KPop Demon Hunters: Merch Blitz Continues as Netflix Sensation Drops From US Top 10
Nearly a year after its explosive debut on Netflix, KPop Demon Hunters remains a global juggernaut—but for the first time since June 2025, it has fallen out of the streaming service’s US Top 10 chart. Despite that milestone, the franchise is showing no signs of slowing down. Mattel is releasing a new “For the Fans” collectible doll pack on May 18, and a second Seoul pop-up experience opens May 21, while new books and an adult coloring book are scheduled for later this year.
Mattel’s “For the Fans” Pack Arrives May 18
Mattel’s latest offering targets dedicated collectors. The KPop Demon Hunters “For the Fans” pack includes poseable dolls of all three members of Huntr/x—Rumi, Zoey, and Mira—as well as Saja Boys’ Jinu and Baby. Each doll wears outfits from iconic musical numbers: Huntr/x in their vibrant opening-performance costumes from “How It’s Done,” while Jinu and Baby sport their “Soda Pop” stage looks, complete with sunglasses and flower-bouquet accessories.
The set also includes figurines of the cuddly giant cat Derpy and his ominous companion Sussie, plus a potted plant accessory. Every doll comes with one accessory and one collector’s card. Crucially, Mattel has confirmed that the pack contains a secret unadvertised character doll, encouraging fans to buy multiple packs in hopes of completing their collections.
The “For the Fans” pack will be available at Target, Walmart, and Amazon starting Monday, May 18. It joins a growing wave of KPop Demon Hunters merchandise that already includes American Girl Dolls, Lego sets, a Monopoly tie-in, and a Happy Meal collaboration with McDonald’s.
Seoul Pop-Up Returns May 21–June 3
Bemyfriends, the operator behind the franchise’s official pop-up experiences, announced that a second Seoul pop-up will run from May 21 to June 3 at The Hyundai Seoul department store in Yeouido. The first pop-up, held last year in Seoul’s Seongsu district, drew more than 60,000 visitors.
This year’s edition occupies the Iconic Zone on the mall’s B2 level and features photo zones recreating scenes from the film. Organizers have designed the space to appeal to families and younger fans as well as core enthusiasts. New official merchandise will debut at the pop-up, including the first-ever release of Huntr/x character dolls, redesigned versions of last year’s bestsellers, and lifestyle items.
After Seoul, the pop-up will travel to Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Singapore. Visitors must book in advance through Naver; product details and scheduling are available on the film’s official Bstage fan community.
New Books and Content Announced for 2026
ComicBook.com reported that two major releases are confirmed for later this year. On September 8, The Art of KPop Demon Hunters: Platinum Edition will arrive, described by Netflix as an “authorized backstage tour.” It will feature more than 500 pieces of concept art, in-progress stills, and final designs, along with creator commentary.
On November 3, KPop Demon Hunters: The Official Screen Comic Boxed Set hits shelves. The set includes a 700-page graphic novel adapting the film’s events and incorporating lyrics from the award-winning soundtrack. It also comes with two foldout posters, a holographic-foil slipcase, two paperback volumes with French flaps, and foil-stamped covers.
Additionally, an adult coloring book titled KPop Demon Hunters: The Official Deluxe Coloring Book will be released on July 14, featuring 40 pages of scenes from the movie.
Why This Matters: Sustaining a Franchise Beyond the Peak
The flurry of merchandise and events comes at a critical moment for the franchise. According to Netflix’s tracking data, KPop Demon Hunters has finally exited the US Top 10 after an unprecedented 46-week run. For the week ending May 10, the film was displaced by newcomers such as Swapped, Remarkably Bright Creatures, and Apex.
Yet globally, the film remains a powerhouse. It is still in the No. 5 position on Netflix’s global English-language movie chart, extending its streak to 47 weeks. The film passed 200 million views within two months of its June 2025 premiere and has since crossed 600 million views, making it Netflix’s most-watched film of all time.
A sequel, KPop Demon Hunters 2, has been greenlit for a planned 2029 release, with original directors Maggie Kang and Chris Appelhans returning. Shorts, soundtracks, and clothing lines are also in the pipeline to keep fans engaged during the three-year wait.
Awards and Cultural Impact
Beyond streaming numbers, KPop Demon Hunters has accumulated significant prestige. It won Best Animated Feature and Best Original Song at the 98th Academy Awards. Four songs from its soundtrack, including the Grammy-winning “Golden,” landed in the Billboard Hot 100 top 10. The film’s singing actors—Ejae, Audrey Nuna, and Rei Ami—have performed on Saturday Night Live and The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon. Huntr/x also appeared as playable characters in Epic Games’ Fortnite.
Broader Implications: A Blueprint for Transmedia Franchises
The sustained merchandising push around KPop Demon Hunters reflects a deliberate strategy to extend the life of a streaming hit beyond its initial viewing window. With a sequel years away, cross-platform content—from toys and pop-ups to art books and coloring books—keeps the intellectual property top of mind.
Franchises like the Marvel Cinematic Universe and Star Wars have long relied on such tactics, but KPop Demon Hunters is notable for its speed and breadth. Within a year of release, it has penetrated toy aisles, fast-food chains, and the Criterion Collection, signaling a shift in how quickly studios now monetize animated hits.
The decision to include a secret character doll in Mattel’s “For the Fans” pack is a direct nod to collector psychology—and a bet that even after 46 weeks on the charts, fans are still hungry for surprises.
What to Watch Next
With the Seoul pop-up opening soon and the art book and comic set launching this fall, the immediate future for KPop Demon Hunters looks busy. Meanwhile, the fandom may find common ground with other animated sensations: for fans craving more action-packed animated content, check out our recommendation list of 7 Action-Packed Anime Series You’ll Love If You’re a KPop Demon Hunters Fan (link placeholder context).
As the franchise prepares for its sequel, the next few months will test whether a film can sustain cultural relevance after stepping off the weekly ranking podium. If the merchandising blitz is any indication, Huntr/x isn’t going anywhere.
Comments