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When you saw the mystical blue tiger of Jinu's in KPop Demon Hunters, did it ring a bell? If yes, it sure must have reminded you of the Cheshire Cat from Alice in Wonderland.
Who would have possibly thought of a connection between a 1951 Disney animated classic set in an anthropomorphic world and a newly released 2025 Netflix film based on K-pop singers? However, there is a group of animals that connects them both, and that is, cats.
In KPop Demon Hunters, Jinu, the multilayered character who starts as a villain, has a pet tiger named Derpy. He is a blue-coloured tiger, who has a set of luminous eyes and an unmatchable grin from ear to ear. He bears fangs and keeps on spilling things.
Cut to the pink and purple-hued Cheshire Cat in Alice in Wonderland. Like Derpy, he too has yellowish eyes. But there is one major feature that is hauntingly similar between these two furry animals. And that is, their constant wide grin that has taken a permanent place in the iconography of these tabbies.
Let us dive deeper into the connection between the cats of KPop Demon Hunters and Alice in Wonderland.
The felines of KPop Demon Hunters and Alice in Wonderland
In KPop Demon Hunters, Derpy could seem to look physically mighty, like how a tiger is. But deep down, he is just a tiny kitty in disguise. The kind of cats we grew up watching in our surroundings. Derpy's name fits right into the way he is. He is messy, clumsy, and kind of air-headed.
In the film, we will witness Derpy struggle to put a flowerpot back to stand on its own, but fails every time. No matter what Derpy is going through, his eyes and his broad smile are constantly lit up. This adorable and hilarious portrayal of the feline in the film has tugged at many heartstrings.
The characterization of Derpy is rooted in a particular style of folk art in Korea, known as Minhwa. Originating from the Chosun period in Korea from the year 1392 to 1910, this style of art is very popular among people.
In the Minhwa paintings, the portrayal of tigers is very common and is one of its most iconic features. They completely subvert the traditional idea of tigers being ferocious and gallant creatures. In these paintings, the tigers are showcased comically. Along with their artistic significance, the paintings are also considered to have spiritual significance. They are known to safeguard families from any ill omen.
So, while these half-witted tigers protect people from the bad stuff, we have the magpie, who is endowed with the responsibility of bringing about positive news. So, this particular stylization of the Minhwa tigers has been incorporated into the creation of Jinu's Derpy in KPop Demon Hunters. Along with Derpy, there is the magpie Sussie, who dons (read: thieves) a hat.
But Derpy's role in the film transcends this purpose. In an interview with Salon, one of the directors of KPop Demon Hunters, Maggie Kang, mentions that gradually Derpy went on to become a bridge between Jinu and Rumi's communication.
Similarly, in the 1950s Disney animated classic Alice in Wonderland, the portrayal of the Cheshire Cat also falls on similar lines with that of Derpy in KPop Demon Hunters. Both cats belong to a colour palette that is not completely opposed to each other. Derpy is blue with black and white stripes, whereas the Cheshire Cat is striped in pink and purple. And also, both of these felines' bodies are full-bodied in nature.
The Cheshire Cat is a troublesome tabby, but also accompanies Alice in her endeavours. Whilst the kitty shows care towards her, it is also slightly diabolical, but in a funny way. But one distinguishing factor that connects both Derpy and the Cheshire Cat is their iconic smiling face. This aspect is undoubtedly humorous, but can also be unsettling to look at times.
In fact, to "grin like a Cheshire cat" is a popular phrase that has been used in many literary works. It means to smile broadly. The portrayal of the Cheshire Cat with the signature was exactly how Lewis Carroll had written in the original novel of 1865, 'Alice's Adventures in Wonderland'.
So, both of these magical felines play a significant role in the lives of the characters in the respective films. Both of them, regardless of their differences and similarities, are stunning, unique, and adorable furry creatures who have purred their way into creating an indelible impact on the lives around them.
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Also read: How is KPop Demon Hunters a fantastical love letter to Korean pop culture
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