A “KPop Demon Hunters” pop-up is held at a venue with hanok (conventional Korean structure)-inspired facade in Seongsu-dong neighborhood in Seoul, Thursday. Korea Instances picture by Kim Se-jeong
Netflix’s international sensation “KPop Demon Hunters” has leapt off the display screen and into actual life with the opening of its first official pop-up retailer in jap Seoul’s fashionable Seongsu-dong, inviting followers to step instantly into the movie’s universe. The pop-up affords a brand new manner for guests to expertise the magic by way of themed rooms, picture spots and unique merchandise.
Since its launch in June, the animated characteristic has turn into a worldwide phenomenon. Centered on a fictional Ok-pop lady group that fights in opposition to supernatural forces, the movie grew to become one in all Netflix’s most-watched movies and was nominated for Golden Globes earlier this week.
Its soundtrack additionally shot to the highest of the charts and the movie’s visible parts grew to become cultural developments. Instagram and TikTok have been flooded with tutorials on Rumi’s coiffure, whereas the lady group outfits grew to become a few of this 12 months’s most coveted Halloween costumes.
As followers search new methods to remain linked to the movie, Netflix opened its first “KPop Demon Hunters” pop-up expertise in Seoul final week, providing dozens of official merchandise objects and an immersive expertise.
A showroom with tiger-inspired merchandise / Korea Instances picture by Kim Se-jeong
The tour begins with a showroom wherein the quirky tiger character Derpy takes middle stage: blankets, cloth posters, baggage, keychains, magnets and T-shirts all characteristic the beloved creature, set in opposition to magical blue partitions that echo its onscreen aura.
Subsequent rooms highlight Ok-pop bands Huntrix and Saja Boys, with merchandise starting from jersey shirts and ornamental tape to stickers, postcards and even mild sticks — similar to you’ll discover at an actual Ok-pop live performance.
Life-size mannequins show the signature costumes of the lady group Huntrix. Korea Instances picture by Kim Se-jeong
Not all rooms deal with merchandise. One area recreates the airplane cabin the place Huntrix members snack and chat earlier than touchdown in Seoul for a live performance, full with Korean treats like gimbap (seaweed rice roll), tteokbokki (spicy rice cake), sundae (blood sausage) and instantaneous cup noodles. It’s so real looking that it looks like a behind-the-scenes shoot.
The pop-up concludes in a present store with merchadise displayed upstairs. Among the many widespread merchandise had been cloth posters, keyrings and Derpy tiger plushes.
A desk show recreates the Korean snacks loved by the Huntrix members within the airplane cabin within the movie “KPop Demon Hunters.” Korea Instances picture by Kim Se-jeong
Guests on Thursday morning various broadly in age and background. Many had been households with younger kids, stopping by to make their “KPop Demon Hunters” goals come true.
“I introduced my sons as a result of they cherished the film a lot,” mentioned a Seoul mom who recognized herself as Si-ho’s mother. “My 5-year-old has watched it greater than 20 occasions.”
One household from Singapore mentioned they discovered concerning the pop-up whereas visiting Everland, which just lately opened a “KPop Demon Hunters”–themed zone.
“Our children are massive followers,” mentioned the daddy, Jimmy.
Carla Nicholson, left, from the U.S. and her colleague Gonzalo Albornoz from Canada stand outdoors the pop-up retailer venue in Seoul, Thursday. She is holding a Saja Boys mild stick she bought from the pop-up retailer. Korea Instances picture by Kim Se-jeong
Among the many grownup guests was Carla Nicholson from the U.S., an English instructor residing in Seongsu-dong.
“I like Ok-pop music. My favourite group is ATEEZ,” she mentioned, including that she watched the movie earlier than arriving in Korea three weeks in the past as a part of her cultural preparation.
The Seoul pop-up runs by way of Dec. 28. Reservations are advisable for entry, however walk-ins are additionally welcome. The doorways are open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. on weekdays and from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. on weekends.
After Seoul, the pop-up excursions globally, with openings scheduled later this month in Hong Kong, Tokyo, Singapore, Bangkok and Petaling Jaya in Malaysia. Go to kpopdemonhunters.fan for extra info or comply with @kpopdemonhuntersnetflix on Instagram.
