Black Clover season 2 episode 6, titled The Sacred Valkyrie, is scheduled to air on Saturday, Nov 7, 2026. The upcoming episode will shift the spotlight towards Noelle Silva as the Magic Knights continue their fight against the Dark Triad and attempt to stop the Tree of Qliphoth ritual.

Noelle's Power Could Turn the Fight

Vanica Zogratis remains a major threat because of her blood magic and curse-warding magic, which she gains through her connection with Megicula. Her control over Lolopechka has also complicated the Magic Knights' efforts in the Heart Kingdom.

Charlotte Roselei and Rill Boismortier have struggled against Vanica's abilities. However, Noelle and Gaja's arrival could change the situation.

Noelle has spent several days training with Water Spirit Undine, previously Lolopechka's companion. Through their partnership, she gains access to Saint Stage, a form of spirit magic capable of purifying devils.

The confrontation also has personal stakes for Noelle. Megicula is responsible for the curse that killed her mother, Acier Silva. Defeating the devil would therefore represent a significant step in Noelle's development as a magic knight.

Black Clover Episode 6 Worldwide Streaming Schedule

Episode 6 will air at 11 pm JST on TV Tokyo and its affiliated networks. International release times are:

• Pacific Time: 8 am

• Central Time: 10 am

• Eastern Time: 11 am

• British Summer Time: 4 pm

• Central European Time: 4 pm

• India Standard Time: 8 pm

Crunchyroll is streaming the season internationally across most of its territories. In Japan, Lemino, Anime Times, U-NEXT, and Anime Hodai are scheduled to begin early streaming at 12 pm JST on Nov 8.

Magna's Victory Over Dante Steals the Spotlight

Episode 5, titled The Highest vs. The Lowest, delivered two major developments in the Spade Kingdom raid.

Magna Swing defeated Dante Zogratis using Secret Flame Magic: Soul Chain Death Match, a spell developed during six months of training with Zora Ideale. The technique connects their souls through magical chains and divides their combined mana equally.

Although Dante initially relies on his Body Magic to regenerate injuries, the battle eventually exhausts both fighters. Dante loses access to his Gravity Magic and regeneration, allowing Magna to land the finishing punch.

Elsewhere, Asta confronts the fused supreme devils Lilith and Nahamah. He enlarges his sword to cut through their enormous attack and pursues them despite his Devil Union's limited duration. Nacht eventually restrains the devils using Shadow Magic, giving Asta an opportunity to deliver the finishing slash before his transformation expires.

Episode 5 earned a 9.9/10 IMDb rating following Crunchyroll's recognition of the series as the October 2026 season's No. 1 anime by viewership.

MR.DIY has introduced a KPop Demon Hunters merchandise collection across participating stores in Malaysia. The lineup includes accessories, apparel, stationery, bags, and household products, with prices starting at RM4.90 (~$1.21 USD).

The campaign runs from Oct 15 to Dec 31, 2026, in West Malaysia and Nov 1 to Dec 31, 2026, in East Malaysia. The collection is available at selected MR.DIY and MR.TOY outlets, subject to stock availability.

KPop Demon Hunters x MR.DIY: Products and Prices

The collection covers several product categories, with promotional materials listing three starting price points: RM4.90 (~$1.21), RM9.90 (~$2.44), and RM10.90 (~$2.69).

The available products include:

• Bags and stationery: Backpacks, stationery book sets, tote bags, ring notebooks, sticky notes, folding rulers, pencil sharpeners, mechanical pencils, push erasers, pencil sets, novelty ball pens, lightstick-shaped pens, pull-out sticky notes, and big-zip pencil cases.

• Apparel: Adult socks, children's socks, and caps.

• Household products: Hand towels, bath towels, 650 ml and 1,000 ml water bottles, soft throws, lunch boxes, and cutlery sets.

• Accessories: Hair clip sets, jewelry sets, bracelets, necklace sets, charms, brooch sets, braided bracelets, earrings, hair brushes, combs, and handheld mirrors.

The promotional catalogue also specifies several product dimensions:

• Hand towels: 21 x 24 cm and 22 x 24 cm

• Bath towels: 70 x 140 cm

• Soft throw: 120 x 150 cm

• Backpacks: 27 x 11 x 35 cm and 32 x 19 x 47 cm

• Tote bag: 34 x 38 cm

• Water bottles: 650 ml and 1,000 ml

• Lunch boxes: 21.5 x 13.5 x 7.8 cm

How to Get a Free HUNTRIX Bag

The collaboration includes a gift-with-purchase promotion.

Customers spending at least RM30 (~$7.39) on KPop Demon Hunters merchandise in a single receipt qualify for a free HUNTRIX bag. The offer is available while stocks last and remains subject to terms and conditions. MR.DIY has not disclosed the number of bags allocated to participating stores.

MR.DIY notes that prices may vary between West and East Malaysia. The retailer also reserves the right to replace products with alternatives of similar value, depending on stock availability.

The collection's appeal will ultimately depend on whether fans see enough value in the products to make them more than short-term promotional purchases.

OpenAI will introduce a shared usage allowance for ChatGPT and Codex across its Plus, Pro, and Business subscriptions starting in December 2026. The change will bring both services under token-based tracking as the company integrates ChatGPT Work's agentic capabilities into its main ChatGPT experience.

How the Shared Usage Allowance Will Work

Advanced models and complex tasks will consume more tokens, while instant chat will remain exempt from the shared allowance.

Subscribers can monitor their remaining usage and reset times under Settings → Usage. Once they reach their limit, they can wait for a reset, upgrade their subscription, or purchase credits to continue using eligible features.

OpenAI expects most users will not need to wait for resets more frequently than they currently do. The company has not disclosed exact token allocations or a specific December rollout date.

Why OpenAI's Shared Usage Limits Are Drawing Criticism

The announcement has prompted criticism over the introduction of a shared usage meter.

Tech commentator and software development observer Mark Valorian (@markvalorian) criticized the change on X, arguing that it could undermine the unrestricted experience that made ChatGPT appealing. He described the platform as an "all-you-can-think buffet" for research, experimentation, and exploration, where users could explore ideas without constantly monitoring their consumption.

Valorian clarified that his concern was not primarily financial.

He pointed out that purchasing a separate $20 USD ChatGPT subscription while reserving his existing usage for Codex would still be affordable. Instead, he argued, that having to optimize requests, track usage, and schedule work around reset times could discourage spontaneous exploration.

He also suggested three possible reasons behind OpenAI's decision: encouraging additional usage, generating more revenue, or addressing users who take advantage of its existing allowances. However, OpenAI has not confirmed these as the reasons behind the policy change.

The change could affect how subscribers use advanced AI models, making them more cautious about experimenting with ideas as they monitor their remaining usage allowance.

KAYOU is adding to its KPop Demon Hunters trading card collection with the Classic Edition Series 2, featuring 111 card types across eight rarity tiers. The release introduces Titan Rare (TR) cards, new artwork formats, and a revised rarity distribution following the first Classic Edition.

The new collection increases the total number of card types by 10 compared with Series 1.

KAYOU announced the release through its official Instagram account on Oct 7, 2026,  describing the collection as "Classic style. Full power. Lock in the hunt!" The company also scheduled an early preview at New York Comic Con (NYCC), Booth #1143, from Oct 8 to 11, 2026.

What Rarities Does KAYOU's KPop Demon Hunters Series 2 Add?

The card collection features the following rarity categories:

• CR (Creative Rare): 6 cards

• ZR (Zenith Rare): 6 cards

• UR (Ultra Rare): 8 cards

• TR (Titan Rare): 20 cards

• QR (Cute-Rare): 19 cards

• SSR (Super Spark Rare): 13 cards

• SR (Super Rare): 15 cards

• R (Rare): 24 cards

The collection also features four design formats:

• Retro arcade-inspired pixel art.

• Holographic fashion designs.

• Double-sided tarot-style cards.

• Mini CD-inspired cards.

Series 2 Release Date, Pack Contents, and Specifications

KAYOU lists November 2026 as the release month, with the broader regional and retail rollout expected around Nov 13. Pre-orders were scheduled to open in early November following the NYCC 2026 showcase.

The product is listed as KPop Demon Hunters-Collectible Trading Cards-Classic Edition-002-NA, with model number KPDH-KP-JD-002-NA.

Its packaging configuration includes:

• 5 cards per pack.

• 20 packs per box.

• 24 boxes per carton.

• Package dimensions: 160 × 145 × 54 mm.

KAYOU lists two possible card combinations for individual packs, with a production ratio of 10:20 for each:

1. 2 Rare + 1 Super Rare + 1 Super Spark Rare + 1 Cute-Rare or Creative Rare.

2. 2 Rare + 1 Super Rare + 1 Super Spark Rare + 1 Titan Rare, Ultra Rare, or Zenith Rare.

These production ratios are based on a single pack.

How Series 2 Differs From the First Classic Edition

KAYOU released Classic Edition Series 1 in June 2026 with 101 card types across eight rarity categories:

• CR (Creative Rare): 8 cards

• ZR (Zenith Rare): 8 cards

• UR (Ultra Rare): 13 cards

• QR (Quaint Rare): 10 cards

• HR (Holo Rare): 12 cards

• SSR (Super Spark Rare): 8 cards

• SR (Super Rare): 18 cards

• R (Rare): 24 cards

Series 2 replaces Holo Rare with Titan Rare and changes the QR classification from Quaint Rare to Cute-Rare. It also revises the card distribution across the remaining categories.

Series 1 carries model number KPDH-KP-JD-001A-NA and has packaging dimensions of 160 × 145 × 53 mm. Its configuration matches the second edition, with five cards per pack, 20 packs per box, and 24 boxes per carton.

The first collection also features Zenith Rare cards inspired by Honmoon, the magical shield from the film. These cards use fluorescent ink to recreate their patterns.

Where to Buy KAYOU’s KPop Demon Hunters Trading Cards

KAYOU lists its official store and TikTok Shop alongside several retail and specialist outlets.

• Major retailers: Target, Best Buy, Walmart, GameStop, Barnes & Noble, and Amazon.

• Hobby stores: Newbury Comics, Monmouth, Izzi's Gym, Pure Blades, Jumpsuit Empire, and Tito Rick's Garage.

• Specialty online sellers: Crossing and Stones Trading Co.

Some retailers, including Target and Barnes & Noble, are listed for in-store purchases only.

Meanwhile, Amazon reduced the price of the Series 1 Classic Edition collection to $31.99 USD on Nov 4, down from $35.80. Pricing and availability are subject to change.

Series 2 adds variety to KAYOU's KPop Demon Hunters collection through new card designs and rarity tiers, giving existing collectors more reasons to expand their sets.

Riot Games has reportedly been developing another animated feature film with Fortiche Production, a French animation studio, since 2022. Codenamed Keanu, the project received preliminary approval from France’s National Centre for Cinema and the Moving Image (CNC) in February 2023 for an international production tax credit.

On Nov 4, 2026, Reddit user u/InterestingSafety612 shared the discovery on r/loreofleague.

What Does Fortiche’s Report Reveal About Keanu?

The financial statements do not reveal Keanu’s storyline, setting, characters, franchise connection, or release date.

The report also lists Furax as a separate Fortiche production, reportedly the internal codename for Penelope of Sparta, an upcoming original animated feature film. Unlike Keanu, which is being developed for Riot Games, Penelope of Sparta is Fortiche’s independent project.

Fortiche's report provides the following details about its 2023 production activities:

• Keanu: Received preliminary CNC approval in February 2023 and generated €377,346 (~$424K) in production tax credits.

• Furax: Recorded €199,144 (~$224K USD) in production expenses by Dec 31, 2023.

• Arcane Season 2: Produced under an executive production agreement signed with Riot on Dec 1, 2020. Its nine episodes were scheduled for delivery by the end of May 2024.

Riot announced an equity investment in Fortiche in March 2022, acquiring a significant non-controlling stake and expanding their production partnership.

Arcane Established Riot and Fortiche’s Animation Partnership

Fortiche first collaborated with Riot on Arcane, the animated television series based on the League of Legends universe. Netflix premiered its first season on Nov 6, 2021, with nine episodes released across three acts.

The series follows the stories of sisters Vi and Jinx against the contrasting cities of Piltover and Zaun. It also earned praise for its animation, storytelling, production quality, and soundtrack.

The collaboration continued with the second and final season, which premiered in November 2024. Its success established Fortiche as a significant creative partner for Riot's screen adaptations and provided the foundation for further projects.

Fortiche Production’s 2023 Revenue and Profit

The accounts reveal the shifting financial position of the studio: revenue increased by 14% in 2023, reaching approximately €27.17M (~$29.4M) from €23.83M (~$25.1M) in 2022.

However, net profit declined by roughly 36%, while operating losses widened.

Studio Fortiche Financial Breakdown:

• Operating loss: €7.93M (~$8.6M) in 2023, compared with €6.15M (~$6.5M) in 2022.

• Net profit: €1.17M (~$1.3M), down from €1.82M (~$1.9M).

• Employee expenses: €24.3M (~$26.3M) in salaries and social security contributions, representing 89.3% of total revenue.

• Exports: About €26.7M (~$28.9M), accounting for the vast majority of its business pipeline.

• Assets: €24.39M (~$26.4M).

• Shareholders' equity: €7.80M (~$8.4M).

• Liabilities: €16.59M (~$18.0M).

• Income tax benefits: around €9.07M (~$9.8M), helping Fortiche remain profitable overall despite its underlying operating losses.

If Fortiche brings the same creative ambition to Keanu, the film could further demonstrate the potential of animation as a medium for feature-length storytelling beyond established gaming franchises.

Disclaimer: Sources used have been machine- translated from French to English.

KAYOU is expanding its KPop Demon Hunters trading card collection with Energy Edition Series 2, featuring 142 card designs across 11 rarity tiers. The company announced that the collection will be available in stores from Nov 6, 2026, following an early-access release at New York Comic Con (NYCC) from Oct 8 to 11.

The new edition adds 12 designs, with the largest increases appearing in the Titan Rare and Brush Rare categories.

Listed on KAYOU's official website as KPop Demon Hunters-Collectible Trading Cards-Energy Edition-002-NA, the product carries model number KPDH-KP-NL-002A-NA. Each collector box contains 12 packs of eight cards, offering 96 cards in total. The packaging measures 110 x 83 x 185 mm.

What Changed in KAYOU's KPop Demon Hunters Series 2 Collection?

The new designs are distributed across the following categories:

• Scenario-E (SE): 6 cards

• Brush Rare (BP): 8 cards

• Creative Rare (CR): 9 cards

• Special Rare (SP): 6 cards

• Legacy Rare (LR): 6 cards

• Ultra Rare (UR): 8 cards

• Titan Rare (TR): 20 cards

• Cute-Rare (QR): 19 cards

• Holo Rare (HR): 24 cards

• Super Spark Rare (SSR): 16 cards

• Super Rare (SR): 20 cards

Titan Rare increases from eight designs in Series 1 to 20 in Series 2, while Brush Rare rises from three to eight. Scenario-E increases from four to six, Creative Rare from eight to nine, and Super Rare from 18 to 20.

