Rewriting Your Story: Lessons from KPop Demon Hunters

How much bandwidth are you giving an inner voice that whispers you're not good enough, points out how you don't belong, or amplifies your flaws?

Most of us can relate to having a steady stream of self-critical thoughts throughout our day. I've been working with clients on how changing our narratives can help us overcome obstacles, so it's been particularly enjoyable to find engaging media that complements this type of growth.

Netflix's "KPop Demon Hunters" illustrates the positive effects of facing fears and changing narratives. Internal critics are animated as external demons and the K-pop girl group uses their voices to create a magical barrier that protects the world - quite the metaphor for how we can transform our own inner dialogues.

The show captures a fundamental truth about shame: the things we hide only grow stronger.

Heavy topics are expressed through witty dialogue and memorable music. The soundtrack explores powerful themes: belonging, accepting ourselves, and the courage to let others see our struggles. We're reminded that healing doesn't come from perfection or hiding our battles, but from vulnerability and community support.

What narratives would be helpful for you to rewrite?

Since my intention for August is to notice assumptions, here's a simple exercise to try: 

Write down one recurring self-critical thought. Then ask yourself, what assumptions am I making when I believe the thought is true? What evidence contradicts it? How would you speak to a colleague or leader facing this same challenge?

The path to changing our narratives is through the messy, vulnerable work of reducing their hidden power by facing them in the light.