An infant school has banned pupils from singing songs from the hit Netflix film KPop Demon Hunters as they could make Christians feel “deeply uncomfortable”.
Lilliput Church of England Infant School in Poole, Dorset, wrote to parents on Friday asking children not to sing the songs at school as they conflict with its “Christian ethos”.
The animated film became Netflix’s most viewed movie ever in August with 236 million streams. It follows a K-pop girl group as they fight to protect their fans from demons.
• Korean spicy noodles are hot in the UK, thanks to KPop Demon Hunters
Lloyd Allington, the school’s acting head, said in the message to parents: “While we fully respect your right to make choices about the content your child engages with at home, we also want to be mindful of the diversity of beliefs within our school community.
“For some Christians references to demons can feel deeply uncomfortable because they associate them with spiritual forces opposed to God and goodness. From their perspective even fictional or playful use of this language can conflict with their faith, which emphasises rejecting evil rather than engaging with it, even in entertainment.
“This is a valuable opportunity to explore the diversity of beliefs within our community and consider how we can support those of faith who find these themes challenging, particularly as we are a faith school chosen by many parents for our commitment to fostering and upholding a Christian ethos.”
One father told the BBC: “I thought it was ridiculous. My daughter is very into K-pop and her and all of her little friends love it.” He said that he was an atheist and added that it felt like “a bit of an imposition and probably a bit unfair and silly”.
After feedback from parents, Allington said in an updated letter: “Thank you to those parents who have shared your thoughts around the positive themes you see in KPop Demon Hunters and its music. We completely agree that values like teamwork, courage and kindness are important for children and it’s clear from your feedback that many of you feel songs like Golden have helped your children learn about these themes.”
He added: “We want to reassure you that we are not asking parents to tell their children that there is anything wrong with enjoying the film or its songs if it aligns with your own views and beliefs and this will not be the messaging we share in school either. Our role will simply be to help children understand that some of their peers may hold different views and to explore how we can respect and support those peers in upholding their faith.”
Princess Charlotte was revealed to be a fan of KPop Demon Hunters last month when The Sun reported that Ivy Brown, a six-year-old girl, wrote to the princess to ask if she had watched the film.
Princess Charlotte and the Princess of Wales
AARON CHOWN/PA WIRE
Kensington Palace replied: “It was interesting to learn a little about yourself and your generous words of support for Princess Charlotte were greatly appreciated. You may be interested to know that Golden from KPop Demon Hunters has been played during Changing the Guard at Buckingham Palace. It was most thoughtful of you to take the trouble to write as you did. Their Royal Highnesses would have me send their warmest thanks and very best wishes to you and your family.”