This Is What the Gospel Sounds Like: A Podcast on K-Pop Demon Hunters

Sarah Crowder
  • 4.0 (24)
  • Christianity
  • Updated Weekly

A podcast where Sarah Crowder explores the Gospel in surprising places, beginning with the animated film K-Pop Demon Hunters. Together with Pastor Andrew Jones, she reacts to the movie’s music, community, and spiritual themes while connecting them to Lutheran theology and the good news of Jesus. Honest, fun, and Gospel-centered, this show is for fans, theologians, and anyone curious about how faith speaks through culture.

  1. 2d ago

    Sussie the Magpie | Birds, the Holy Spirit, and What the Gospel Sounds Like

    August 20 is the Release Date of Andrew Jones' Book! Get it today! Search "10 Treasures of Learning to Pray." This episode begins with one of K-Pop Demon Hunters’ most underrated characters: Sussie the three-eyed magpie. Teacher Sarah Crowder and Pastor and Author Andy Jones explore Sussie’s place alongside Derpy, the Korean folklore behind the tiger and magpie, and a fascinating folktale that might even give us a clue about where Rumi and Jinu’s story could go next. Then the birds lead somewhere unexpected. From the dove at Jesus’ baptism to God gathering His people under His wings, from eagles carrying God’s people to freedom to Jesus reminding us that our Father cares even for the sparrows, Scripture is full of birds. Sarah and Andy consider how these images point us toward God’s protection, provision, and the gift of the Holy Spirit, whom Jesus promises will not leave us alone. And maybe that is why morning birdsong feels so hopeful. In the darkness, a song begins. A new day is coming. So the next time you see Sussie, a sparrow outside your window, or hear birds singing before sunrise, perhaps you can remember: Christ has not left you alone. You are cared for. You are gathered under His wings. And the Spirit is still at work, pointing you again to Jesus. That’s what the Gospel sounds like.

  2. Aug 12

    KPop Demon Hunters Healer Han vs the Great Physician: The Doctor will SEE you now

    In this episode of This Is What the Gospel Sounds Like, teacher Sarah Crowder and pastor Andy Jones take a closer look at one of KPop Demon Hunters’ smallest but surprisingly insightful characters: Healer Han, also known as the “quack doctor.” When Rumi comes to him desperate to fix her voice, Dr. Han notices something deeper than a vocal problem. She has “so many walls.” That observation opens up a bigger conversation about shame, vulnerability, healing, and what it means to be truly seen. Sarah and Andy connect Rumi’s story with Jesus’ encounters in Scripture, including the rich young man, Peter, Hagar and the God who sees her, and the beautiful Gospel truth that Jesus does not merely diagnose what is wrong with us. He comes near, tears down the walls separating us from God, and gives us Himself. They also talk about the difference between being looked at in judgment and being looked at in love, why grace frees us from constantly wondering whether we have “done enough,” and how relationships become part of Rumi’s healing. Plus, Andy shares about his brand-new book, Ten Treasures of Learning to Pray, the third book in his trilogy following Ten Questions to Ask Every Time You Read the Bible and Ten Lies Satan Loves to Tell. If you have ever wondered whether God really sees you behind the walls, scars, fear, and shame, this episode is for you. In this episode: • Is Healer Han actually a quack? • Why does Rumi lose her voice? • Rumi’s walls and the fear of vulnerability • Jesus and the rich young man • “The God who sees me” • Law, Gospel, and the difference between judgment and love • Why we cannot earn our salvation • Jesus breaking down the walls between God and His people • Andy Jones’ new book, Ten Treasures of Learning to Pray This Is What the Gospel Sounds Like is a podcast about KPop Demon Hunters, theology, culture, and the places where this story gives us handles for talking about the good news of Jesus. Subscribe or follow so you don’t miss the next conversation.

  3. Jun 5

    Fan Theories, Jinu, and the Future of K-Pop Demon Hunters

    The sequel is officially coming… eventually. So what happens next in K-Pop Demon Hunters? In this episode, Sarah Crowder and Andy Jones dive deep into fan theories surrounding Jinu, Rumi, the Saja Boys, and the future of the franchise. Could Rumi’s father become the next major villain? Are the Saja Boys actually gone? And what themes should the next movie explore to keep the emotional depth of the original? Along the way, Sarah shares stories from her PhD comprehensive exam preparation, reflections on storytelling, and why themes like shame, belonging, and identity resonate so deeply in both Scripture and art. The conversation ultimately turns toward the Gospel: the freedom of knowing that we are not the main character of the story… Christ is. Topics include: • Jinu sequel theories • Rumi and shame • K-drama storytelling tropes • Theological themes in K-Pop Demon Hunters • Why Korean storytelling feels different • Narrative, vocation, and the Gospel 🎧 We’d love to hear YOUR fan theories too.

    Fan Theories, Jinu, and the Future of K-Pop Demon Hunters

  4. May 29

    Derpy | Messages, Memory, and the Gospel in K-Pop Demon Hunters

    What does a goofy magical tiger have to do with the Gospel? In this episode of This Is What the Gospel Sounds Like, Sarah Crowder and Andy Jones dive into Derpy from K-Pop Demon Hunters and explore why this chaotic little tiger may be one of the most important characters in the film. From Korean folklore and tiger symbolism to Jinu’s bracelet scene and themes of memory, invitation, and redemption, they unpack the surprising emotional depth behind everyone’s favorite magical menace. Along the way they discuss: • Korean tiger and magpie folklore • Derpy as messenger, comforter, and guardian • Jinu’s memories and redemption arc • Why the bracelet scene matters so much • “Martha, Martha” and repeated names in Scripture • Gospel reminders in ordinary life • The greatest animated animal sidekicks of all time Plus: VBS stories, Avatar: The Last Airbender praise, Disney animal debates, and why Derpy instantly became an S-tier fandom icon. Even in a story full of demons, idols, and magical chaos, the Gospel still sounds like a message delivered for you.

