Netflix’s “KPop Demon Hunters” Gains Popularity… Eight Seconds Collaborative Apparel, Fake Goods Seized, Halloween Costume Trend

The popularity of Netflix’s animated film “KPop Demon Hunters” is spreading beyond music charts into the merchandise market and popular culture as a whole. Samsung C&T’s casual brand Eight Seconds has released a second batch of collaborative products that replicate the outfits of the film’s main groups. Following the high demand that led to most items selling out during the first release, this second batch features a variety of items inspired by the fashion styles of HUNTR/X and Lion Boys. In addition to clothing such as long coats, short puffer jackets, leather/denim skirts, tartan knits, and plaid shirts, new items include T-shirts, knits, and pajamas designed with the tiger character “Theppy.” Accessories such as HUNTR/X logo cotton shoulder bags, Lion Boys beanie keychains, keychains and snack bags featuring Korean motifs, and abalone-designed sock boxes are also available. Eight Seconds plans to operate a pop-up store in Seongsu-dong, Seoul, from November 7th to 19th. The store will showcase the collaborative products in spaces recreating key locations from the film, such as concert venues and character rooms, while also holding fan events. Meanwhile, counterfeit goods distributed taking advantage of the film’s popularity have become an issue. The Seoul Customs Headquarters has referred distributor A, 26, who imported large quantities of low-quality fake dolls from China to sell online, to prosecutors for violations of customs laws and anti-unfair competition laws. A sold the dolls for 24,500 won, one-third of the original price of 66,000 won, and allegedly avoided the safety verification requirements required for products intended for children under 13. “KPop Demon Hunters” has also emerged as a trend for Halloween costumes. Since its release on Netflix in June, the film has accumulated 325 million views, making it one of the most popular titles on the platform to date. As a result, it is expected that many viewers will dress up as the film’s idol protagonists or as demon characters for this year’s Halloween. An American columnist mentioned the film’s cultural impact, stating that it prompted reflection on one’s own mental health and anxiety. Everland opened a “KPop Demon Hunters” themed zone in collaboration with Netflix on September 26th, and a model photo zone based on the film’s character Ruimya and the outfits of HUNTR/X members is attracting tourists.