music collection.

The song's creation involved an impressive roster of talent, including songwriters EJAE, Mark Sonnenblick, and Danny Chung, with production by 24, IDO, TEDDY, and Ian Eisendrath. Performed by EJAE (as Rumi), Audrey Nuna (as Mira), and REI AMI (as Zoey), "How It's Done" introduces audiences to the fierce personalities and vocal styles of each HUNTR/X member while setting the tone for their demon-hunting adventures.

Musical Composition and Production

The production team aimed high with "How It's Done," seeking to create a track that would have the immediate impact of a Blackpink hit while serving the narrative needs of the film. As executive music producer Ian Eisendrath explained, "It had to have that energy, it had to set up a unique sonic world for these three girls and how they sing together, and it also had to be a banging opening number that everyone just was drawn into".

Drawing inspiration from West Side Story's "Jet Song," the producers crafted a rousing mantra that introduces each member's distinct musical personality. The track features:

• Hard-hitting beats that mirror the intensity of demon battles
• Rapid-fire rap verses showcasing Zoey's fiery delivery
• Powerful vocal runs highlighting Rumi's diva status
• Dynamic dance breaks reflecting Mira's physicality

The song's structure cleverly introduces each character's musical persona - Zoey's explosive rap, Mira's unpredictable energy, and Rumi's spectacular vocals that become central to the film's emotional arc.

Narrative Context Within the Film

"How It's Done" serves as the film's opening number, appearing during a thrilling sequence where HUNTR/X battles demons disguised as flight crew members on their private jet. The song seamlessly transitions from this supernatural fight to a packed stadium performance, establishing the group's dual identity as both pop stars and demon hunters.

Lyrically, the song functions as both a boastful K-pop anthem and a literal demon-fighting manifesto. Lines like "Better come right, better luck tryin', gettin' to our level/'Cause you might die, never the time, tryna start a battle" work equally well as competitive lyrics in the music industry and as warnings to supernatural foes.

The recurring phrase "how it's done" becomes a declaration of dominance, whether on stage or in battle, while also symbolizing the group's mastery of both their craft and their identities. This duality perfectly encapsulates the film's central theme of balancing public personas with private struggles.

Check out more K-pop music videos like How It's Done

Cultural Impact and Reception

Upon release, "How It's Done" quickly became one of the most talked-about elements of K-Pop Demon Hunters. The song's:

• View counts skyrocketed to 717.5K shortly after release
• Fan covers proliferated across social media platforms
• Challenge dances inspired by the choreography went viral
• Critical reception praised its authentic K-pop energy within an animated context

The track's success contributed significantly to the film's positive reviews, with particular praise for how it blended musical storytelling with visual spectacle. Its placement as the opening number ensured viewers were immediately immersed in the unique world where K-pop and supernatural action coexist.

Behind the Voices: The Talent Behind HUNTR/X

The vocal performances in "How It's Done" bring the fictional group to life with remarkable authenticity:

• EJAE as Rumi: The K-pop artist delivers powerhouse vocals that establish Rumi as the group's emotional center
• Audrey Nuna as Mira: The American R&B singer brings swagger and attitude to Mira's lines
• REI AMI as Zoey: The Korean-American singer's rap verses showcase Zoey's fiery personality

The casting of established musical artists rather than just voice actors adds tremendous credibility to the musical numbers, with each performer bringing their unique style to create HUNTR/X's distinctive sound.

Themes and Symbolism

Beneath its surface-level bravado, "How It's Done" explores several key themes that resonate throughout K-Pop Demon Hunters:

1. Girl Power and Unity: The song celebrates female strength and teamwork in facing both supernatural threats and industry challenges
2. Dual Identities: The lyrics work on multiple levels, reflecting the characters' lives as both performers and warriors
3. Overcoming Fear: Lines like "Makin' fear afraid to breathe" foreshadow the characters' journey toward conquering personal demons
4. Cultural Pride: The blend of Korean and English lyrics, along with K-pop aesthetics, honors Korean cultural heritage

These thematic elements make "How It's Done" more than just an entertaining musical number - it's a crucial piece of storytelling that establishes the film's core values.

The Choreography and Visual Style

While primarily experienced through animation, "How It's Done" features choreography inspired by real K-pop performances. The film's directors worked closely with professional K-pop choreographers to ensure the movements felt authentic to the industry.