Meanwhile, Ultra Rare drops from 13 to eight, and Cute-Rare decreases from 24 to 19. Special Rare, Holo Rare, Legacy Rare, and Super Spark Rare retain their previous counts.

What Are the KPop Demon Hunters Energy Edition Series 2 Pull Rates?

KAYOU has published two card distribution configurations:

Eight out of every 12 packs:

- 3 SR + 2 SSR + 1 HR/TR + 1 QR + 1 SSR/UR/SE

Four out of every 12 packs:

- 3 SR + 2 SSR + 1 HR/TR + 1 QR + 1 QR/LR/SP/CR/BP

According to KAYOU, the "production ratio is based on a single pack." These combinations describe individual pack distributions, not guaranteed contents for an entire box.

How Does Series 2 Compare With the First Energy Edition?

Released in June 2026, Series 1 featured 130 designs under the product name KPop Demon Hunters-Collectible Trading Cards-Energy Edition-001-NA, model number KPDH-KP-NL-001A-NA.

Its 11 categories featured the following themes:

• Scenario-E: Golden, featuring four cards.

• Brush Rare: Spotlight, featuring three cards.

• Creative Rare: World Tour, featuring eight cards.

• Special Picture: HUNTR/X exclusive, featuring six cards.

• Legacy Rare: Saja Boys exclusive, featuring six cards.

• Ultra Rare: Signature Card, featuring 13 cards.

• Titan Rare: Duet on Stage, featuring eight cards.

• Quaint Rare: Card as a Charm, featuring 24 cards.

• Holo Rare: Movie Moments, featuring 24 cards.

• Super Spark Rare: Concert Ticket, featuring 16 cards.

• Super Rare: Incoming Calls, featuring 18 cards.

Series 1 also used 12 packs of eight cards per box.

Where Can You Buy KAYOU’s KPop Demon Hunters Trading Cards?

KAYOU's official Where to Buy directory lists several purchasing options:

• Official stores: KAYOU Official Store and TikTok Shop.

• Major retailers: Walmart, Target (in-store only), Best Buy, GameStop, Barnes & Noble (in-store only), and Amazon.

• Hobby stores and card shops: Newbury Comics, Monmouth, Izzi's Gym, Pure Blades, Jumpsuit Empire, and Tito Rick's Garage.

• Specialty online sellers: Crossing and Stones Trading Co.

The Series 1 collector box was previously listed at $53.99 USD. KAYOU has not announced an official retail price for Energy Edition Series 2.

Retailer listings provide an indication of its expected pricing, with Gamers Guild AZ listing the Series 2 Blister Pack Box at $53.88, including 12 packs of eight cards each.

Meanwhile, BigBadToyStore has opened preorders for the Series 2 Booster Display at $48.99, reduced from its $53.99 list price. The retailer estimates a November 2026 arrival, although the date is not guaranteed. It also offers $6 flat-rate shipping within the U.S. for eligible orders.

The KPop Demon Hunters Series 2 expansion adds more designs without changing the box format, with increased Titan Rare and Brush Rare counts giving collectors more cards to chase.

Netflix and Penguin Random House have released KPop Demon Hunters: The Official Screen Comic Boxed Set, a 704-page adaptation of the animated film featuring HUNTR/X and the Saja Boys. Published by Inklore, a Random House Worlds imprint under Penguin Random House, on Nov 3, 2026, the collection is priced at $60 USD.

Nerdist revealed an exclusive preview of the collection on Nov 3, showcasing previously unseen comic pages featuring Mira, Rumi, Zoey, and the Saja Boys.

What Exclusive Scenes Does the KPop Demon Hunters Screen Comic Reveal?

The exclusive preview features several sequences from the comic, including interactions between HUNTR/X members and their encounters with the Saja Boys.

Pages 112-113: Rumi Interrupts Mira and Zoey's Break

The sequence begins with Mira and Zoey relaxing on a couch in bathrobes, with towels wrapped around their heads. They enjoy food and drinks before Rumi suddenly appears between them and asks, "Have a good break?" Mira and Zoey deny taking a break, insisting they have only just sat down.

They then notice Rumi's new costume and question why she is already wearing it.

Page 115: Rumi Reveals New Performance Costumes

Rumi informs Mira and Zoey that their new single has been announced and promotional activities are approaching.

She then presents two matching white performance outfits featuring gold embroidery and decorative shoulder fringes. Mira and Zoey protest, with one exclaiming, "RUMI, NOOOOO!" and another responding, "NO, NO, WAIT... BUT THE PAJAMAS!" The sequence ends with Bobby appearing after receiving a phone notification and announcing that he has something to tell the group.

Pages 116-117: Bobby Announces the Single's Success

The sequence begins with Rumi calling out to Bobby, followed by her announcement, "NO MORE RELAXY TIME...!" Bobby then appears holding his phone and shares the news that HUNTR/X's latest single “IS ON FIRE! EVERYONE'S LISTENING TO IT!" He follows this with, "SO LET'S GO...," encouraging the group to begin their promotional activities.

Mira, Zoey, and Rumi respond by cheering, while Bobby joins their excitement as they get ready for the promotion.

Pages 184-185: HUNTR/X Hides From Fans

The next sequence shows the members collecting tonics intended to restore Rumi's voice. Zoey celebrates their arrival, while Mira explains that they can return to their responsibilities, including meeting fans, once Rumi recovers.

However, the trio unexpectedly spots fans nearby. Worried about being recognized, they panic. Rumi eventually hides inside the tonic box as Mira tells everyone to "BE COOL. LOOK NORMAL."

Pages 187-188: Saja Boys Capture Zoey's Attention

The following pages show the Saja Boys making a coordinated entrance while HUNTR/X secretly watches from inside the box. Their dramatic group hair flip catches the girls' attention, particularly Zoey, who reacts with heart-shaped eyes.

Page 188 continues the encounter with a gym-themed sequence featuring one of the Saja Boys wearing a green floral shirt. He stretches and flexes his muscles until a button pops off, revealing his torso.

Zoey becomes increasingly starstruck, while Mira appears unimpressed and begins protesting the others' reactions.

What Collectibles Come With the KPop Demon Hunters Boxed Set?

The boxed set adapts the complete film into illustrated sequences. It also incorporates lyrics from the full soundtrack, including Hunter's Mantra and Jinu's Lament, allowing readers to follow the story alongside its musical references.

The collection includes:

• A holographic foil slipcase.

• A unified spine design depicting Rumi's dual identity.

• Two paperback volumes with French flaps.

• Two individually foil-stamped covers.

• Two foldout posters featuring HUNTR/X and the Saja Boys.

The comic adaptation is based on the screenplay by Danya Jimenez, Hannah McMechan, Maggie Kang, and Chris Appelhans. Kang and Appelhans also directed the original Netflix film.

Which Other KPop Demon Hunters Books are Available?

The screen comic joins two other official publishing products released in 2026:

• The Art of KPop Demon Hunters: Platinum Edition: Released Sep 8, 2026, featuring more than 500 pieces of concept artwork, in-progress animation stills, final designs, and commentary from the creators. Tracey Miller-Zarneke authored the book, developed with Nucleus Studios and the film's creative team.

• The KPop Demon Hunters Official Deluxe Coloring Book: Released July 14, 2026, containing 40 single-sided illustrations on thick, perforated paper. Its artwork features characters, costumes, and scenes from the film, including Rumi's yellow motorcycle jacket, Zoey's teal top, Mira's magenta pigtails, and the Saja Boys' performances.

The screen comic is available through Penguin Random House and other retailers, including Target, Barnes & Noble, Books-A-Million, Amazon, Bookshop.org, Hudson Booksellers, Powell's, and Walmart.

With the sequel targeting 2029, these releases keep the franchise active through books and collectibles.

BTS will bring two performances from its ARIRANG world tour to approximately 6.1K cinemas worldwide, allowing fans to watch the concerts beyond the stadium venues. Announced on Nov 2, the screenings will feature its Nov 21 show in Kaohsiung, Taiwan, and the Dec 29, 2026, performance in Jakarta, Indonesia.

According to BIGHIT MUSIC, the Kaohsiung concert will be screened in approximately 3.3K theaters across 80 countries and regions. The Jakarta performance will reach an additional 2.8K cinema locations worldwide.

The initiative is organized by BIGHIT MUSIC, HYBE, and Trafalgar Releasing.

BTS ARIRANG Live Viewing: Tickets and Broadcast Details

Promoted with the message "End the year with BTS in cinemas!" the screenings will be broadcast live or with a delay of one or two days, depending on regional time zones. Tickets go on sale Nov 5, 2026.

In South Korea, Lotte Cinema, CGV, and Megabox will offer the screenings, with ticket sales beginning at 10 am local time. International sales start at 10 pm Korea Standard Time (KST).

Fans can find participating cinemas, ticket information, and screening schedules at btsliveviewing.com.

Tour Schedule and Previous Cinema Screenings

BTS' Southeast Asian leg of the ARIRANG world tour will cover five cities:

• Kaohsiung, Taiwan: November 19, 21, and 22

• Bangkok, Thailand: December 3, 5, and 6

• Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia: December 12 and 13

• Singapore: December 17, 19, 20, and 22

• Jakarta, Indonesia: December 26, 27, and 29

The group has previously brought concert footage to cinemas through screenings in Busan, Buenos Aires, Tokyo, and São Paulo. Its latest South American leg comprised 14 shows across five cities, attracting a combined audience of 853K.

Consequently, BTS is turning cinema distribution into a commercial extension of its stadium tours.

BTS member Jimin’s father, Park Hyun-soo, is set to close his café in a year, disappointing fans. The café, named ZM-ILLENNIAL, recently announced the decision via its official Instagram account on October 31, 2026, thanking visitors from around the world for the love, encouragement, and memories they had shared with the establishment over the years.

"From today, the remaining time ZM-ILLENNIAL will be with you is 365 days," the café said in its official statement, leaving the fans with a final opportunity to visit one of the group's most recognizable fan destinations in Busan, South Korea. Although the announcement did not specify an exact final operating date, the establishment promised to maintain its commitment to customers until its last day. 

Why is BTS Jimin’s Father Closing His Busan Café?

Located at 135 Jinnam-ro in Busan's Nam-gu district, the café has been a popular stop for global BTS fans since opening in 2019 as MAGNATE. Its connection to Jimin and its industrial-style interiors, artworks, and displays of memorabilia associated with the singer progressively made it into a popular destination for those exploring his hometown.

Apart from its association with the BTS vocalist, the café became known for its welcoming atmosphere. Fans from different countries left letters, gifts, and artwork with Jimin's father, who is affectionately known as 'Papa Park' amongst them. He was reportedly a familiar presence at the café.

However, in August 2024, it rebranded from MAGNATE to ZM-ILLENNIAL amid a dispute over the use of its original name. That controversy resurfaced in June 2026, when the café issued a clarification about a neighboring store operating under the same name MAGNATE. ZM-ILLENNIAL then clarified that the two businesses were independent and had no affiliation with each other.

Content creator Noonasnoonchi was the first one to bring the dilemma to public attention via an Instagram post. She claimed that Park had been dealing with considerable stress over an issue involving the neighboring property owner. According to the creator, the adjacent business had started to sell coffee and adopt purple-themed aesthetics, which is commonly associated with BTS ARMY, thus potentially creating confusion among visitors. Yet, the café has not officially linked its closure decision to the reported dispute.

Simultaneously, a trademark issue has also brought contradicting versions of the café closing issue to light. In August 2026, South Korean publication Energy Economy reported that the neighbouring MAGNATE denied claims that it had unlawfully appropriated the trademark connected to Jimin’s father’s café. Its owner reportedly communicated that the brand had been registered in 2019 and that the café had originally been permitted to use the name under a rental agreement.

BTS ARMY Reacts to the Closure Announcement

The announcement has triggered a wave of emotions from BTS fans, many of whom associate the café with personal memories of visiting Busan and experiencing the warmth of Jimin's family.

Several fans expressed sadness over the news, while many others suggested that fellow ARMY members should visit the establishment during its final year. Some fans also shared hopes, praying that Park might eventually open another café at a different location.

Noonasnoonchi, who also addressed the announcement, said she had initially been surprised by Jimin’s father’s decision but expressed support for what she described as a choice made for his wellbeing.

For now, ZM-ILLENNIAL will welcome visitors for another 365 days. Its eventual closure plans may prompt fans to reconsider visiting Busan. The café’s closure, therefore, possibly happens to be a personal loss for those who had associated it with their Busan experience or hoped to visit it on some occasion in the future.

KPop Demon Hunters is adding two officially licensed advent calendars to its merchandise lineup for Christmas 2026. Developed by collectibles brand ‘Get Trend’ and merchandise company ‘Cinereplicas,’ the releases feature 24 days of film-inspired gifts, with prices starting at $37 USD.

The collections include fashion accessories, jewelry, stationery, toys, and character-themed collectibles.

Both calendars are available through online retailers, including Amazon. While Get Trend focuses on wearable merchandise, Cinereplicas offers a mix of stationery, puzzles, and everyday accessories.

KPop Demon Hunters Advent Calendars: Prices and Contents

The Get Trend edition costs $42.99 and comes in an approximately 8 x 8-inch box. Its 24 compartments contain:

• A compact mirror featuring HUNTR/X members Mira, Rumi, and Zoey.

• Film-inspired socks and keychains.

• Gold-colored rings and necklaces.

• Beaded bracelets and hair clips.

• A themed tote bag for storing the collectibles.

The Cinereplicas calendar is priced at $37 and includes a different selection:

• A miniature puzzle showing HUNTR/X enjoying their favorite cup noodles.

• A Derpy-inspired sleep mask.

• Socks and a cord friendship bracelet.

• A themed ruler, pencil sharpener, paper clips, tape, and stickers.

Both products offer one surprise for each day of the Christmas countdown and carry official Netflix licensing.

KPop Demon Hunters Trading Cards Get Price Drop on Amazon

The holiday merchandise releases coincide with a discount on the KPop Demon Hunters Energy Edition Series 1 trading cards. As of Nov 3, 2026, the collector box was listed at $43.95 on Amazon, down from $53.99.

Each box contains 12 packs of eight cards and covers 11 rarity levels. Notable collectibles include:

• Brush Parallel (BP) cards: Numbered from 1999 and featuring HUNTR/X in their black stage outfits before a concert.

• Special Edition (SE) cards: Inspired by Golden, with laser-etched finishes and individual serial numbering beginning at 1366.

Separately, the film also received a Criterion Collection Blu-ray release, listed on Amazon for $27.99, down 30% from $39.95.

Mattel has expanded its licensed KPop Demon Hunters collection with 25 products featuring characters from Netflix’s animated film. The catalogue includes standard and singing dolls, articulated figures, premium collectibles, and collaborations with Polly Pocket, UNO, Hot Wheels, and Little People Collector.

