From costumes to figolli: KPop fever sweeps Malta
The characters have captured the imagination of children and adults worldwide
From costumes and themed birthday parties to Easter eggs and figolli, the global K-pop craze sparked by the hit animated film KPop Demon Hunters has firmly reached Malta, with children and parents alike embracing the trend.
“KPop-themed parties are among the most popular requests at the moment,” said Sharon Bezzina from Exclusive Party Lounge, which organises activities for kids’ parties.
“Children are crazy about KPop. The costumes of the main characters were the most trending this year,” added Cher Ahmed from party shop Once Upon a Time.
The demand shows little sign of slowing. A tribute show – KPop Dream – scheduled for August has nearly sold out its two nights and added a third performance.
The craze has been fuelled by the global success of KPop Demon Hunters. Since its release on Netflix last summer, the animated film has become one of the platform’s most-watched titles, amassing more than 500 million global views.
Its success has also translated into major award recognition. The film won two Oscars at this year’s Academy Awards: best animated feature and best original song – after its theme song Golden dominated global music charts and became the first KPop track to win a Grammy.
Anyone who has spent time around children aged five to 15 will likely have heard – and watched – it, possibly, repeatedly (a flashback of the Frozen fever that gripped the world in 2013 and 2014). Those who haven’t may still recognise some of the songs, which frequently play on the radio.
The film combines a fun and fast-paced story that ticks all the boxes: demons, romance, battles, friendships and girl and boy bands performing to a catchy soundtrack. Add to that the distinctive Korean animation style – which has grown in popularity over the years – and touches of traditional Korean culture, and the result is an award-winning formula.
The story centres on Huntrix, a fictional KPop (Korean pop) girl group made up of Rumi, Zoey and Mira, who lead double lives as stadium-filling superstars and demon hunters battling their rivals, the “Saja Boys”.
The characters have captured the imagination of children and adults worldwide, Malta included.
Party organisers say they have seen a surge in requests for KPop-themed celebrations, with animators offering a full Huntrix experience where children can sing and dance along to the film’s popular soundtrack.
On social media, parents have been hunting for merchandise ranging from dolls to clothes and costumes. While clothing inspired by the film is relatively easy to find in several outlets, toys are harder to come by, with many ordering them from abroad.
One person from a toyshop chain noted that Malta often lags about six months behind global trends, but many customers have already been asking for related toys.
Parents have also been sharing venues offering themed parties, searching for Easter treats, and even looking for dance classes inspired by the film’s choreography.
For many children, ‘KPop’ has become the latest must-have obsession – at least until the next big craze arrives.