The sequence showcases:

• Precision group formations during the chorus
• Individual style moments highlighting each member's personality
• Fight-inspired moves that blend dance with combat
• Dynamic camera work mimicking real K-pop music videos

This attention to detail helps bridge the gap between the animated world and real K-pop culture, making HUNTR/X feel like a genuine group rather than a fictional creation.

Musical Influences and Genre Fusion

"How It's Done" demonstrates a sophisticated understanding of contemporary K-pop trends while adding unique elements to serve the film's narrative. The track incorporates:

• Trap-inspired beats for intensity
• Melodic rap verses showcasing vocal diversity
• An explosive EDM-influenced chorus
• Traditional Korean musical elements in subtle ways

This genre-blending approach mirrors how top K-pop groups like Blackpink and BTS have dominated global charts, while the supernatural themes add a distinctive twist.

The Song's Role in Character Development

Beyond its function as an exciting musical number, "How It's Done" establishes crucial character traits that develop throughout the film:

• Rumi's vocal prowess sets up her later struggle with losing her voice
• Mira's unpredictable energy foreshadows her emotional journey
• Zoey's fiery rap style introduces her as the group's passionate heart

These early characterizations make the group's subsequent conflicts and growth more impactful, showing how carefully the musical numbers were integrated with the overall narrative.

Conclusion: The Perfect Opening Statement

"How It's Done" stands as a masterclass in how to introduce an animated musical's world, characters, and themes through song. By combining authentic K-pop energy with supernatural storytelling, it immediately immerses viewers in the unique universe of K-Pop Demon Hunters while delivering a standalone bop that holds its own against real-world K-pop hits.

The song's success lies in its dual appeal - it works perfectly within the film's context while being enjoyable as pure music. This careful balance between narrative function and musical excellence makes "How It's Done" not just a great movie song, but a great song period, and a shining example of how animation can embrace contemporary music trends with creativity and respect.

Complete Lyrics to "How It's Done"

[Intro: Rumi]
Ugh, you came at a bad time
But you just crossed the line
You wanna get wild?
Okay, I'll show you wild

[Verse 1: Rumi & Mira]
Better come right, better luck tryin', gettin' to our level
'Cause you might die, never the time, tryna start a battle
Bleeding isn't in my blood, 뼈속부터 달라서
Beating you is what I do, do, do, yeah
Body on body, I'm naughty, not even sorry
And when you pull up, I'll pull up
A little late to the party (Na-na-na-na)
Locked and loaded, I was born for this
There ain't no point in avoiding it
Annoyed? A bit 불을 비춰 다 비켜, 네 앞길을 뺏겨

[Pre-Chorus: Mira & Rumi]
Knocking you out like a lullaby
Hear that sound ringing in your mind
Better sit down for the show
'Cause I'm gonna show you how it's done, done, done

[Chorus: All]
(Hey) Huntrix don't miss
How it's done, done, done
(Hey) Huntrix don't quit
How it's done, done, done

[Post-Chorus: All]
Run, run, we run the town
Whole world playin' our sound
Turnin' up, it's goin' down
Huntrix show this, how it's done, done, done

[Verse 2: Rumi, Mira & Zoey]
Yeah, something about when you come for the crown
That's so humbling, huh? 갑자기 왜 그래? 먼저 건드려, 왜?
이제야 포기해, what?
Nothing to us, run up, you're done up, we come up
From sunup to sundown, so come out to play
Won either way, we're one in a million
We killin', we bring it, you want it? Okay
Heels, nails, blade, mascara
Fit check for my napalm era
Need to beat my face, make it cute and savage
Mirror, mirror on my phone, who's the baddest? (Us, hello?)

[Pre-Chorus: Rumi, Mira & Zoey]
Knocking you out like a lullaby
Hear that sound ringing in your mind
Better sit down for the show
'Cause I'm gonna show you (I'm gonna show you)
(I'm gonna show you)
How it's done, done, done

[Chorus: All]
(Hey) Huntrix don't miss
How it's done, done, done
(Hey) Huntrix don't quit
How it's done, done, done

[Post-Chorus: All]
Run, run, we run the town
Whole world playin' our sound
Turnin' up, it's goin' down
Huntrix show this, how it's done, done, done