The merchandise follows Netflix’s announcement on Oct 21, 2025, naming Mattel and Hasbro as global co-master toy licensees for the film. The collection covers HUNTR/X members Mira, Rumi, and Zoey, the Saja Boys, and supporting characters.

Mattel x KPop Demon Hunters Dolls and Action Figures

The standard fashion doll range includes Mira, Rumi, Zoey, and Jinu, priced at $27 USD each.

The dolls measure between 11 and 11.75 inches, feature 11 points of articulation, and come with fabric outfits and character-specific accessories. Jinu includes his signature soda can, while Mira comes with her Gok-do.

Mattel also offers singing versions of Mira, Rumi, and Zoey for $33 each. These dolls wear metallic golden performance outfits and include pre-installed LR44 batteries that play audio clips from the film's soundtrack.

The six-inch articulated action figures launched on Sep 1, 2026, through Amazon, Target, and Walmart, with individual figures priced at $21.99. They feature 18 to 21 points of articulation, interchangeable face plates, additional hands, and character-specific accessories. GameStop listed some figures for pre-order with a Sep 7, 2026, release date.

The character range includes Rumi, Mira, Zoey, Abby, and Jinu, alongside Baby and Mystery figures.

The Rumi and Demon Jinu battle two-pack costs $44.99 and includes glowing light sticks, alternative hands, and battle-damaged detailing. Rumi's individual figure also comes with her Sain-geom, or Four Tiger Sword, a ramyeon cup, and a kimbap roll.

Mattel Creations Exclusive/Premium Collectibles

Three releases headline the collector range:

• HUNTR/X What It Sounds Like 3-Pack ($150): Features Mira, Rumi, and Zoey in their final performance outfits, with screen-accurate weapons, fabric clothing, premium hair, and decorated display packaging.

• Demon Jinu Collector Doll ($80): A premium 14-inch release featuring demon markings, boots, a gat, and a Certificate of Authenticity. Pre-orders opened in June 2026, with Mattel listing the shipping date as on or before June 4, 2027.

• How It's Done Ramyeon Figure 3-Pack ($50): Depicts the HUNTR/X members sharing ramyeon in plane-themed diorama packaging. The Mattel Creations exclusive originally debuted at San Diego Comic-Con, Booth 2945.

The catalogue also lists a $55 Deluxe Rumi Fashion Doll.

UNO, Polly Pocket, and Hot Wheels Collaborations

The licensing agreement extends into other Mattel product lines:

• UNO’s KPop Demon Hunters Deck ($7.50): Features character artwork and themed demon-slaying gameplay rules.

• Polly Pocket’s Saja Boys 5-Pack ($20): A compact set featuring a miniature character collection.

• Hot Wheels’ Porsche 911 GT3 R (992) ($30): A die-cast release inspired by Derpy the Tiger.

• Little People Collector’s HUNTR/X Set ($22): Features Mira, Rumi, and Zoey.

• Little People Collector’s Saja Boys Set ($33): Features members of the rival group, Saja Boys.

How Can Fans Identify Official Products?

The catalogue also includes individual $22 action figures of Mira, Rumi, Zoey, Mystery, Abby, and Baby, alongside the $150 HUNTR/X What It Sounds Like 3-Pack.

Selected fashion dolls initially required a Mattel Creations Backstage Pass membership during the first 24 hours of their release. Buyers should check for official Netflix licensing marks on the packaging.

The officially licensed products carry the 2026 Mattel and Netflix copyright notice.

The collection extends the film’s reach across toy categories without compromising on product detailing and design. However, premium pricing and limited availability could make some releases less accessible to fans.

The general ticket sale for Weverse Con Festival India 2027 opened on Friday morning (Oct 30, 2026) to overwhelming demand and immediate controversy. Thousands of K-pop fans were reportedly met with immense online queues and a sudden midday price surge for tickets, including the General Access category.

Around 01:00 PM in the early afternoon, the festival’s official ticketing partner BookMyShow updated its General Access (GA) pricing from ₹2,999-₹3,999 to ₹5,499. This marked almost a 37.5% price jump that further catalyzed growing frustration among fans who had already spent significant time in virtual waiting rooms.

What happened at the Weverse Con Festival India 2027 ticket sale?

Weverse Con Festival India is scheduled for March 27–28, 2027, at Yashobhoomi Convention Center in New Delhi. It will be the first time that HYBE’s flagship K-pop event will be held outside Seoul, South Korea. Notably, it is also India’s first “official” K-pop event, making it a landmark moment for the local K-pop community; nevertheless, it quickly turned into a debate. Many fans questioned ticketing transparency, inventory allocation, and sudden dynamic pricing practices.

According to snapshots captured by fans during the sale, which is now circulating on social media, more than 40,000 users were waiting in line by 12:15 PM IST. In just 15 minutes, three of the five primary pricing tiers—priced at ₹6,999, ₹9,999, and ₹17,999—were already marked to be completely sold out, leaving only limited stands and General Access passes available before the post-1:00 PM price adjustment.

Fan grievances reportedly began since the Mastercard pre-sale rounds took place during October 27 and 28, 2026. Buyers reported entering queues in early positions only to find premium VIP and Fan Pit categories to be exhausted almost immediately. Online discussions have since focused on high per-account purchase limits. 

Post this, HYBE INDIA capped the ticket booking limit from 10 to 6 per account, even though several fans reportedly noticed the limit to be dropping further to just 4 tickets in some instances. Additionally, reports of influencer allocations also emerged which fans argue to disadvantage them and other dedicated followers of the group or the K-pop industry as a whole.

Weverse Con Festival India 2027 tickets resales

As the general sale closes, and the ticket inventory is officially empty, significant secondary market activity is also surfacing online. Unofficial resale listings with high markups like ₹6,711, ₹9,890, ₹11,153, and ₹38,208 (43% off original ₹66,631), for General Admission (GA), VIP Seating, and Fan Pit categories, respectively.

Although BookMyShow warned buyers that all tickets are strictly non-transferable and non-refundable, and that passes acquired through third-party platforms risk invalidation at venue gates, many are attempting to sell the tickets in comments of HYBE INDIA’s official posts regarding the festival itself.

Weverse Con Festival is a yearly music festival organized by HYBE, the agency behind BTS, which brings together multiple K-pop artists, solo performers and musicians for a series of live performances and fan experiences. And for its inaugural India-edition they are bringing acts like ENHYPEN, TXT, LE SSERAFIM, HWASA, Eric Nam, Lara Raj of KATSEYE, Dayoung of WJSN, BUMZU Singer-songwriter and producer associated with SEVENTEEN amongst others. As India is set to accommodate itself in the K-pop ecosystem, it shows how the demand for the K-content is increasing with each passing moment.

Netflix has released official choreography videos for both How It’s Done and Golden from KPop Demon Hunters. It has also released an additional animated video featuring HUNTR/X members Mira, Rumi, and Zoey rehearsing the moves for How It’s Done. The releases expand the film’s music-related content while its confirmed sequel remains in development, with 2029 reported as a potential release year.

The videos give fans new performances to explore beyond the film’s original scenes.

The new animated How It’s Done video has attracted about 17M views on X and 2.8M on YouTube. A separate live-action choreography video for How It’s Done has received approximately 884K views, while the Golden’s choreography video has recorded around 488K views.

What Else is Netflix Doing to Keep Fans Engaged?

Netflix’s Tudum announced full choreography routines for five songs:

• How It’s Done (ft. Leejung Lee, Bambi, and Nara)

• Golden (ft. Nain, Sharon, and KINA)

• Takedown (TBD)

• Soda Pop (TBD)

• Your Idol (TBD)

The routines feature original choreographers Nain of Jam Republic, Leejung Lee of THEBLACKLABEL, and K-Tigers. Netflix also plans special episodes breaking down the dances’ signature poses and formations.

With collaborations, merchandise, immersive experiences, and now choreography videos, Netflix continues to keep the KPop Demon Hunters community engaged and the franchise relevant.

The BLEACH anime concludes its 22-year television run on Oct. 26, 2026, with Episode 50 of BLEACH: Thousand-Year Blood War – The Calamity. Yet, creator Tite Kubo’s recent comments and upcoming franchise events leave several questions about the series’ future unanswered.

BLEACH Finale Introduces a New Gotei 13 Captain

Titled “DEATH & STRAWBERRY,” the finale jumps 10 years beyond the battle against Yhwach. The Soul Society has rebuilt much of the Seireitei, and a new captain is set to join the Gotei 13.

However, the Technical Development Bureau detects an ominous spiritual pressure.

The episode concludes Ichigo Kurosaki’s confrontation with Yhwach, incorporating expanded material involving Uryu Ishida, Aizen, and other characters. Kubo also confirmed that anime-original scenes were based on ideas he had considered during the manga’s original serialization.

Kubo Discusses New Manga and the Hell Arc

During a recent fan-club Q&A, Kubo revealed that he has more stories he wants to illustrate but has no desire to return to a regular manga serialization schedule. He has not confirmed a continuation of the Hell Arc, introduced in a 2021 one-shot.

Kubo also discussed unrevealed character lore, Kazui’s potential mentor, and the possibility of revealing Kenpachi’s Bankai name at an upcoming exhibition. Fan theories linking the Hell Arc to the next art exhibition remain unconfirmed.

BLEACH FES and Art Exhibition Set for 2027

• BLEACH FES: Feb. 27 and 28, 2027, at Makuhari Messe in Chiba, featuring voice actors, live performances, and exclusive programming. Tickets cost ¥11,000 (~$70 USD), or ¥15,000 (~$96) with merchandise.

• Jump Festa 2027: A BLEACH stage is scheduled for Dec. 20, 2026.

• BLEACH EX. II: The original art exhibition returns in summer 2027 with new artwork.

The franchise is likewise marking the manga’s 25th anniversary through exhibitions and merchandise releases, including new character figures.

D'FESTA THE ORIGIN opens Oct. 23, 2026, at IFC Mall's L3 MPX Gallery in Yeouido, Seoul. The exhibition brings together 48 artists from nine K-pop acts, including BTS, Stray Kids, G-Dragon, TXT, aespa, IVE, ENHYPEN, RIIZE, and CORTIS, and runs through Nov. 30, 2026.

Through video, photography, fashion, and interactive installations, the showcase explores the artists' identities, early ambitions, and careers.

The Exhibition Details and Ticket Prices

Organized around the theme of “ORIGIN,” the project took two years to prepare, including approximately four months of filming across more than 30 sets. More than 1,000 photographers, set designers, cinematographers, and other staff contributed to its production.

The exhibition is open to visitors aged 36 months and older, with a listed runtime of 1 hour and 30 minutes and a one-minute intermission. General admission tickets cost ₩32,000 (~$24 USD).

The exhibition features several installations:

• THE NINEFOLD: Presents the nine acts through 18 stories.

• HUES OF BLACK: Displays eight-metre-wide and four-metre-tall black-and-white portraits of the artists wearing designs by fashion designer Juun.J.

• LETTERS: Presents handwritten letters and prerecorded video messages for fans.

• KANON NO. 48: Brings all 48 artists together in a large-scale collaborative artwork, with their movements captured across a shared structure and video display.

• THE SQUEEZE: Features drawings created by the artists.

• THE ENCOUNTER: Offers interactive audio experiences featuring the artists' voices and opportunities for commemorative photographs.

Visitors will receive an admission kit containing a sticker, armband, leaflet, and randomly selected photo ticket. A merchandise shop will also be available.

Organizers stated that the project aims to present K-pop's defining moments through art, describing KANON NO. 48 as a work that documents the genre on a large scale.

D'FESTA THE ORIGIN Plans Global Expansion

Following the Seoul exhibition, the project is scheduled to travel to Tokyo in January 2027 before reaching other major cities worldwide. The tour will extend the showcase beyond South Korea, offering international audiences access to its collaborative artwork and fan experiences.

Separately, BTS has become the first and only Asian artist to have six songs surpass one billion streams each on Spotify. The tracks are Dynamite, My Universe, Boy With Luv, Butter, Fake Love, and the newest addition to the list is Swim.

The Entertainer and Netflix will launch a dedicated KPop Demon Hunters retail experience at Birmingham’s Bullring shopping center on Oct. 26, 2026. The 1,331-square-foot shop-in-shop will combine interactive activities with collectibles, toys, and licensed homeware.

The first 200 customers will also receive free goodie bags.

KPop Demon Hunters Store: Location and Features

Located on the Bullring’s lower ground floor near Marks & Spencer, the activation will run for a minimum of six months. Its central feature is an interactive stage where fans can step into the spotlight, alongside photo opportunities and installations inspired by the animated film.

The dedicated retail area will feature The Entertainer’s merchandise range, including dolls, figures, toys, scooters, accessories, and a new homeware collection.

Products listed across the retailer’s wider range include:

• Dolls and figures: Mira, Rumi, and Zoey HUNTR/X dolls, singing dolls, character figures, and the Rumi and Jinu Final Battle Figure 2 Pack.

• Creative toys: Pen-making kits, slime sets, a bracelet maker, shimmer foil tattoos, a Kinetic Sand Ramyeon Playset, and a Derpy Tiger and Sussie Bird 3D puzzle.

• Homeware and outdoor products: Duvets, cushions, blankets, and themed children’s scooters.

• Plush toys: Derpy Tiger soft toys and Squishmallows.

• Dress-up and role-play: Character costumes, wigs, Rumi’s Sain-Geom electronic sword, and accessories featuring the characters’ weapons.

• Games and collectibles: Funko Pop! vinyl figures, Little People Collector figures, Monopoly, Dobble, puzzles, an advent calendar, and light sticks for HUNTR/X and the Saja Boys.

• More products are listed on the official website, with around 116 items available.

However, officials have not yet confirmed any exclusive products for the dedicated retail area experience.

The Entertainer Responds to Merchandise Demand

The retailer stated that licensed KPop Demon Hunters products have attracted significant demand, with some ranges selling out within days of reaching stores.

Craig Inglis, The Entertainer’s newly appointed group chief customer officer, called the partnership a “landmark” for the retailer. He said the company aims to make stores more than “somewhere to shop” by creating experiences for fans and families.

The engaging experience could help The Entertainer attract more fans by offering something beyond traditional merchandise shopping.

KPop Demon Hunters 2 will receive a theatrical release following the original film’s record-breaking success on Netflix. Netflix co-CEO, Ted Sarandos, confirmed the theatrical plans at Bloomberg Screen Time on Sept. 30, 2026.

The sequel is targeting 2029, although its release date and theatrical window remain unconfirmed.

An Oct. 20 report from The Hollywood Reporter credited former Netflix film chief, Dan Lin, with helping secure the arrangement before he left. Lin had advocated for theatrical releases as audiences increasingly sought cinema experiences, despite Sarandos’ long-standing preference for a streaming-first model.

