Mayor Olivia Chow Presents Key to the City to ‘KPop Demon Hunters’ Creator Maggie Kang
Maggie Kang Key to the City Toronto honour recognizes global success of KPop Demon Hunters creator
TORONTO — Mayor Olivia Chow has awarded the Key to the City of Toronto to acclaimed animator, writer and director Maggie Kang, recognizing her global impact in animation and her deep ties to the city’s creative industry.
The honour was presented at the Departure Festival and Conference 2026, celebrating Kang’s role as the creator, co-writer and director of the internationally successful animated film KPop Demon Hunters, which won the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature in 2026.
A Toronto Talent with Global Impact
Born in Seoul, South Korea, Kang was raised in Toronto and studied classical animation at Sheridan College, one of Canada’s leading institutions for animation and visual arts.
Her career spans major studios including DreamWorks Animation, where she worked as a story artist on high-profile projects such as:
- Puss in Boots
- The Croods: A New Age
- Rise of the Guardians
- Kung Fu Panda 3
- Trolls
- Shrek Forever After
- Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa
- Over the Hedge
Kang also contributed to Illumination Entertainment (Minions: The Rise of Gru) and served as head of story at Warner Animation Group on The Lego Ninjago Movie.
Mayor Olivia Chow presents Key to the City to KPop Demon Hunters creator Maggie Kang
News release: https://t.co/TSTkbuxJae pic.twitter.com/k9QSlsU9aR
— City of Toronto 🇨🇦 (@cityoftoronto) May 7, 2026
Celebrating Culture, Identity and Storytelling
KPop Demon Hunters has been widely praised for its storytelling, animation style and themes of friendship, identity and belonging, while also highlighting elements of Korean culture in a way that resonates with global audiences.
City officials say Kang’s work reflects both her cultural heritage and her upbringing in Toronto, reinforcing the city’s reputation as a global hub for creative talent.
Mayor Chow highlighted Kang’s influence during the ceremony.
“Toronto is a city where creativity and culture come together in powerful ways. Maggie Kang is one of the artists who brings that to life, with storytelling that is both personal and globally recognized,” Chow said. “On behalf of the people of Toronto, I am proud to present her with the Key to the City.”
Toronto’s Highest Civic Honour
The Key to the City is the highest honour granted by the Mayor of Toronto, recognizing individuals who have made significant contributions to civic life and embody the city’s values.
Kang joins a list of recipients celebrated for excellence across arts, culture, community leadership and public service.
Strengthening Toronto’s Creative Economy
The recognition also underscores the strength of Toronto’s animation sector, which continues to produce world-class talent contributing to major international productions.
City officials say Kang’s success highlights the role of local education, industry partnerships and diverse storytelling in shaping the future of global entertainment.
Residents are invited to nominate individuals who have made a meaningful impact on Toronto for future Key to the City honours.
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