K-Pop Demon Hunters Analysis with AAPI Therapist Dr. Litam

In this episode of Big Asian Energy, John Wang teams up with therapist and author Dr. Stacey Litam to analyze the deeper psychological themes in the animated film K-pop Demon Hunters. Through their analysis, they uncover how this seemingly simple story about demon-fighting K-pop stars reveals profound insights about cultural trauma, healing patterns, and authentic self-acceptance in Asian communities.

What Dr. Litam Shares:

• Understanding "patterns" - the unhelpful cultural scripts we carry from childhood
• Why Western therapy often misses the mark for Asian communities
• How K-pop Demon Hunters reveals the difference between toxic and healthy collectivism

About Dr. Stacey Litam Dr. Stacey Litam is a certified relationship expert, therapist, and professor specializing in Asian diaspora mental health. Her book "Patterns That Remain: A Guide to Healing for Asian Children of Immigrants" was published by Oxford University Press in January 2025. In this conversation, she explores how the film's demons represent internal critics and voices of shame, while analyzing the difference between toxic collectivism (hiding flaws to maintain harmony) and healthy collectivism (showing up authentically in community).

Connect with Dr. Stacey:
Instagram - @drstaceyalitam
Website - https://www.staceylitam.com/

References

• "Patterns That Remain: A Guide to Healing for Asian Children of Immigrants"  by Dr. Stacey Litam
• "Big Asian Energy" by John Wang
• Take the free Big Asian Energy quiz at bigasianenergy.com