How Did KPop Demon Hunters Change Netflix’s Strategy?

Released on Netflix on June 20, 2025, KPop Demon Hunters became the platform’s most-watched film. Produced by Sony Pictures Animation, the animated musical follows fictional K-pop group HUNTR/X, comprising Mira, Rumi, and Zoey, as they protect their fans from demons through music.

The film’s success extended beyond streaming:

• Its August 2025 sing-along screenings earned approximately $18 million USD over two days. October screenings generated an estimated $5 million to $6 million.

• Songs including Your Idol, Golden, and Soda Pop gained traction on the Billboard Hot 100. Performers Rei Ami, EJAE, and Audrey Nuna also appeared at live events, including the Oscars.

• Collaborations with McDonald’s, Fortnite, and LEGO expanded the franchise into consumer products and gaming.

• Netflix’s online shop recorded a 400% increase in new customers following the film’s release, according to Variety.

Netflix is also expanding theatrical distribution for other projects.

La Bola Negra, acquired at Cannes, earned $277,500 across four screens. Greta Gerwig’s Narnia: The Magician’s Nephew is scheduled for a 49-day exclusive theatrical run in February 2027, with Netflix handling North American distribution and Sony Pictures Entertainment managing international distribution.

What Else is Planned for KPop Demon Hunters?

Netflix and Sony confirmed the sequel in March 2026, after November 2025 reports outlined a 2029 target. Directors Maggie Kang and Chris Appelhans are returning.

Kang has indicated that future stories could explore unanswered questions and the characters’ backgrounds. She explained to Variety in July 2026, “there’s a lot of questions that are left unanswered.” Potential storylines include Mira and Zoey’s histories and further details about the world surrounding HUNTR/X’s mission to protect the Honmoon.

Other projects reported as possibilities include a live-action film, a stage play, a spinoff series, a short film, and another sequel that could complete a trilogy. Netflix has not officially announced these projects.

The franchise’s merchandise expansion also includes a LEGO and Netflix collaboration featuring a Derpy Tiger model made from nearly 37,000 bricks. Designed by LEGO Certified Professional Björn Ramant, the commissioned build was displayed at LEGO World 2026 in Utrecht, Netherlands, through Oct. 21. The official Derpy Tiger and Sussie Bird set contains 825 pieces, originally priced at $69.99, with Amazon listing it for $56.

The theatrical commitment allows Netflix to build on the franchise’s existing audience while testing whether its streaming successes can also sustain cinema demand.

Toca Boca World will launch its KPop Demon Hunters collaboration on Oct 27, 2026, bringing characters, music, and fashion inspired by Netflix’s animated film to the game. The partnership between Spin Master and Toca Boca will let players incorporate the film’s songs into their own stories and recreate looks inspired by its fictional K-pop groups.

The update will introduce four tracks: Golden, Soda Pop, How It’s Done, and Your Idol. Players can use them as soundtracks for their in-game stories only for a limited time.

Dress-up options inspired by HUNTR/X and the Saja Boys will also feature in the collaboration.

How Does the KPop Demon Hunters Update Work?

Marc De Vellis, president of digital games at Spin Master, noted that the Toca Boca World community was already drawing inspiration from the film for its stories. “This collaboration felt incredibly natural,” he said, adding that it would give players access to exclusive content and more ways to play, create, and express themselves.

The update also extends to Toca Boca Jr Kitchen, which will receive a separate KPop Demon Hunters update featuring a mukbang-themed culinary experience.

Toca Boca World functions as a creative toolkit and simulation game, allowing players to combine cartoon characters, objects, and locations to develop their own stories. Its key features include:

• Platforms: iOS, Android, Amazon mobile devices, and PC through Google Play.

• Access: Free to download, with in-app purchases for additional content.

• Gameplay: Single-player and designed for children.

• Advertising: The game is ad-free.

• Age rating: Everyone.

KPop Demon Hunters Cosplay Wigs and Official Costumes

Separately, QELVIA lists KPop Demon Hunters-inspired cosplay wigs for $6.99 USD, reduced from $12.37. The one-size products come in nine labeled options: Rumi, Zoey, Mira, Bebi, Romance, Jinu, Abby, Mystery, and Baby. The listing does not indicate that these wigs are officially licensed merchandise.

According to the product description, the wigs feature long twisted braids and a coiled hairstyle, with synthetic hair designed for repeated use. They are marketed for Halloween events. KPop Demon Hunters arrives in Toca Boca World with music, fashion, a cooking update, and Halloween cosplay wigs and costumes., themed photography, and stage performances.

For fans seeking officially licensed alternatives, Spirit Halloween has announced KPop Demon Hunters costumes featuring Mira, Rumi, and Zoey in adult and children’s sizes. Prices start at $59.99 for children’s costumes, while adult versions cost $69.99. The character wigs are sold separately, with Rumi’s iconic purple wig available in children’s and adult sizes for $26.99.

With its game collaboration, themed cooking experience, and growing range of cosplay options, KPop Demon Hunters is extending its presence beyond streaming into interactive entertainment and Halloween merchandise.

BTS will bring its BTS WORLD TOUR ‘ARIRANG’ IN JAPAN Tokyo Dome concerts to Japanese television and streaming on Nov 28, 2026. The announcement, made on Oct 16, 2026, offers fans another way to experience the group’s return as a complete seven-member act.

TBS Channel 1 will broadcast the April 17, 2026, performance for the first time. Meanwhile, Lemino will stream the April 18, 2026, Tokyo Dome concert, BTS WORLD TOUR ‘ARIRANG’ IN JAPAN (4.18), alongside its behind-the-scenes special on No 28, 2026, at 8:00 pm JST.

The concerts mark BTS’ first Japanese performances in approximately seven years and its first appearance at Tokyo Dome.

BTS’ ARIRANG Sets Spotify Record Among K-Pop Albums

The broadcast announcement comes as BTS reached another streaming milestone.

BigHit Music reported that the group surpassed 10B Spotify streams in a single year, becoming the first musical group to achieve the feat. Its streams more than doubled from 4.5B in 2025.

Released on March 20, 2026, ARIRANG has accumulated more than 5B Spotify streams, including over 110M on its first day.

Spotify identified it as the platform’s most-streamed K-pop album in history on its release day. Yonhap News Agency also reported that it was the most-streamed album among 2026 releases. BTS ranked 12th among Spotify’s most-streamed artists of all time in April 2026.

The group previously topped the Billboard Hot 100 with Dynamite and Butter after debuting in 2013.

HYBE’s Q3 Revenue Forecast Reflects Growing Concert Demand

HYBE shares surged 10% during intraday trading on Oct 16, 2026, before closing up 7.09%, while South Korea’s benchmark KOSPI index ended the session 2.05% higher. iM Securities forecast third-quarter (Q3) revenue of ₩1.5T (~$1.12B USD), up 106% year-over-year (YoY). The forecast also includes operating profit of ₩172.2B (~$129M) and concert revenue of ₩717B (~$537M).

Likewise, Kyobo Securities projected concert revenue of ₩724.4B (~$542M).

BTS performed 16 stadium shows in North America and eight in Europe during the quarter. Tours featuring KATSEYE, ENHYPEN, and CORTIS could push attendance close to 3M, potentially a quarterly record. Western markets accounted for more than 70% of attendance for the first time, while merchandise, concert, and licensing revenue were expected to reach records despite currency headwinds.

HYBE reported an 11.8% operating margin in Q2, with artist-direct revenue contributing 72% of sales and concerts accounting for 45%.

Equity Research Analyst at CGSI, Jiwoo Oh, pointed out that content, merchandise, and fan club businesses help offset concert costs and artist revenue sharing. After its July 28, 2026, results, HYBE lost as much as $1.96B in market value within 24 hours as margins missed expectations despite record revenue and operating profit.

HYBE Eyes 2027 Growth Through Artist Diversification

Industry analysts identified CORTIS, which reportedly sells around 600K albums monthly, and KATSEYE’s overseas expansion as important to reducing HYBE’s reliance on BTS. Additional BTS concerts in Japan and the Middle East, along with encore shows, could raise 2027 earnings forecasts.

Separately, some prominent industry insiders claimed that artists under HYBE, JYP, YG, and SM made no submissions for the 2027 Grammys’ Best Asian Pop Music Performance category. However, this claim has not been independently verified.

BTS’ growing streaming audience and HYBE’s expanding concert business highlight how the group’s comeback could sustain its influence while creating room for the agency’s newer acts to grow.

The KPop Demon Hunters x ohora collaboration brings HUNTR/X-inspired nail art to fans through five gel press-on designs. The collection also includes three character-themed magnetic nail care polishes and a two-way magnetic stick.

During ohora’s 2026 Halloween sale, the collection offers individual products starting at $6.99 USD, with discounts of up to 30% across selected items.

The limited-edition range includes individual purchases and bundled options, allowing fans to choose specific designs or combine products. Ohora introduces the collection with the tagline “AWAKEN YOUR POWER,” positioning the nail art as a way to “Unleash Your Inner Hunter.”

KPop Demon Hunters x ohora: What Designs Feature in the Collection?

The collection features five medium oval gel press-on designs, inspired by HUNTR/X, luminous effects, and traditional Korean artistry.

• Aurora Halo: Pastel marble inspired by an aurora, priced at $20.79, reduced from $25.99.

• Midnight Hunter: Dark-toned nail art inspired by a hunter moving through the night, priced at $23.39, down from $25.99.

• Golden Veil: Purple marble representing inner energy transforming into light, priced at $19.99, down from $24.99.

• Crystal Aura: Holographic marble inspired by HUNTR/X’s awakening power, priced at $20.79, down from $25.99.

• Silk Dancheong: Marble designs inspired by the colors and artistry of traditional Korean dancheong, priced at $19.99, down from $24.99.

Fans can also purchase the KPDH Gel Press-On Set for $93.99, down from $127.95.

The Enchanted Light Duo and Hunter Glow Duo cost $40.99 each, reduced from $50.98. Meanwhile, the Aurora Prism Trio is available for $59.99, down from $76.97.

Mira, Rumi, and Zoey Magnetic Nail Polishes

The character-inspired nail care range includes three magnetic shades, each discounted from $19.99 to $15.99.

• Mira Magnetic Pink: A pink shade inspired by Mira.

• Rumi Magnetic Purple: A shimmering purple shade inspired by Rumi.

• Zoey Magnetic Green: A metallic nude shade with a slight green shimmer, rather than a true green.

The Two-Way Magnetic Stick costs $6.99, down from $9.99. It manipulates metallic particles in the polish to create either a defined cat-eye stripe or a softer velvet-like finish. For the effect, hold the magnet 2 to 3 millimeters (mm) above wet polish for 30 to 60 seconds without touching the nail.

Follow the product’s curing instructions when using a gel formula.

KPop Demon Hunters Full Set: Price and Application

The KPDH Full Set costs $142.99, down from $197.91, with ohora listing a 27% discount. It includes all five press-on designs, all three magnetic polishes, and the magnetic stick. The collection can also be purchased through individual products or the smaller bundles listed above.

Ohora says its press-ons can last approximately 10 to 14 days, depending on application and wear. To apply them, trim the natural nails, remove oil and moisture with a prep pad, check the sizes, apply a thin layer of primer, and attach the press-ons.

For removal, ohora recommends its Green Tea 3-in-1 Nail Remover, followed by gently lifting the nails with a cuticle pusher or orange wood stick.

The collaboration offers fans options for everyday nail art and KPop Demon Hunters-inspired Halloween costumes. Its range of designs, magnetic finishes, and bundle sizes caters to different preferences and budgets.

KPop Demon Hunters is expanding into physical collectibles with two Kayou trading card boxes available exclusively to Costco members. Separately, Riot Games’ virtual League of Legends group K/DA has teased an announcement for Oct 20, 2026.

Although the releases are unrelated, both developments highlight how fictional music acts can extend beyond their original screen appearances through music, merchandise, and fan communities.

KPop Demon Hunters Kayou Trading Cards: Price and Box Contents

Kayou’s officially licensed Energy Edition Collector Boxes cost $53.99 USD each and come in HUNTR/X and Saja Boys editions. Each box contains 10 packs of eight cards, totalling 80 cards, plus a Derpy Tiger and Sussie Bird promotional card.

It also comes with a three-layer acrylic display frame themed around the selected group.

The wider collection contains 130 designs across 11 rarity levels. These range from golden and signature cards to holographic movie scenes, incoming-call cards, concert-ticket designs, and anime-style illustrations.

The complete rarity breakdown is:

• Ultra Rare (UR): 13 signature cards featuring HUNTR/X and Saja Boys members.

• Titan Rare (TR): Eight cards showing the members performing onstage.

• Quaint Rare (QR): 24 anime-style cards featuring the groups, demons, Sussie, Derpy, and other film references.

• Holo Rare (HR): 24 holographic cards depicting movie moments.

• Super Spark Rare (SSR): 16 concert-ticket cards featuring HUNTR/X outfits and the Saja Boys’ Soda Pop and demon looks.

• Super Rare (SR): 18 incoming-call cards featuring the groups and supporting characters.

• Scenario-E (SE): Four golden cards featuring HUNTR/X members individually and as a group.

• Brush Rare (BR): Three HUNTR/X spotlight cards.

• Parallel Creative Rare (CR): Eight cards featuring group members in international cities.

• Special Picture (SP): Six HUNTR/X-exclusive cards, two per member.

• Legacy Rare (LR): Six Saja Boys-exclusive cards, including individual and group designs.

The HUNTR/X and Saja Boys editions differ primarily in their acrylic display frames. Costco lists the products as member-exclusive, with a limit of two units per membership within 24 hours and one transaction during that period.

The recommended age is eight and above.

Standard UPS ground shipping is included in the listed price, while express shipping costs extra. Costco notes that warehouse availability and prices may vary, and online purchases remain subject to its return policy.

Original K/DA Vocalist Lineup and Comeback Uncertainty

Riot Games’ K/DA has also returned to public attention after its official X account posted a teaser on Oct 14, 2026, featuring Akali, Ahri, Evelynn, and Kai’Sa alongside the words “Start a Fire.” The post asked, “Do we have your attention?” The group has not released original music since its ALL OUT EP in 2020.

The announcement has prompted speculation about a new song, cosmetics, a music video, or another project.

An unreleased track titled WATCH ME, attributed to K/DA, appeared in the ASCAP repertory in August 2026. Its registration listed five songwriters: Nija Charles, Felicia “Feli” Ferraro, Ali Tamposi, Federico Vindver, and Sébastien Najand.

Riot has not confirmed whether that track is connected to the new teaser.

The group's official social accounts have also received updated profile and banner artwork, adding pink and magenta flames to promotional imagery from the ALL OUT era. Separate speculation has linked the group to a potential “Firestarter” skin concept in League of Legends: Wild Rift and a possible Fortnite appearance.

However, neither has been confirmed.

