Maggie Kang has been awarded the key to the city of Toronto in recognition of her contributions to animation, storytelling and the global entertainment industry.
Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow presented the honour to Kang on Thursday during her visit to the city for the Departure Festival and Conference 2026.
Born in Seoul and raised in Toronto after moving to Canada at age five, Kang described the recognition as a deeply personal “full circle moment.”
“Home is here, I always know that,” Kang said in a video shared by the festival. “For the city to recognize that I’m a resident and all of this really started here, it’s like a full circle moment.”
Kang co-wrote and directed the Oscar-winning animated film K-Pop Demon Hunters, which has earned international acclaim for blending music, fantasy and themes of identity and belonging.
In a statement, the City of Toronto praised Kang’s achievements, saying her work reflects the strength of Toronto’s animation industry and the city’s reputation as a hub for creative excellence.
Mayor Chow said the film has resonated with audiences worldwide while celebrating multicultural storytelling rooted in Toronto’s diversity.
“One of those stories, K-Pop Demon Hunters, has connected with households across our city and around the world, bringing families together through themes of friendship, identity and belonging,” Chow said. “Her work reflects both her Korean heritage and her Toronto roots.”
The key to the city is one of Toronto’s highest civic honours and is presented to individuals who have made significant contributions to public life and the cultural identity of the city.
Previous recipients include acclaimed filmmakers Sarah Polley and Guillermo del Toro, as well as community leaders and cultural advocates connected to Toronto’s arts and civic landscape.