{"id":340361,"date":"2025-12-12T11:59:13","date_gmt":"2025-12-12T11:59:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/340361\/"},"modified":"2025-12-12T11:59:13","modified_gmt":"2025-12-12T11:59:13","slug":"inside-kpop-demon-hunters-pop-up-in-seoul","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/340361\/","title":{"rendered":"Inside \u2018KPop Demon Hunters’ pop-up in Seoul"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"A<\/p>\n

A “KPop Demon Hunters” pop-up is held at a venue with hanok (traditional Korean architecture)-inspired facade in Seongsu-dong neighborhood in Seoul, Thursday. Korea Times photo by Kim Se-jeong <\/p>\n

Netflix\u2019s global sensation \u201cKPop Demon Hunters\u201d has leapt off the screen and into real life with the opening of its first official pop-up store in eastern Seoul’s trendy Seongsu-dong, inviting fans to step directly into the film\u2019s universe. The pop-up offers a new way for visitors to experience the magic through themed rooms, photo spots and exclusive merchandise.<\/p>\n

Since its release in June, the animated feature has become a global phenomenon. Centered on a fictional K-pop girl group that fights against supernatural forces, the film became one of Netflix\u2019s most-watched films and was nominated for Golden Globes earlier this week.<\/p>\n

Its soundtrack also shot to the top of the charts and the film’s visual elements became cultural trends. Instagram and TikTok have been flooded with tutorials on Rumi\u2019s hairstyle, while the girl group outfits became some of this year\u2019s most coveted Halloween costumes.<\/p>\n

As fans seek new ways to stay connected to the film, Netflix opened its first “KPop Demon Hunters” pop-up experience in Seoul last week, offering dozens of official merchandise items and an immersive experience. <\/p>\n

\"A<\/p>\n

A showroom with tiger-inspired merchandise \/ Korea Times photo by Kim Se-jeong<\/p>\n

The tour starts with a showroom in which the quirky tiger character Derpy takes center stage: blankets, fabric posters, bags, keychains, magnets and T-shirts all feature the beloved creature, set against magical blue walls that echo its onscreen aura.<\/p>\n

Subsequent rooms spotlight K-pop bands Huntrix and Saja Boys, with merchandise ranging from jersey shirts and decorative tape to stickers, postcards and even light sticks \u2014 just like you would find at a real K-pop concert. <\/p>\n

\"Life-size<\/p>\n

Life-size mannequins display the signature costumes of the girl group Huntrix. Korea Times photo by Kim Se-jeong<\/p>\n

Not all rooms focus on merchandise. One space recreates the airplane cabin where Huntrix members snack and chat before landing in Seoul for a concert, complete with Korean treats like gimbap (seaweed rice roll), tteokbokki (spicy rice cake), sundae (blood sausage) and instant cup noodles. It is so realistic that it feels like a behind-the-scenes shoot. <\/p>\n

The pop-up concludes in a gift shop with merchadise displayed upstairs. Among the popular merchandise were fabric posters, keyrings and Derpy tiger plushes.<\/p>\n

\"A<\/p>\n

A table display recreates the Korean snacks enjoyed by the Huntrix members in the airplane cabin in the film “KPop Demon Hunters.” Korea Times photo by Kim Se-jeong<\/p>\n

Visitors on Thursday morning varied widely in age and background. Many were families with young children, stopping by to make their \u201cKPop Demon Hunters\u201d dreams come true.<\/p>\n

\u201cI brought my sons because they loved the movie so much,\u201d said a Seoul mother who identified herself as Si-ho\u2019s mom. \u201cMy 5-year-old has watched it more than 20 times.\u201d<\/p>\n

One family from Singapore said they learned about the pop-up while visiting Everland, which recently opened a “KPop Demon Hunters”\u2013themed zone. <\/p>\n

\u201cOur kids are big fans,\u201d said the father, Jimmy.<\/p>\n

\"Carla<\/p>\n

Carla Nicholson, left, from the U.S. and her colleague Gonzalo Albornoz from Canada stand outside the pop-up store venue in Seoul, Thursday. She is holding a Saja Boys light stick she purchased from the pop-up store. Korea Times photo by Kim Se-jeong <\/p>\n

Among the adult visitors was Carla Nicholson from the U.S., an English teacher living in Seongsu-dong. <\/p>\n

\u201cI love K-pop music. My favorite group is ATEEZ,\u201d she said, adding that she watched the film before arriving in Korea three weeks ago as part of her cultural preparation.<\/p>\n

The Seoul pop-up runs through Dec. 28. Reservations are recommended for entry, but walk-ins are also welcome. The doors are open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. on weekdays and from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. on weekends.<\/p>\n

After Seoul, the pop-up tours globally, with openings scheduled later this month in Hong Kong, Tokyo, Singapore, Bangkok and Petaling Jaya in Malaysia. Visit kpopdemonhunters.fan<\/a> for more information or follow @kpopdemonhuntersnetflix on Instagram<\/a>.<\/p>\n