K/DA’s original vocal lineup featured Jaira Burns, Madison Beer, and Miyeon and Soyeon of i-dle. Rumors about changes to the lineup remain unverified. Beer has stated she would welcome a return, but that the decision was not hers alone, recalling that discussions about a possible comeback had taken place years earlier.

Why These Developments Matter to Virtual Pop Culture

The two announcements reflect different ways fictional music acts can maintain fan engagement. KPop Demon Hunters is expanding its characters into collectibles, while K/DA’s latest teaser has renewed interest in the group after years without new original music.

K/DA debuted in November 2018 with POP/STARS, which reached No. 1 on Billboard’s World Digital Song Sales chart, surpassed 100M YouTube views in about a month, and later received RIAA Gold certification. Its official video has since exceeded 668M views. Riot followed the debut with the ALL OUT EP on Nov 6, 2020, featuring MORE, THE BADDEST, VILLAIN, DRUM GO DUM, and I’LL SHOW YOU.

The project included collaborators such as TWICE, Bea Miller, Lexie Liu, and Wolftyla. The MORE video, which also featured Seraphine, has surpassed 247M views.

K/DA’s potential return also follows renewed activity from Riot’s other virtual music groups in 2026:

• True Damage returned with Know My Name, the official Worlds 2026 anthem. The group had not released a new song since GIANTS in 2019 and is scheduled to perform at the World Championship Grand Final opening ceremony.

• HEARTSTEEL returned with Live My Life and a new skin collection featuring Kayn, Ezreal, Aphelios, Yone, K'Sante, and Sett. Its previous release was PARANOIA in 2023.

• Pentakill featured in an orchestral version of the Worlds 2026 theme, released on Oct 12, 2026. Its latest album, Pentakill III: Lost Chapter, arrived in 2021, and Riot has not announced a new standalone album or single.

The 2026 World Championship is taking place across the United States (U.S.), with the Grand Final scheduled for Nov 14, 2026. K/DA originally debuted during the Worlds 2018 opening ceremony, but Riot has not confirmed a performance this year.

KPop Demon Hunters Enters the Conversation Around K/DA’s Teaser

Reactions on X have ranged from anticipation for new K/DA music to jokes about rival virtual groups.

@eobrenocas expressed excitement about hearing new music, while @CookieNevie shared a fan post hoping the teaser would match the group’s earlier work. Meanwhile, @joeljunior_smt joked that HUNTR/X would have to respect K/DA’s “27 years of career,” playing on the fictional rivalry between the groups.

Other comments speculated about new Akali cosmetics, criticized the cost of additional skins, and joked about potential crossovers. These are fan reactions, not confirmation of Riot’s plans.

Altogether, the developments illustrate how fictional pop acts can engage audiences through different formats without requiring a direct partnership between their respective franchises.

Japanese talent management company INTENTION Co., Ltd. will dissolve on March 31, 2027, following a decision linked to representative director Kenichi Suzumura’s adjustment disorder. The company announced the decision on Oct 13, 2026, explaining that his doctor had determined his condition would not improve as long as he remained involved in management.

Suzumura is also a voice actor known for portraying Obanai Iguro, the Serpent Hashira, in Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba.

The company reported that the medical assessment had forced it to make the difficult decision. It also apologized for the concern and inconvenience caused by the sudden announcement.

INTENTION to Support Affiliated Talents Before Dissolution

INTENTION will continue its management operations until the scheduled dissolution date. During this period, the company declared it would make every effort to support the future of its affiliated talents.

The announcement did not specify how their management arrangements would be handled after the company closes. However, the company asked the public to continue supporting each talent’s activities and future plans.

INTENTION’s focus now remains on supporting its affiliated talents as the agency prepares to close.

BTS’ first visit to Peru generated an estimated 200M Peruvian soles (S/) (~$58.4M USD) in economic activity, with 151.5K attendees across three sold-out concerts in Lima. The Oct 7, 9, and 10, 2026, performances at Estadio San Marcos formed part of the group’s ARIRANG world tour.

The concerts also drove increased demand for tourism and transportation.

Big Hit Music initially scheduled two shows but added a third date after strong demand. The resulting economic impact, widely described as “BTSNomics,” extends beyond ticket sales to businesses across the Peruvian capital.

BTS Concerts Drive Tourism and Transport Demand

Peru’s Ministry of Foreign Trade and Tourism projected that more than 50K people would visit Lima for the concerts, generating ₩25.1B, (~$18.7M), in tourism-related economic activity. Separately, the Lima Chamber of Commerce estimated broader activity of up to S/200M, including transportation, covering accommodation, food and beverages, tourism, and merchandise.

These figures are estimates, not confirmed final earnings.

Local transport demand also surged. Ride-hailing platform Cabify recorded requests to Estadio San Marcos at up to 15 times normal levels, rising to 48 times the usual level after a performance, according to the reported figures.

BTS Fans Celebrate Jimin’s Birthday as RM Addresses Privacy Concerns

Fans marked Jimin’s Oct 13 birthday with digital billboards, LED trucks, street banners, and a drone show. At the final concert, the audience sang “Happy Birthday” and chanted his name. Jimin thanked fans for their warm welcome and support, expressing how deeply he valued the affection they had shown him despite the distance.

RM also clarified that his request for fans not to gather outside the group’s hotel was not aimed at Peru or Latin America.

He cited drones over hotel rooms and lasers as intrusive behavior, adding that similar incidents had occurred in Europe and the United States (U.S.). He said he believed respectful fans far outnumbered those crossing boundaries.

BTS’ South American tour continues in Santiago, Chile, from Oct 14 to 17, 2026, followed by Buenos Aires, Argentina, and São Paulo, Brazil.

Netflix’s KPop Demon Hunters has expanded into consumer technology through a limited-edition collaboration with Target’s in-house accessories brand, Heyday. Launched in the United States (U.S.) on Oct 11, 2026, the collection features headphones, charging bundles, power banks, Bluetooth speakers, and character-themed lights.

The collection features designs inspired by HUNTR/X members Mira, Rumi, and Zoey, their rival group the Saja Boys, and characters including Derpy Tiger and Sussie. All products in the initial release are priced at $20 USD each. Fans can find the products on Target.com and at stores nationwide, subject to availability.

A second wave is also scheduled for November 2026.

What Products Are Included in the KPop Demon Hunters x Heyday Collection?

The first release spans five product categories, combining character designs with everyday technology.

• Headphones: Four editions, Mira, Rumi, Zoey, and Gold, feature wired connections, cushioned ear pads, built-in microphones, foldable construction, and inline controls. The wired 3.5 mm AUX connection lets the headphones connect to compatible phones, tablets, and laptops without requiring Bluetooth or wireless technology.

• Saja Boys soda can speaker: The Bluetooth speaker offers up to four hours of playback and Party Sync support for connecting compatible speakers.

• Light-up power banks: HUNTR/X and Saja Boys designs are available. The HUNTR/X version has a 5,000 mAh battery and a USB-C port supporting up to 20 watts.

• Ramen charging bundles: Inspired by HUNTR/X’s ramen meals, the accessories include a wall adapter delivering up to 20 watts and a six-foot USB-C cable. Mira, Rumi, and Zoey variants are listed.

• Pat Pat lights: HUNTR/X, Derpy, and Sussie variants add character-themed lighting. The lights feature tap controls and three brightness levels, while the HUNTR/X version offers up to six hours of operation per charge.

The Second-Wave Details and Golden’s Continued Music Success

The Nov 8, 2026, release will expand the collaboration into gaming and creator-focused accessories, although specific products and prices have not been announced.

The expansion adds to Netflix’s broader KPop Demon Hunters merchandise portfolio, which includes partnerships with Mattel, LEGO, Hasbro, Loungefly, and Jazwares. The company also announced a sequel in March 2026, with directors Maggie Kang and Chris Appelhans returning.

Separately, the film’s song Golden, performed by HUNTR/X, won Best Original Song at the 2026 World Soundtrack Awards on Oct 10, 2026, during Film Fest Gent in Belgium. The track was written by Kim Eun-jae, Joong Gyu Kwak, Mark Sonnenblick, Yu Han Lee, Hee Dong Nam, Jeong Hoon Seo, and Teddy Park. The song also topped the Billboard Hot 100 for eight weeks and earned a Golden Globe, a Grammy, and an Oscar.

Together, the merchandise expansion and the song’s continued recognition highlight the franchise’s reach across consumer products and music.

Masashi Kishimoto’s new Naruto manga, Shadow Rising, was announced during the “NARUTO: What’s Next?” special stage at New York Comic Con (NYCC) on Oct 10, 2026. The teaser featured illustrations of Naruto, Sasuke, Kakashi, and Sakura.

More details about the new manga are expected at Jump Festa 2027.

What Does the Naruto Shadow Rising Teaser Reveal?

The teaser showed the six previous Hokage overlooking the Hidden Leaf Village, followed by the Seventh Hokage monument under construction. Other illustrations featured Naruto holding a Hokage hat, Sasuke standing alone, Kakashi smiling, Sakura looking affectionately at a baby, and Naruto clashing with Sasuke.

These images have led to speculation that the manga takes place between The Last: Naruto the Movie and Naruto becoming the Seventh Hokage. The official announcement has not confirmed the timeline, publication date, plot, or chapter count.

PROJECT RASENGAN Expands Naruto Across Anime, Games, and More

The manga reveal formed part of PROJECT RASENGAN, which connects the franchise’s manga, anime, games, and card game.

The NYCC presentation also announced NARUTO x NINKŪ, a four-episode anime crossover supervised by Kishimoto and NINKŪ creator Koji Kiriyama. Noriyuki Abe will direct, with Tetsuya Nishio serving as character designer and chief animation director.

The story follows Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura on a mission assigned by Kakashi. Naruto becomes acting leader before Team 7 gets lost in another world and encounters Fūsuke, a boy with a frog-like face.

The franchise also confirmed a worldwide release for the Naruto Mobile battle-action game, with more information forthcoming. The Naruto Card Game launches worldwide in June 2027 with three starter decks and its first booster pack. In-store demo events begin in early 2027.

From NYCC to Jump Festa: What’s Ahead for Naruto

Jump Festa 2027 takes place at Makuhari Messe on Dec 19 and 20, from 9 am to 5 pm. Admission is free, but preregistration through the Jump NAVI app is required for visitors of elementary-school age and older.

The NYCC presentation is available on demand through the official Naruto/Boruto YouTube channel.

It included updates on the new Naruto TV anime limited series and a message from live-action film director, Destin Daniel Cretton, who stated the production was approaching Kishimoto’s characters and relationships “with a lot of care.” He also added that the team was working on the film and would share more information soon.

The announcements extend Naruto beyond its original manga, building on the franchise’s expansion through Boruto and anniversary anime projects. The new manga and upcoming games could help sustain interest across generations of fans.

Funko’s official U.S. KPop Demon Hunters catalog lists 58 products, spanning vinyl figures, Loungefly bags, Pop! Keychains, mystery collectibles, and apparel. The lineup includes products featuring HUNTR/X, the Saja Boys, Mira, Rumi, Zoey, Jinu, Derpy, and Sussie.

Prices range from $2.99 USD to $90.

The lineup includes web-exclusive and retail-exclusive products, figures with a chance of Chase variants, glow-in-the-dark designs, and items marked as coming soon. Several apparel and homeware products are also discounted, giving fans options beyond collectible figures.

KPop Demon Hunters Funko Pop! Figures and Collectibles

The standard Pop! collection includes Mira, Rumi, and Zoey in designs inspired by What It Sounds Like and How It’s Done. Other releases include Jinu, Romance, Bobby, Baby, Abby, and Mystery, with the latter characters drawing on the Saja Boys’ Soda Pop concept.

The listed figures and collectible sets include:

• Pop! Rumi (What It Sounds Like): $14.99, with a chance of a Chase variant

• Pop! Mira (What It Sounds Like): $14.99

• Pop! Zoey (What It Sounds Like): $14.99

• Pop! Romance (Soda Pop): $14.99, web exclusive

• Pop! Baby (Soda Pop): $14.99, web exclusive

• Pop! Abby (Soda Pop): $14.99, retail exclusive

• Pop! Mystery (Soda Pop): $14.99, retail exclusive

• Pop! Bobby: $14.99

• Pop! Rumi (How It’s Done): $14.99

• Pop! Mira (How It’s Done): $14.99

• Pop! Zoey (How It’s Done): $14.99

• Pop! Jinu (Soda Pop): $14.99, with a chance of a Chase variant

• Pop! Derpy with Sussie (Glow): $8.99, reduced from $14.99, with a glow-in-the-dark feature

• KPop Demon Hunters Series 1 Bundle: $62.95, reduced from $74.95

• Pop! Jumbo Derpy Tiger: $39.99, marked as new

• Pop! Jumbo Rumi: $39.99

• Pop! Mystery KPop Demon Hunters 6-Pack: $89.99, with a chance of a Chase variant

• Pop! Mystery KPop Demon Hunters: $14.99, with a chance of a Chase variant

• Pop! Zoey (HUNTR/X): $14.99, web exclusive

• Pop! HUNTR/X 4-Pack: $59.99, coming soon

KPop Demon Hunters Keychains and Bitty Pop! Collectibles

The smaller collectibles include character keychains and miniature figures, with several products marked as upcoming releases.

• Pop! Keychain Zoey: $4.99

• Pop! Keychain Derpy: $4.99

• Pop! Keychain Jinu: $4.99

• Pop! Keychain Mira: $4.99

• Pop! Keychain Rumi: $4.99

• Mystery Pop! Keychain KPop Demon Hunters: $4.99, retail exclusive

• Mystery Bitty Pop! KPop Demon Hunters: $2.99, coming soon

• Bitty Pop! Stages Mira (How It’s Done): $7.99, coming soon

• Bitty Pop! Stages Rumi (How It’s Done): $7.99, coming soon

• Bitty Pop! Stages Zoey (How It’s Done): $7.99, coming soon

Loungefly Bags and KPop Demon Hunters Accessories

The collection extends into bags and accessories featuring the film’s characters and groups.

• KPop Demon Hunters Derpy Glow Cosplay Crossbody Bag: $75, featuring a glow-themed design

• KPop Demon Hunters Exclusive Cosplay Mystery Mini Backpack Keychain Charm: $20, web exclusive

• KPop Demon Hunters Exclusive Saja Boys Mini Backpack: $90, web exclusive

• KPop Demon Hunters Exclusive Saja Boys All-Over Print Crossbody Bag with Photo Card Charm: $75, web exclusive

• KPop Demon Hunters Cosplay Mystery Mini Backpack Keychain Charm: $20

• KPop Demon Hunters HUNTR/X Mini Backpack with Photo Card Charm: $90

• KPop Demon Hunters HUNTR/X Card Holder: $26

• Funko Pop! by Loungefly KPop Demon Hunters Mystery Box Pin: $12

The store lists two multi-item promotions: three bag charms for $45 and three enamel pins for $27.

