In the animated Netflix film “KPop Demon Hunters,” a fictional K-pop group called the Saja Boys has drawn attention for their striking resemblance to Korea’s traditional grim reapers. Dressed in long black hanbok robes and wide-brimmed hats, their appearance immediately resonates with Korean viewers, who recognise the jeoseung saja—the messenger of death in local folklore.
The image of the jeoseung saja, a pale-faced figure in black attire with a distinctive “gat” hat, is deeply rooted in Korean culture and storytelling. While grim reapers have long been a symbol of death, their look has been reimagined and modernised in recent years. For example, the 2016 drama “Guardian: The Lonely And Great God” portrayed a contemporary grim reaper in a black suit and fedora, maintaining the dark and mysterious aura.
The iconic depiction of the jeoseung saja can be traced back to a 1980 episode of the TV series “Legend Of The Hometown.” There, the character was designed with a pale face, black robes, and jet-black lips to create a uniquely Korean image of death. However, historical records show that the reaper once appeared in bright red military armour during shamanistic rituals, serving as a feared but respected guide to the afterlife.
The number of reapers also differs between tradition and popular culture. While “KPop Demon Hunters” features five Saja Boys, and dramas often show a single reaper, Korean rituals typically reference three grim reapers, honoured with traditional offerings.
The transformation of Korea’s grim reaper from a solemn figure in funeral rites to a K-pop-inspired pop icon reflects both tradition and changing times. Today, these once-feared messengers are as likely to appear on screens as charismatic, relatable characters as they are in solemn ceremonies, capturing the imagination of audiences in South Korea and around the world.
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