Discovery Channel’s 2026 Shark Week is making an unexpected splash by bringing the phenomenon of Netflix’s smash hit animated film “KPop Demon Hunters” to the marine conservation world. A new special titled “KPop Shark Heroes” will premiere on July 26, kicking off the annual week-long celebration of sharks, and it stars two major figures from the film: comedian and actor Ken Jeong and Grammy-nominated singer Rei Ami.
The pairing reunites the on-screen collaborators in a completely new context. Jeong, who voiced Bobby, the manager and agent of the fictional K-pop group Huntr/x in the film, joins Rei Ami, who provided the singing voice for Zoey, the group’s main rapper and lyricist. Rather than battling demons from the underworld, the two will be tackling an equally ambitious mission: reshaping public perception of sharks across East Asia and around the globe.
The special arrives in response to a recent series of shark encounters off the Korean Peninsula. According to the official description, “After a recent series of shark encounters off the Korean Peninsula, actor and comedian Ken Jeong is determined to reshape the perception of sharks across East Asia and around the globe. Joined by movie co-star, Grammy-nominated singer and lifetime shark lover Rei Ami, Ken is on a mission to launch a bold, one-of-a-kind public awareness campaign that educates, empowers and shifts the narrative around these oceanic creatures using the power of K-Pop.”
Jeong brings his characteristic humor to the project, having made his career in comedy and entertainment across both film and television. He is best known for his breakthrough role as Leslie Chow in “The Hangover” franchise and his role as Ben Chang in the NBC sitcom “Community,” which aired from 2009 to 2015. Beyond those high-profile roles, Jeong has appeared in films like “Knocked Up” and “Crazy Rich Asians,” and has served as a judge on the singing competition series “The Masked Singer” since 2019. He also maintains an active medical license, having been a licensed physician before fully pursuing his entertainment career.
Rei Ami brings her musical credentials and genuine passion for marine life to the special. The Grammy-nominated artist gained prominence as one of the three singing voices behind Huntr/x in “KPop Demon Hunters,” which premiered in 2025 and became a global phenomenon. Her performance of “Golden” alongside EJAE and Audrey Nuna has achieved remarkable success, becoming the first K-pop song ever to win a Grammy award. The song dominated global music charts for extended periods and has earned multiple major award nominations and wins, including at the Golden Globes and Academy Awards. Beyond her film work, Rei Ami has established herself as an independent artist, previously gaining attention for her 2020 feature on dark-pop artist Sub Urban’s single “Freak.”
During a recent appearance on the TODAY show, Ken Jeong and Rei Ami discussed what audiences can expect from the special. Ami detailed her participation in free diving with 16 sharks during production, offering viewers a glimpse of the program’s ambitious scope. Jeong, leaning into his comedic nature, joked about his role in the project, declaring himself the “Christopher Nolan of K-POP SHARK HEROES.” The special blends the performers’ entertainment profiles with hands-on wildlife encounters in a way that leverages the global reach and cultural moment created by “KPop Demon Hunters.”
The production of “KPop Shark Heroes” is handled by Will Packer Media and Anomaly Entertainment. The special will air on Discovery Channel as part of Shark Week 2026, which runs from July 26 through August 1. This year’s Shark Week features 20 action-packed premieres across the week, making it one of the most ambitious lineups in the annual event’s history.
Discovery Channel’s head of content, Joseph Boyle, embraced the unique addition to the lineup, saying the network continues to “raise the bar with a lineup that delivers glowing sharks, Jurassic giants, record-setting stunts… and even, K-Pop.” The comment reflects how “KPop Demon Hunters,” which debuted in summer 2025 as a Netflix original, has transcended its initial audience to become a genuine cultural phenomenon that continues to influence entertainment and media across multiple industries and formats.
The collaboration between the entertainment and conservation worlds represents an innovative approach to marine conservation messaging. By harnessing the popularity of the film and the star power of its cast members, Discovery Channel is attempting to reach new audiences with messaging about shark conservation. The partnership demonstrates the continued cultural influence of “KPop Demon Hunters” and its ability to expand beyond the film itself into unexpected territory.