KPop Demon Hunters Apparel and Clothing Discounts

The apparel lineup features HUNTR/X and Saja Boys designs alongside products featuring Derpy and Sussie.

• KPop Demon Hunters Off Duty HUNTR/X Sweatshirt: $25.89, reduced from $36.99; marked as at risk of selling out

• KPop Demon Hunters Derpy Tiger Hoodie: $34.99, reduced from $49.99; marked as at risk of selling out

• KPop Demon Hunters HUNTR/X Hoodie: $34.99, reduced from $49.99; marked as at risk of selling out

• KPop Demon Hunters Saja Boys Lineup Tee: $19.59, reduced from $27.99

• KPop Demon Hunters Saja Boys Heartthrob Tee: $19.59, reduced from $27.99; marked as at risk of selling out

• KPop Demon Hunters Saja Boys Logo Tee: $18.89, reduced from $26.99; marked as at risk of selling out

• KPop Demon Hunters HUNTR/X Black Faded Tee: $25.89, reduced from $36.99

• KPop Demon Hunters HUNTR/X Heartthrob Tee: $19.59, reduced from $27.99

• KPop Demon Hunters HUNTR/X White Faded Tee: $25.89, reduced from $36.99

• KPop Demon Hunters Ramyeon Tee: $17.49, reduced from $24.99

• KPop Demon Hunters Derpy & Sussie Tee: $17.49, reduced from $24.99

• KPop Demon Hunters HUNTR/X Tee: $17.49, reduced from $24.99

• KPop Demon Hunters Saja Boys Tee: $17.49, reduced from $24.99

• KPop Demon Hunters HUNTR/X Logo Beanie: $17.49, reduced from $24.99

KPop Demon Hunters Homeware and Lifestyle Products

The homeware range includes blankets, beach towels, and a character-themed pillow.

• KPop Demon Hunters Derpy Tiger and Sussie Magpie Sherpa Blanket: $41.29, reduced from $58.99

• KPop Demon Hunters HUNTR/X Sherpa Blanket: $41.29, reduced from $58.99

• KPop Demon Hunters Movie Poster Beach Towel: $30.09, reduced from $42.99

• KPop Demon Hunters Derpy Tiger and Sussie Magpie Beach Towel: $30.09, reduced from $42.99

• KPop Demon Hunters Derpy Tiger Pillow: $22.39, reduced from $31.99

Prices, promotions, and availability may change.

The film’s sustained popularity is reflected in its soundtrack spending 63 weeks at No. 1 on Billboard’s Top Soundtracks chart across 67 weeks on the list, setting an all-time record. The soundtrack also topped the Billboard 200, while HUNTR/X’s Golden spent eight weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100.

Brands including Hasbro, Jazwares, Mattel, and Vans have also expanded the franchise’s merchandise range with dolls, toys, plushies, and footwear. These products extend KPop Demon Hunters beyond streaming into collectibles, fashion, and everyday merchandise.

KPop Demon Hunters and The Super Mario Galaxy Movie have secured 11 nominations combined at the 2026 Kids’ Choice Awards. Both compete for Favorite Animated Movie, with nominations also recognizing their characters, voice casts, and music.

The ceremony will take place Nov 14, 2026, at Television City in Los Angeles, with Alex Warren hosting.

Fan voting opened Oct 8 across 36 categories. The show will air live on CBS and Nickelodeon and stream on Paramount+. It marks the awards’ first broadcast on CBS and first ceremony in 17 months.

From KPop Demon Hunters to Taylor Swift, Here are the Major Nominees

KPop Demon Hunters received five nominations:

• Favorite Animated Movie: KPop Demon Hunters

• Favorite Female Animated Voice From a Movie: Arden Cho as Rumi

• Favorite Male Animated Voice From a Movie: Ahn Hyo-seop as Jinu

• Favorite On-Screen Duo/Trio: Ji-young Yoo, Arden Cho, and May Hong as Zoey, Rumi, and Mira

• Favorite Song From a Movie: Golden by Audrey Nuna, EJAE, and Rei Ami

The Favorite On-Screen Duo/Trio category is new for 2026. Golden also won the Academy Award for Best Original Song earlier in 2026.

The Super Mario Galaxy Movie earned six nominations, including Favorite Animated Movie, with Anya Taylor-Joy as Princess Peach and Brie Larson as Rosalina for Favorite Female Animated Voice From a Movie. Chris Pratt is nominated for voicing Mario, while Jack Black earns recognition for Bowser in both Favorite Male Animated Voice From a Movie and Favorite Villain.

Other favorite animated movie nominees include Minions & Monsters, PAW Patrol: The Dino Movie, Avatar Aang: The Last Airbender, The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants, Toy Story 5, and Zootopia 2.

Separately, Taylor Swift leads the 2026 Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Awards with six nominations, while Ariana Grande and Sabrina Carpenter each earn five.

From Fortnite to BTS, Major Franchises Earn Kids’ Choice Awards Nods

The nominations also feature several major entertainment franchises:

• Favorite Video Game: Among Us, Avatar Legends: The Fighting Game, Fortnite, Minecraft, Roblox, and Super Mario Bros. Wonder.

• Favorite Music Group or Duo: BLACKPINK, BTS, and more.

• Favorite Album: BTS - ARIRANG, The Life of a Showgirl - Taylor Swift, Man’s Best Friend - Sabrina Carpenter, and more.

• Favorite Song: BTS - SWIM, The Fate of Ophelia - Taylor Swift, Daisies - Justin Bieber, and more.

• Favorite Family TV Show: One Piece, Stranger Things, Wednesday, and more.

• Favorite TV Show Reality Competition: LEGO Masters, America’s Got Talent, American Idol, and more.

The awards span animation, gaming, K-pop, music, and television, bringing a range of entertainment franchises together on one ballot. Fan votes will decide the winners at the November 2026 ceremony.

Crunchyroll has brought its digital manga service to India with more than 250 localized English titles. The launch gives subscribers access to manga and anime through the same ecosystem.

The service is available through the new Ultimate Fan membership at INR 299 per month or INR 999 annually.

India’s Growing Digital Manga Audience Drives Crunchyroll’s Expansion

The rollout was announced by Crunchyroll President, Rahul Purini, during the closing session of the company’s inaugural Anime Future Forum in New York City. India is part of the service’s wider expansion across select English-speaking markets.

The initial library includes works from J-Novel Club, Square Enix, and Yen Press, including The Apothecary Diaries, Campfire Cooking in Another World with My Absurd Skill, My Dress-Up Darling, Bocchi the Rock!, Bungo Stray Dogs, Delicious in Dungeon, Lycoris Recoil, Sasaki and Miyano, and KonoSuba: God’s Blessing on This Wonderful World!.

VIZ Media action titles are also planned.

Crunchyroll’s data gives the India launch a specific market rationale:

• 81% of Indian anime fans surveyed read digital manga at least monthly.

• 56% read digital manga weekly.

• Across 11 markets, 69% of anime viewers read digital manga monthly or more.

• Crunchyroll users were 1.4 times more likely than non-users to read manga weekly.

What Else Does Crunchyroll Manga Offer?

The membership provides unlimited, ad-free reading on Android, iOS, and web, alongside offline reading, two-page spreads, personalized lists, and recommendations.

Likewise, users can move between manga and their anime adaptations, while the tier supports up to six devices. Link-U Group powers the service following Crunchyroll’s recent minor investment in the company.

The Chief Content Officer (CCO) of Crunchyroll, Asa Suehira, stated that Crunchyroll wants to bring manga “closer” to its existing anime experience.

Crunchyroll Manga debuted in the U.S. and Canada in October 2025. The service now offers more than 450 titles from publishers including VIZ Media, Square Enix, Kodansha, MobileBook.jp, Shueisha, AlphaPolis, COMPASS, Titan Manga, and Yen Press.

Overall, Crunchyroll’s India launch strengthens its anime-manga ecosystem while giving Indian fans easier access to both formats.

Sony is adding a dedicated Crunchyroll anime hub to the PlayStation 5 (PS5) home screen in spring 2027. The new section will bring anime discovery, anime-inspired games, and direct access to Crunchyroll into one destination.

The announcement was made by Sony Interactive Entertainment President and CEO, Hideaki Nishino, at the inaugural Crunchyroll Anime Future Forum, where Sony also unveiled Crunchyroll Storyworks.

What Does the Crunchyroll Hub Add to PS5?

The hub is intended to help PS users discover anime through games, characters, and worlds they already know, while providing access to the full Crunchyroll app.

Crunchyroll has been available on PS5 since the console launched in 2020, but the new feature will bring the service closer to the console’s core home-screen experience. Crunchyroll says anime and gaming have overlapping fan communities that the new experience will bring closer together on PS5.

Crunchyroll President, Rahul Purini, linked the move to the companies' wider partnership, including the upcoming Ghost of Tsushima: Legends anime series. “Today, we take that partnership with Sony Interactive Entertainment one step further with an anime hub on PlayStation,” Purini stated.

Sony Expands Crunchyroll Integration Across PS5

Sony completed its $1.175B USD acquisition of Crunchyroll through Funimation in 2021. The PS5 now has more than 95M cumulative hardware units shipped worldwide as of June 30, 2026.

The announcement follows Sony’s August 2026 launch of Live TV on PS5 in the U.S., offering more than 100 free ad-supported channels, including Crunchyroll anime content. Sony Pictures Television plans to expand the service to additional markets.

The 2027 hub therefore gives Sony another way to connect its gaming audience with its anime business, while making Crunchyroll more visible within the PS5 ecosystem.

HYBE is bringing its Weverse Con Festival format to India for the first time. Weverse Con Festival India is scheduled for March 27 and 28, 2027, in New Delhi.

The artist lineup and specific venue have not yet been announced.

The announcement, shared by Weverse on Oct 7, 2026, frames the event around moving K-pop fandom from online viewing to an in-person experience. Its promotional message asks Indian fans to “experience it Live,” with the event positioned as a two-day celebration of music, fandom, and community.

Weverse Con India Sets Up a Multi-Experience K-Pop Festival

BookMyShow currently lists the event as a Delhi NCR concert with the marking, “Venue To Be Announced.” The listing describes live performances, fan experiences, immersive spaces, and interactive activities, with K-pop, pop, and indie music among its listed categories.

The India edition extends a festival format built around performances and fan participation. The 2026 Weverse Con Festival in Seoul featured separate performance areas, online streaming, and a lineup including ENHYPEN, LE SSERAFIM, BOYNEXTDOOR, P1Harmony, TWS, and ZICO.

BTS’ ARIRANG Tour Runs Alongside Weverse Con India

The announcement arrives during BTS’ 2026-2027 ARIRANG World Tour, which began in Goyang on April 9, 2026. The announced schedule spans North America, South America, Europe, and Asia before continuing into Hong Kong, Australia, and the Philippines in 2027.

The tour’s surprise-song segment has also become a recurring feature. In Lima, the Oct 7, 2026, show added HOME and Outro: Wings to the surprise-song rotation, with two more performances scheduled for Oct 9 and 10.

HYBE has not announced BTS as part of Weverse Con Festival India.

For now, the New Delhi festival marks another step in HYBE’s India strategy and K-pop’s growing presence in the country. With the lineup yet to be revealed, it could also demonstrate the scale of India’s huge K-pop fanbase and its potential as a major market for live events.

KPop Demon Hunters is getting another physical soundtrack release for Record Store Day Black Friday 2026. Sony Pictures Animation announced the edition on Oct 6, with the release scheduled for Nov 27, 2026, as part of the annual independent record store event.

The studio described the record as a special edition “for the fans.” Marion Bordeyne is credited with the cover, while Helen Chen created the triple-gatefold artwork.

KPop Demon Hunters’ New Physical Soundtrack and Sequel Details

The KPop Demon Hunters soundtrack is listed as a Various Artists release through Island and will be issued on LP. The new pressing adds another physical format to a soundtrack that has continued to expand beyond the Netflix film.

The release arrives after the soundtrack and its fictional performers achieved several chart milestones:

• Golden spent eight weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100.

• Golden, How It’s Done, Your Idol, and Soda Pop simultaneously reached the Hot 100’s top 10.

• Golden became the first K-pop song to win a Grammy for Best Song Written for Visual Media.

• HUNTR/X singers EJAE, AUDREY NUNA, and REI AMI were collectively named Billboard Women of the Year in 2026, marking the first time the honor went to a group.

• Golden became the first K-pop track to win an Oscar for Best Original Song.

The film’s popularity also led Netflix and Sony Pictures Animation to confirm in March 2026 that a sequel is in development, with the follow-up currently targeting a reported 2029 release.

Dragon Ball Super: Beerus will begin streaming on Crunchyroll on Oct 11, 2026, with subtitles across Latin America, North America, and Europe. The release will also be available in Brazil, Southeast Asia, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, and India.

The Japanese broadcast likewise begins Oct 11.

Produced by Toei Animation, the series draws from Akira Toriyama's original story, character designs, and creative vision. Toei Animation describes the series as an enhanced version of the Dragon Ball Super storyline, featuring new and enhanced animation and visuals.

Goku Faces the God of Destruction After Frieza’s Defeat

The story takes place several years after the battle against Majin Buu, when Earth has regained a period of peace. Beerus, the God of Destruction, awakens from a long sleep, while even the Kai and Supreme Kai fear his ability to destroy planets.

After hearing about a Saiyan who defeated Frieza, Beerus seeks out Goku. His arrival puts Earth in danger and leads to a cosmic conflict between the God of Destruction, Goku, and his allies.

The Creative Team Behind Dragon Ball Super: Beerus

Toriyama is credited with the original work, story, and character design.

Matsuto Seya handles composition and direction arrangement, with Tadayoshi Yamamuro serving as animation character designer and general animation director. Likewise, Eiichi Nishimura is responsible for editing, Yōsuke Motoki for compositing direction, and Norihito Sumitomo for music. Masako Nozawa voices Son Goku, while Kōichi Yamadera plays Beerus.

A prominent Japanese utaite rocker, MEGATERA・ZERO, will perform the opening theme ONOGAMI, whereas VK Blanka, a renowned Japanese singer and composer, performs the ending theme Kan Peki No Peki.

The update gives a familiar storyline a refreshed presentation, using new visual work while keeping Toriyama’s original story and character designs at its core.

KPop Demon Hunters is crossing over with Magic: The Gathering through a new Secret Lair collection based on characters, relationships, and story moments from the Netflix film. Secret Lair x KPop Demon Hunters: How It’s Done will be available in October 2026, as part of the Secret Lair: Corn Maze Superdrop.

The collaboration does not introduce a separate KPop Demon Hunters card set. Instead, Wizards of the Coast has selected seven existing Magic: The Gathering cards and given them artwork and thematic treatments based on HUNTR/X, the Saja Boys, and the film's supernatural conflict.

The collection's title references HUNTR/X's song How It’s Done.

