Netflix’s global animated hit KPop Demon Hunters shows no sign of slowing down — and now it’s taking over Halloween. With the spooky season approaching, America appears ready to celebrate October 31 dressed as its demon-fighting K-pop idols, in what many are calling the biggest “K-costume” wave since Squid Game.
According to Google’s official Halloween trend tracker Frightgeist, characters from KPop Demon Hunters have completely dominated this year’s North American costume rankings.
Topping the list is Lumi, the purple-braided leader of the K-pop exorcist girl group HUNTR/X. She is followed by Joy, her upbeat teammate, and Mira, the group’s graceful dancer. In fourth place is Jinwoo, the fierce leader of the demon boy band Saja Boys, while Baby, the mint-haired rapper from the same group, rounds out the top five.
Even Duffy, the tiger character inspired by the traditional Korean painting Jakhodo, made it to No. 8 — meaning more than half of the top 10 spots are filled by KPop Demon Hunters characters.
NBC News reported that themed parties inspired by the film are becoming popular not only for Halloween but also for birthdays and other family celebrations.
Official costumes of the HUNTR/X members, produced in partnership between Netflix and major retailer Spirit Halloween, have seen strong demand, with several sizes already sold out online in both adult and children’s versions. The frenzy has spilled over to Amazon and eBay, where “DIY” and “look-alike” costumes are multiplying. Fans are also sharing handmade creations on social media — including a viral Duffy candy bucket crafted and painted by a fan.
Experts say the craze recalls the Squid Game phenomenon of 2021, when the show’s pink guard uniforms and green tracksuits vanished from store shelves across America. “It’s no surprise that KPop Demon Hunters is leading the costume charts,” USA Today noted, calling the film “a defining force at the center of today’s entertainment landscape.”
By Byung-yeon Yoo
yooby@hankyung.com