    Derpy | Messages, Memory, and the Gospel in K-Pop Demon Hunters

  5. May 22

    Be a Bobby | Encouragement and the Gospel in K-Pop Demon Hunters

    In this episode, teacher Sarah Crowder and Pastor Andy Jones explore why Bobby from K-Pop Demon Hunters has become such a beloved character. Together they discuss encouragement, authenticity, performance culture, loneliness, and the Gospel promise that we are never truly alone. Along the way, they connect Bobby’s role in the story to the biblical Barnabas and reflect on what it means to genuinely support and encourage others. Topics include: • Bobby as a truthful encourager • The pressure of numbers, success, and performance • Gospel hope in failure and struggle • Why encouragement must be honest and present • Jesus’ promise to be with us Who has been a “Bobby” in your life?

    Be a Bobby | Encouragement and the Gospel in K-Pop Demon Hunters

  6. Apr 1

    Full Episode! Ep. 15: Soda Pop | Idols, Addiction, and the Gospel in K-Pop Demon Hunters

    In this episode of This Is What the Gospel Sounds Like, teacher Sarah Crowder and pastor Andy Jones dive into “Soda Pop” from K-Pop Demon Hunters. At first, it sounds like a fun, catchy summer song. But underneath the surface, something darker is happening. What does it mean when something sweet slowly becomes consuming?Why do the Saja Boys only take and never give?And how does this connect to the Bible’s warnings about temptation, addiction, and idols that never satisfy? Together, we explore how “Soda Pop” echoes Proverbs 5, where what seems sweet can lead to destruction. We also contrast this with the true sweetness of the Gospel through the story of Thomas Bilney and the promise that Christ gives rather than takes. This episode is about more than a song. It is about the difference between idols that drain you and a Savior who gives Himself for you. If you’ve ever felt pulled in by something that promised life but left you empty, this conversation is for you. 🎧 Topics include:K-Pop Demon Hunters analysisSoda Pop lyrics explainedProverbs 5 and modern temptationAddiction, idols, and identityThe sweetness of the Gospel Thanks for listening and being part of this growing community.

    Full Episode! Ep. 15: Soda Pop | Idols, Addiction, and the Gospel in K-Pop Demon Hunters

  7. Mar 27

    Preview! Ep. 15: Soda Pop | Idols, Addiction, and the Gospel in K-Pop Demon Hunters

    PREVIEW! In this episode of This Is What the Gospel Sounds Like, teacher Sarah Crowder and pastor Andy Jones dive into “Soda Pop” from K-Pop Demon Hunters. At first, it sounds like a fun, catchy summer song. But underneath the surface, something darker is happening. What does it mean when something sweet slowly becomes consuming? Why do the Saja Boys only take and never give? And how does this connect to the Bible’s warnings about temptation, addiction, and idols that never satisfy? Together, we explore how “Soda Pop” echoes Proverbs 5, where what seems sweet can lead to destruction. We also contrast this with the true sweetness of the Gospel through the story of Thomas Bilney and the promise that Christ gives rather than takes. This episode is about more than a song. It is about the difference between idols that drain you and a Savior who gives Himself for you. If you’ve ever felt pulled in by something that promised life but left you empty, this conversation is for you. 🎧 Topics include: K-Pop Demon Hunters analysis Soda Pop lyrics explained Proverbs 5 and modern temptation Addiction, idols, and identity The sweetness of the Gospel Thanks for listening and being part of this growing community.

    Preview! Ep. 15: Soda Pop | Idols, Addiction, and the Gospel in K-Pop Demon Hunters

  8. Mar 21

    Ep. 14. K-Pop Demon Hunters Wins the Oscars: Light, Fandom, and the Gospel! A theological conversation with Sarah Crowder & Andrew Jones

    Why did the K-Pop Demon Hunters Oscar moment feel so powerful and why did it feel like more than just a win? In this episode of This Is What the Gospel Sounds Like, teacher and PhD student Sarah Crowder joins pastor and author Andrew Jones for a joyful and thoughtful conversation on K-Pop Demon Hunters’ Oscar win and what it reveals about light, community, and the stories we share. Together, they explore what happens when audiences become participants, when global stories bring people together, and when even a performance on a stage can echo something deeper. What you will hear: • Why K-pop fans are never just spectators and what that reveals about faith • How light in the darkness shows up in both K-pop and the Gospel • What the Oscars moment teaches us about belonging and shared experience • Why winning is not the ultimate story and what Jesus gives instead • How stories from different cultures help us see truth more clearly Featuring reflections on worship, fandom, and the beauty of participating in something bigger than ourselves, this episode brings together joy, theology, and real conversation. Because sometimes, even a stage full of light sticks can remind us: You were never meant to sit in the dark alone. 🎙 This Is What the Gospel Sounds Like Where film, faith, and friendship meet to explore how ordinary stories echo extraordinary grace.

    Ep. 14. K-Pop Demon Hunters Wins the Oscars: Light, Fandom, and the Gospel! A theological conversation with Sarah Crowder & Andrew Jones
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About

A podcast where Sarah Crowder explores the Gospel in surprising places, beginning with the animated film K-Pop Demon Hunters. Together with Pastor Andrew Jones, she reacts to the movie’s music, community, and spiritual themes while connecting them to Lutheran theology and the good news of Jesus. Honest, fun, and Gospel-centered, this show is for fans, theologians, and anyone curious about how faith speaks through culture.

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