KPop Demon Hunters Magic Cards Recall Significant Film Moments

The KPop Demon Hunters Secret Lair uses existing Magic: The Gathering cards, each marked SLD EN and assigned a collector number from R 2826 to R 2832.

• Dawn’s Truce, R 2826: Rumi's final journey is represented through the card's artwork. The two-mana instant gives you and permanents you control hexproof until end of turn. Its Gift ability can also give those permanents indestructible.

• Unbreakable Formation, R 2827: The artwork represents Mira, Rumi, and Zoey's friendship and HUNTR/X. The two-mana instant gives your creatures indestructible until end of turn. If cast during your main phase, they also receive +1/+1 counters and vigilance.

• Freed from the Real, R 2828: Rumi and Jinu appear together in the moonlight. The two-mana Aura can tap or untap its enchanted creature by paying blue mana. It includes Rumi's quote: “That’s the funny thing about hope. Nobody else gets to decide if you feel it. That choice belongs to you.”

• Swan Song, R 2829: Sussie, the three-eyed bird wearing a traditional Korean hat, is featured on the blue instant. It counters an enchantment, instant, or sorcery, and gives its controller a 2/2 blue Bird token with flying. The card also uses Sussie's “SKWAAAAAAAAAAK!”

• Demonic Counsel, R 2830: The artwork references Jinu trying to convince Rumi to accept her demon side. The one-mana sorcery searches for a Demon card and puts it into your hand. With Delirium, it can instead search for any card. It features Gwi-Ma's line: “Don’t think you can escape . . . what you are.”

• Tempt with Immortality, R 2831: Jinu's pact with Gwi-Ma and his service to the demon king inform the artwork. The four-mana sorcery returns a creature from a graveyard to the battlefield and lets opponents make the same choice, potentially returning additional creatures.

• Underworld Breach, R 2832: Rumi's demonic awakening and the weakened Honmoon following the Saja Boys' manipulation are represented here. The one-mana enchantment gives nonland cards in graveyards escape, with the escape cost requiring three other cards to be exiled. It is sacrificed at the beginning of the end step.

The cards feature artwork by Scott Watanabe and Helen Chen, with the supplied listings also carrying Netflix copyright/trademark and © 2026 Wizards attribution where specified.

KPop Demon Hunters’ Secret Lair Release Date and Price

The collection arrives through the Secret Lair: Corn Maze Superdrop on Oct 12, 2026. It will be sold through the official Secret Lair website. In Malaysia, sales begin at 12 am on Oct 13, with the collection forming part of the wider Secret Lair Superdrop.

The individual KPop Demon Hunters release contains one copy of each of its seven cards. Buyers can choose between two versions:

• Non-foil: $29.99 USD

• Foil: $39.99

Secret Lair Corn Maze Superdrop Includes Labyrinth and Marvel Zombies

KPop Demon Hunters is one part of the larger October 2026 Secret Lair offering. The Corn Maze Superdrop also features collections based on Marvel Zombies and Jim Henson’s Labyrinth, along with artist-focused releases.

The A-Maize-Ing Everything Bundle costs $539.99. It includes foil and non-foil versions of three Labyrinth collections, the KPop Demon Hunters collection, Artist Series: Veronique Meignaud, Marvel Zombies, Manufactured Grounds by See Machine, and Peace, Love, & Treefolk.

Two other bundles divide the same eight collections by finish. The Full Moon Foil Bundle costs $319.92 and contains their foil editions, while the Pumpkin Spiced Non-Foil Bundle costs $239.92 and contains the non-foil versions.

Meanwhile, the Secret Lair release should not be confused with a dedicated Magic: The Gathering Universes Beyond expansion. Wizards has confirmed this collaboration, but there is currently no official full KPop Demon Hunters Universes Beyond set in the supplied information.

KPop Demon Hunters Friendship Bracelet Kit Includes 400-Plus Pieces

The franchise is also receiving a physical merchandise release outside the Magic collaboration.

The KPop Demon Hunters Friendship Bracelet Kit 3-Pack is produced by Horizon Group USA and is themed around Mira, Rumi, and Zoey. The three kits collectively contain more than 400 beads, charms, and other components, with enough material to create 40-plus stackable bracelets and accessories. A storage case includes a built-in beading tray, making the set suitable for carrying between locations.

The components can also be combined rather than being restricted to the suggested character designs.

The complete contents are:

• Six heart beads

• Four-star beads

• Character charms

• Elastic cording

• Satin cording

• 240 E-beads

• 100 metallic beads

• 80 round faceted beads

• 42 alphabet beads

• Project guide

The alphabet pieces allow users to create names or messages, while the project guide provides suggested designs. The kit is recommended for ages six and above, with the activity focused on bracelet making, dexterity, creativity, fine motor skills, and self-expression.

The Bracelet Kit Price and Amazon India Details

The bracelet set has a listed retail price of $24.99, with regional pricing varying between retailers. The supplied Amazon India listing showed a price of INR 4,708.10, including taxes.

The listing identifies the unit count as three and the characters as Zoey, Rumi, and Mira. It gives the package dimensions as 10.2 x 9.9 x 18.5 centimeters and lists paper as the material.

For a franchise built around music, identity, and fandom, these releases show that KPop Demon Hunters has enough cultural reach to work across different parts of the entertainment and collectibles market.

The upcoming Naruto live-action movie is reportedly taking a different approach to the manga’s lore while keeping its opening storyline largely intact. According to industry insider Daniel Richtman, the film will adapt the first arc, with Naruto: Mission to the Land of Waves being considered as a possible title.

Lionsgate has not confirmed the reported details.

Destin Daniel Cretton, known for directing Marvel’s Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, is writing and directing the film. Casting for the younger Team 7 began in July 2026 with Masashi Kishimoto’s endorsement.

Charles Melton, known for Riverdale and May December, is reportedly attached to play Kakashi Hatake, with filming expected in the first half of 2027.

Richtman’s report follows his recent claim that Sony is developing a Kaiju No. 8 adaptation. He has also previously reported details about a new Star Wars movie and Exorcist: Martyrs.

How is Naruto Live-Action Reworking Team 7?

Richtman reports that Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura will be 12 to 13 years old, matching their ages in the manga. The adaptation is described as quite faithful, although several character and lore changes are reportedly planned.

The reported changes include:

• Naruto is described as a ninja history nerd and will not have romantic feelings for Sakura, while Sasuke reportedly does.

• The film will reportedly establish that becoming a Jinchuriki is tied to a person’s bloodline, limiting who can have a Tailed Beast sealed inside them.

• Sakura reportedly comes from a wealthy family. Her father dies during Kurama’s attack, while her mother is described as a wealthy snob.

• Sakura will reportedly have her abilities unlocked from the beginning and receive a more prominent role.

Richtman also claims the film is being planned as the beginning of a larger movie series if successful. The original Naruto story could span three films, followed by four to five films covering Naruto Shippuden, potentially resulting in seven to eight movies.

The reported expansion of Sakura’s family background also connects with comments Masashi Kishimoto made during a Konoha Experience event in Paris, France, in August 2024. He said he regretted not exploring Sakura’s family earlier, noting that her parents were the only major character parents he had not drawn.

Kishimoto has further praised Cretton as the “perfect director” for Naruto, citing his strength in creating character-driven drama and saying their meeting convinced him they could work well together.

Could Naruto’s Lore Changes Alienate Longtime Fans?

The largest reported change involves Jinchuriki.

The movie will allegedly establish that only people from a specific bloodline can contain a Tailed Beast. Naruto inherits this ability from his mother, who is dying after Kurama’s attack, leaving him as the only person capable of containing the Nine-Tails.

For Naruto fans, the reported changes could be concerning if they significantly alter the story’s established lore and the emotional connections built around Naruto’s origins. As one of the “Big Three” alongside One Piece and Bleach, the franchise has a long-standing connection with its original story, making any major rewrite likely to face scrutiny.

Netflix’s One Piece also made changes to its source material while introducing the franchise to a wider audience. If Cretton’s adaptation can balance its changes with the core elements that define Naruto, the live-action film could still bring new viewers to the anime and manga rather than hurt the franchise.

Mattel has expanded its KPop Demon Hunters merchandise lineup with the Polly Pocket x KPop Demon Hunters Saja Boys 5-Pack. The set brings Baby, Mystery, Jinu, Abby, and Romance into the miniature collectible format. The set is priced at $20 USD and is listed under product number JTM73.

The collection recreates the Saja Boys in their iconic Soda Pop performance outfits.

Each micro doll comes with a themed soda can capsule that can hold the figure, while a separate keychain clip lets fans attach the capsule to a bag or another belonging. The clips are styled around the outline of the Saja Boys logo.

What is Included in the Polly Pocket Saja Boys 5-Pack?

The set contains:

• Mystery micro doll

• Jinu micro doll

• Baby micro doll

• Abby micro doll

• Romance micro doll

• Five Soda Pop-inspired soda can capsules

• Blister-style packaging

• Five keychain clips

The packaging displays the five figures and their capsules together.

Mattel recommends the product for children aged four years and above. The company also states that the dolls, accessories, fashions, colors, textures, decorations, and packaging shown in its product images are design prototypes, meaning final production details can vary.

Product availability and purchase limits are also subject to change.

Where Can Fans Buy the Polly Pocket Saja Boys Set?

Mattel Creations previously listed the collection as a pre-order scheduled to ship on or before Sep 25, 2026. The product is available through Mattel’s official site, Amazon, Target, and other retailers, with pricing and availability varying by market.

The information identifies Mattel, Hasbro, and Jazwares among the companies expanding the franchise through dolls, collectibles, action figures, accessories, and other products.

When Will the KPop Demon Hunters Global Live Tour Begin?

The franchise is also moving from merchandise to a live format.

Netflix and AEG Presents are developing an official global KPop Demon Hunters concert tour. The production will bring the film’s characters, music, and supernatural K-pop spectacle to audiences on a live touring stage.

The companies have not announced the cities, venues, dates, or ticket on-sale details. Fans can join the waitlist at kpopdemonhunterslive.com, where the official site says subscribers will be among the first to know when World Tour dates are announced.

How Sony Pictures Imageworks Created KPop Demon Hunters

KPop Demon Hunters was produced in partnership with Sony Pictures Animation, with Sony Pictures Imageworks contributing to its visual and technical production.

Adobe’s production feature details how the team used Substance 3D and After Effects to develop the film’s costumes, environments, characters, and concert sequences. The visual direction drew from Korean pop culture, K-dramas, makeup, high fashion, and contemporary Korean aesthetics.

Motion Graphics Artist Nori Kaneko stated that the directors wanted the film to “look and feel like a K-drama.”

The team used soft colors and a whimsical approach to support that direction. Texture Lead Jody Tidsbury explained that Korean culture and aesthetics were incorporated across the characters, including their makeup, fashion, costumes, and everyday appearances.

The production relied on Substance 3D Painter, Designer, and Sampler for texturing. Painter was used for crowd-character clothing, props, and buildings in Seoul, while the designers helped create tileable environmental patterns. The Sampler supported embroidery and material detailing across hanbok and stage costumes.

The crowd system required more than 1K unique character variations across seven character shapes and sizes.

Each included approximately 30 clothing pieces and accessories, with multiple texture variations across those assets. One of the production’s most-used crowd T-shirts was created in 35 different colors and textures.

For specific costume details, Sampler was used to create embroidery on Rumi’s yellow leather jacket and HUNTR/X performance outfits. Designer was used on Bobby’s black satin and gold-sequined jacket, including the texture and material maps needed to produce its final appearance.

‘Soda Pop’ was Built as a Full Concert Sequence

The Saja Boys’ Soda Pop identity was also part of the film’s larger concert production. After Effects was used to prototype, refine, and synchronize motion graphics for performances including Soda Pop, Your Idol, and Takedown.

Kaneko said the team studied real K-pop performances while developing the sequences.

The graphics had to follow a separate concert timeline synchronized with each performance, requiring repeated revisions as the sequences changed. After Effects allowed the motion graphics team to iterate while maintaining a relatively small production group.

The scale of the film’s eventual reception also surprised its creators. Likewise, Kaneko noted that he expected the project to perform well but not reach the level it ultimately achieved. Tidsbury described the success as unexpected and said watching the audience response spread across social media was a unique experience.

Tidsbury served as the film’s texture lead, overseeing a team of 11 artists, while Kaneko worked at Sony Pictures Imageworks across matte painting and motion graphics.

The broader rollout positions KPop Demon Hunters to generate revenue across merchandise, collectibles, retail, and potential live entertainment rather than relying on the film alone.

Netflix is taking a different route with KPop Demon Hunters 2, with co-CEO of Netflix, Ted Sarandos, confirming plans for a broad global theatrical release for the sequel. The decision follows the unusual trajectory of the original KPop Demon Hunters, which launched directly on Netflix but later demonstrated significant demand for a cinema experience.

Sarandos revealed the theatrical plan at Bloomberg’s Screentime in Los Angeles. He was discussing how Netflix is changing its approach to movie distribution.

Meanwhile, according to Rotten Tomatoes data, KPop Demon Hunters holds a 91% Tomatometer score from 104 reviews and a 99% Popcornmeter score from more than 500 verified ratings.

From Streaming Hit to Netflix’s Next Major Theatrical Release

Netflix is separating its theatrical strategy according to the type of movie and its audience. Sarandos described KPop Demon Hunters as the kind of family film that can benefit from a large theatrical presence because of its potential for repeat viewing.

“When the KPop Demon Hunters sequel comes, you can expect a very broad theatrical release,” Sarandos stated.

The strategy puts the sequel alongside Netflix’s other major family releases. Narnia: The Magician’s Nephew will receive a 50-day theatrical window, while Charlie vs. the Chocolate Factory is planned for 47 days. La Bola Negra will have 46 days in theaters.

The original film became a major streaming success after its Netflix debut.

It recorded 325.1M views during its first 90 days and spent 63 consecutive weeks in Netflix’s Global Top 10. The film's theatrical potential became clearer when the sing-along version played in cinemas on Aug 23 and 24, 2025. The event generated an estimated $19M USD over two days and reached No. 1 at the U.S. box office.

Every major theatrical circuit participated except AMC. The chain had previously boycotted Netflix because of its reluctance to commit to a 45-day theatrical window.

The event was also the widest theatrical release by theater count for a Netflix film and became the first Netflix movie to top the U.S. box office. A second sing-along event followed from Oct 31 to Nov 2, 2025.

Netflix Will Start Reporting Box Office Results

The theatrical expansion also changes how Netflix presents the performance of its films. The company plans to report box-office results for these releases, unlike the original KPop Demon Hunters sing-along run, whose reported $18M to $20M performance was based on estimates.

Sarandos pointed out that Netflix will not necessarily judge these movies by whether theatrical revenue materially changes their overall financial performance. Instead, the company wants films to have the potential for significant upside while limiting the risk to their streaming performance.

He also pointed to a distinction between theatrical and streaming audiences. According to Sarandos, audiences who are most passionate about a movie often see it in theaters first, leaving Netflix with viewers who had intended to watch it later.

That is different for family movies, where repeat viewing can create additional demand on the platform.

KPop Demon Hunters 2 Release Date and Creative Team

Netflix confirmed the sequel in March 2026, with Maggie Kang and Chris Appelhans returning as directors. The project will be the first made under their exclusive multiyear writing and directing agreement with Netflix, with Sony Pictures Animation involved again.

The release date remains unconfirmed.

Industry reports point to 2029, while other reporting has questioned whether that timeframe is practical for a large animated production. Netflix has also not announced when the sequel will arrive on its streaming service after its theatrical run.

The sequel is part of a larger theatrical push. Sarandos said Netflix released more than 30 movies in theaters in 2025, with some continuing their cinema runs after reaching the streaming service. Frankenstein, for example, remained in theaters for six months.

The Further Mis-Adventures of Cliff Booth, meanwhile, is scheduled to become the first Netflix film released in IMAX.

KPop Demon Hunters Extends its Reach With Yoto Products and Music

The franchise has also expanded through music and children's products. The Yoto KPop Demon Hunters offering includes a standalone audio card featuring songs from the film and a Yoto Mini bundle containing:

• KPop Demon Hunters audio card

• Yoto Mini 2024 Edition

• Frog Soup Adventure Jacket

The product is designed for children aged five and above.

The Yoto Mini supports headphones and Bluetooth for screen-free listening. It offers up to 14 hours of playback and access to more than 1K audio cards covering activities, music, stories, podcasts, and other content.

The audio card has an approximately 37-minute runtime and includes tracks such as Golden and Soda Pop. Yoto lists the standalone card at $14.99, while the supplied Amazon India listing showed a price of INR 3,846. The original price of the complete bundle was $117.97, with availability varying by retailer and region.

The soundtrack remains central to the franchise, featuring Golden, Soda Pop, How It’s Done, Your Idol, Takedown, Strategy, What It Sounds Like, Free, Love, Maybe, Path, and the Marcelo Zarvos Score Suite. A separate Takedown recording features Jihyo, Jeongyeon, and Chaeyoung.

Netflix's theatrical decision ultimately reflects how KPop Demon Hunters has developed from a streaming release into a broader entertainment franchise. With the sequel, the company is now preparing to test that audience directly in cinemas while retaining Netflix as a central part of the film's distribution strategy.

KPop Demon Hunters is extending its reach beyond Netflix with a tabletop game adaptation, collectible trading cards, and an upcoming Magic: The Gathering Secret Lair collaboration. The animated film has already expanded into collectibles, games, clothing, and food partnerships.

It has also become Netflix's most-watched original film and earned Golden Globes, Oscars, and a Grammy.

KPop Demon Hunters: Battle for the Spotlight Turns Fans Into Players

The newest interactive addition is KPop Demon Hunters: Battle for the Spotlight, a tabletop adaptation of Seiji Kanai's award-winning Love Letter card game from Z-Man Games. The new version replaces the original game's courtly setting with the conflict between HUNTR/X and the Saja Boys, placing the fate of the Honmoon at the center of the game.

Players work in teams to protect or destroy the Honmoon while drawing and playing character cards against their opponents. Each round combines strategy, deception, and luck as players attempt to support their chosen side and collect enough tokens to secure victory.

The game uses a board divided between HUNTR/X purple and Saja Boys pink, with a neon stage positioned at the center. The visual design also extends to the cards and game tokens.

Among the playable characters are Jinu, Rumi, and Bobby, alongside cards representing fans. The character cards resemble K-pop photocards, featuring individual characters in recognizable poses and explaining their abilities.

The mechanics are also connected to the personalities of the characters. Jinu, for example, can provide a token when a player's team has at least four Saja Boys in play. Rumi has a comparable team-focused effect.

One of the game's central mechanics involves reading opponents.

A card such as Mystery allows a player to inspect an opponent's hand before comparing cards. The outcome can allow a player to move a game piece, but the result depends on both the card drawn and the player's ability to judge their opponent.

Battle for the Spotlight Changes the Love Letter Formula

Z-Man Games has likewise changed an important part of the traditional Love Letter experience. Players cannot be eliminated, allowing everyone to remain involved instead of sitting out after losing a round.

The cooperative structure further changes how the original formula works. Rather than relying solely on individual competition, players coordinate with teammates while attempting to deceive opposing teams.

The approach follows Z-Man Games' broader use of Love Letter as a foundation for licensed adaptations. The publisher previously released Disney Stitch: The Fix for 626, which incorporated characters including Jumba, Stitch, and Lilo into its version of the game.

Battle for the Spotlight was designed by Waleed Ma'arouf, whose previous work includes the Arkham Horror LCG expansion Film Fatale.

KPop Demon Hunters Collector Boxes Arrive at Costco

The franchise is additionally expanding through KAYOU's trading card products. Its KPop Demon Hunters Collector Box is available through Costco for $53.99 USD, with separate Huntrix and Saja Boys editions.

The bundle offers more than 20% savings compared with purchasing the products individually, which would total about $69.89.

The two versions include group-specific packaging and an acrylic display frame:

• Saja Boys version: Includes Saja Boys-themed packaging and a dedicated Saja Boys acrylic card frame.

• Huntrix version: Includes Huntrix-themed packaging and a dedicated Huntrix acrylic card frame.

Each box contains 82 cards and a display component:

• 10 Energy Edition Card Packs: 80 cards in total, with eight cards per pack from KAYOU's Wave 1 collection.

• SDCC Promo Card: Features Derpy Tiger and Sussie Bird and previously debuted at San Diego Comic-Con.

• Three-Layer Acrylic Card Frame: A layered display piece designed to showcase a selected card.

• Wave 1 collection: Contains 130 possible cards across 11 rarity levels, ranging from character illustrations to chibi artwork.

The Costco release is restricted to members. Online and warehouse purchases are capped at one transaction containing a maximum of two units per membership every 24 hours.

Magic: The Gathering x KPop Demon Hunters Collaboration Teased

KPop Demon Hunters is further heading into Magic: The Gathering through an upcoming Secret Lair release.

Hasbro CEO, Chris Cocks, previously confirmed that a KPop Demon Hunters Secret Lair product was being developed after Hasbro established its broader partnership with Netflix for merchandise and toys.

During Hasbro's third quarter (Q3) 2025 earnings call, Cocks stated, "I think Magic has proven that it can fit a large number of IPs." He also pointed to the success of previous licensed Secret Lair products as evidence that the card game could accommodate properties outside its traditional fantasy setting.

The collaboration received a new indication on Sep 29 when Secret Lair teased the Corn Maze Superdrop, which is scheduled for Oct 12, 2026.

The teaser identifies three properties through its copyright and trademark information:

• KPop Demon Hunters

• Marvel

• Jim Henson's Labyrinth

The artwork also contains clues connected to each property.

A bird wearing a traditional Korean ‘gat’ appears in the teaser.

The design points toward Sussie, the demon bird associated with Derpy and the Saja Boys' Jinu in KPop Demon Hunters. By the end of the film, Sussie and Derpy become connected with Rumi after previously serving as companions and messengers for Jinu.

Other teaser elements point toward Labyrinth. A prominent 13-hour clock references Sarah's time limit in the 1986 film, while a hand holding crystal balls points toward David Bowie's Jareth, the Goblin King.

The Marvel component continues an existing Magic licensing relationship that has already included Marvel products such as Marvel Super Heroes and Marvel's Spider-Man.

Wizards of the Coast has not yet revealed the cards included in the KPop Demon Hunters Secret Lair. Details about the number of drops, card mechanics, and whether the cards will be mechanically unique remain unconfirmed.

Taken together, the three releases point to a franchise increasingly built around letting fans engage with its characters in different ways beyond simply watching the film.

Marvel and KADOKAWA have revealed the first details of a new Spider-Man manga centered on a male high school student from Shibuya. The currently untitled series will be created by manga artist tokitokoro and begin serialization on KADOKAWA's manga platform Kadocomi.

Spider-Man Gets a New Japanese Setting

The manga follows Haruto Hachidori, a Shibuya high school student who suddenly gains an unknown spider-like ability. He begins swinging through the city as Spider-Man, while a mysterious "shadow" lurking in Shibuya starts to emerge.

The released concept art shows Hachidori in casual clothing and wearing two Spider-Man designs labeled "FIRST SUIT" and "FINAL SUIT." It also features Japanese interpretations of Daredevil and the Punisher, identified as Mao Domeki and Kurogane, respectively.

Tokitokoro has previously worked on Marvel's Jeff the Land Shark. The artist is also handling artwork connected to the project's Japanese versions of Daredevil and the Punisher.

Marvel and KADOKAWA Plan Five Original Manga

The Spider-Man series is one of the first two titles announced under the MARVEL｜KADOKAWA collaboration. The other is Spider-Gwen, written as an original manga by Ryusei Yamada.

Yamada's story follows Gwen Stacy, a high school student and drummer for the band Mary Janes. After a radioactive spider bite gives her superhuman abilities, she becomes Spider-Woman and protects the city.

Yamada previously worked on MARVEL RIVALS: IGNITE #1.

Both manga will launch on Kadocomi sometime in 2026, with collected volumes planned after serialization. The first wave will contain five titles, expanding KADOKAWA's previous Marvel work involving art books and translations into original manga production.

The collaboration was announced at the Marvel Fanfare panel at San Diego Comic-Con on July 25, 2026. Stephen Wacker, C.B. Cebulski, and KADOKAWA's Kenta Matsui presented the initiative. Wacker became Marvel's editor-in-chief in July 2026, while Cebulski moved to Tokyo to oversee original Asian productions.

The project arrives as Shueisha's Marvel manga partnership concludes on Sep 30, 2026, ending physical sales and digital distribution of its existing Marvel manga.

The Naruto franchise will reveal a completely new anime during New York Comic Con (NYCC) 2026. The announcement will take place at the NARUTO: What’s Next? panel on Oct 10, 2026, which coincides with Naruto Uzumaki’s birthday.

Naruto Panel at NYCC 2026: Date, Time, and Guests

NYCC 2026 begins on Oct 8, in New York. The Naruto panel is scheduled for 5 pm-6 pm local time on Oct 10 at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center’s Empire Stage.

Noriaki Sugiyama, the voice of Sasuke Uchiha, Junko Takeuchi, the voice of Naruto Uzumaki, and Tominaga, executive producer of Studio Pierrot’s PIERROT FILMS, will appear alongside other guests. The panel will also provide the latest information on the NARUTO CARD GAME, which is scheduled for release in 2027.

Worldwide Livestream and NINJA CARDS Details

Fans outside New York can watch the panel through a simultaneous worldwide livestream. It will begin at 6 am JST on Oct 11, through the official NARUTO/BORUTO YouTube channel.

Separately, NARUTO NINJA CARDS has launched worldwide on the App Store and Google Play, excluding Japan and mainland China. The digital card app entered a soft launch on Feb 5, 2026, and has since surpassed 500K fans worldwide. Players can collect shinobi, find exclusive artwork, and participate in real-time strategic activities with friends.

Overall, the NYCC reveal, 2027 card game, and NARUTO NINJA CARDS launch signal a new phase for the franchise across anime and digital experiences.

KPop Demon Hunters is getting another wave of merchandise as KAYOU releases its Special Mini Edition trading cards and Mattel prepares its third series of 6-inch action figures. The developments add new ways for fans to collect characters from the Netflix animated film, which continues to draw attention more than a year after its release.

KAYOU's Special Mini Edition contains 41 possible cards divided across five rarity tiers. The collection is inspired by the Saja Boys, HUNTR/X, other characters, and the franchise's world concert tour. The cards are roughly half the size of KAYOU's standard trading cards and include performance, character, and franchise-themed artwork.

Each box contains four packs, with three cards per pack for 12 cards per box. Since there are 41 possible cards, individual boxes cannot provide the complete collection.

KAYOU’s KPop Demon Hunters Trading Card Details

The collection is divided into:

• Creative Rare: Performance-focused artwork featuring the characters on stage.

• Special: HUNTR/X-focused designs built around the group's relationship with fans, including names, expressions, and band logos.

• Legacy Rare: Anime-style illustrations influenced by fan photo-card culture.

• Holo Rare: Lenticular cards that create a motion effect when viewed from different angles. They also have pre-punched holes for use as charms.

• Super Spark Rare: Character-focused cards showing characters in specific situations.

The product is listed as KPop Demon Hunters-Collectible Trading Cards-Special Mini Edition-001-NA, model KPDH-KP-DC-001A-NA.

Its packaging information specifies eight boxes per carton, 36 packs per box, and three cards per pack. KAYOU describes itself as a pan-entertainment and cultural innovation company specializing in collectible cards and premium creative products.

KPop Demon Hunters’ KAYOU Trading Cards Price and Availability

The mini card box costs $11.99 USD and is listed on KAYOU's official website as well as major retailers, including GameStop, Target, Amazon, Walmart, Barnes & Noble, and Best Buy. Availability may vary by retailer and location.

An Amazon listing for the 36-pack version gives the following details:

• Brand: KAYOU

• Model year: 2026

• Age rating: 14+

• Material: Paper

• ASIN: B0HDPK6H2J

• Listed dimensions: 22.9 × 10.2 × 0.3 cm

• Customer rating: 4 out of 5

It is currently marked unavailable, with Amazon stating that it does not know when or whether the item will return to stock.

KPop Demon Hunters Mattel Third Wave: Release Date, Figures, and Price

KAYOU's cards are arriving alongside continued expansion of Mattel's KPop Demon Hunters action-figure range.

Netflix awarded Mattel the global license for the franchise's dolls and action figures in October 2025. The company has since released fashion dolls based on Mira, Rumi, Zoey, and Jinu, a deluxe 12-inch Rumi doll, and electronic singing versions of HUNTR/X.

Hasbro has also released role-playing toys and games, while Funko has produced figures through its Pop! brand.

Mattel's first 6-inch figure wave featured the HUNTR/X trio alongside Saja Boys members Jinu and Abby. It was accompanied by a Rumi and demon Jinu battle two-pack. Wave 2 subsequently added Saja Boys members Baby, Romance, and Mystery.

The third wave will release on Jan 1, 2027, with four new products:

• Mira in her What It Sounds Like outfit: Curved moon sword, two extra face plates, and two extra hands.

• Demon Romance: Two additional face plates and three extra hands.

• Demon Abby: Two additional face plates and four alternate hands.

• Derpy Tiger with Sussie: Additional accessories and Sussie as part of the figure.

The first three figures have between 18 and 21 articulation points and include stands and additional accessories. Derpy Tiger has considerably fewer articulation points than those figures. Each third-wave figure costs $21.99 and will be sold through online retailers and brick-and-mortar stores.

For collectors, the latest releases offer two distinct ways to engage with KPop Demon Hunters, from chasing specific rarities in KAYOU’s card set to displaying detailed versions of characters through Mattel’s action figures.