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Tag: Huntr/x

  • These 10 Viral Songs Soundtracked Our 2025

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    TikTok’s music influence hit an all-time high in 2025. All year long, a steady stream of new tracks exploded into viral trends, defining the sound of a generation. Fresh releases found second lives as dance challenges, meme soundtracks, and emotional anthems for millions of people.

    It was a year where a single catchy hook or heartfelt lyric could spark a global movement overnight. From tear-jerking ballads to high-energy bops, TikTok’s community turned songs into cultural moments. The platform’s trends shaped what we listened to, proving once again that the For You page doubles as 2025’s hottest music chart!

    1. ‘Ordinary’ — Alex Warren

    The not-so-ordinary love anthem of 2025.

    It’s ironic how a song called ‘Ordinary’ became the year’s most extraordinary viral hit. Alex Warren’s ‘Ordinary’ started as a tender love ballad he wrote for his wife, but TikTok sent it stratospheric. The track’s earnest lyrics about everyday romance struck a chord in countless relationship montages across the app. By summer, you couldn’t scroll your feed without hitting a heartfelt video of couples, friends, or even pets set to Warren’s soaring chorus. The song’s universality, “the angels up in the clouds are jealous,” he croons made it the perfect soundtrack for love in 2025.

    Its popularity was unparalleled: ‘Ordinary’ topped the Billboard Hot 100 for ten straight weeks, fueled by millions of TikToks using its chorus as an audio backdrop. Warren, a former content creator himself, clearly understood TikTok’s pulse. We embraced him as 2025’s patron saint of sappy romance, while skeptics jokingly wondered how a YouTuber-turned-singer quietly dominated the charts. Love it or not, ‘Ordinary’ became the defining sound of young love this year: a wedding-worthy earworm that turned our feeds into one giant lovefest!

    TO LEARN MORE ABOUT ALEX WARREN:
    INSTAGRAM | PODCAST | TIKTOK | TWITTER | YOUTUBE

    2. ‘Love Me Not’ — Ravyn Lenae

    The soulful slow-burn that TikTok turned into a global cry-fest.

    Leave it to TikTok to catapult an R&B sleeper hit into the spotlight. Ravyn Lenae’s ‘Love Me Not’ dropped with a dreamy blend of retro-pop and indie vibes, but it truly caught fire when a creative TikToker mashed it up with Solange’s ‘Losing You.’ That unexpected mash-up became pure viral gold. Suddenly, ‘Love Me Not’ was the soundtrack to thousands of bittersweet montages: late-night drives, rain-soaked selfies, and “will they/won’t they” romance memes galore. The song’s chorus, an emotional tug-of-war of love and longing, had a way of making even silly videos feel touching.

    TikTok’s Gen Z users turned Lenae’s heartfelt lyrics into a communal outpouring of feels, spawning a trend where creators shared stories of almost-relationships and unrequited crushes with the song swelling in the background. The emotional resonance was real: by mid-year, ‘Love Me Not’ had earned Lenae her first-ever spot on the Billboard Hot 100, cracking the top 25. Culturally, it hit that sweet spot between nostalgia and now. Here was a young R&B artist channeling vintage soul, and a new generation was crying and vibing in unison. In 2025, ‘Love Me Not’ proved that a TikTok trend can transform a slow-burn song into a worldwide cathartic sing-along.

    TO LEARN MORE ABOUT RAVYN LENAE:
    INSTAGRAM | TWITTER | WEBSITE

    3. ‘Illegal’ — PinkPantheress

    The friendship handshake heard ’round the world.

    TikTok has seen its share of dance trends, but this year, a handshake trend stole the show, all thanks to PinkPantheress’s ‘Illegal.’ The UK alt-pop sensation dropped ‘Illegal’ as a quirky, electronic-infused single, and it quickly fueled the global “Is this illegal?” handshake challenge. Besties everywhere learned the syncopated secret handshake (set perfectly to PinkPantheress’s hypnotic beat) and flooded TikTok with videos showing off their newfound duo skills. The trend’s wholesome twist, celebrating friendship and borderline mischief, resonated across cultures. From high school hallways in the US to friend groups in Tokyo, everyone was bonding over this track!

    With over 3.7 million TikTok creations and counting, ‘Illegal’ became the friendship anthem of 2025. It even earned PinkPantheress her second appearance on the Hot 100, proving the song’s impact beyond the app. Emotionally, ‘Illegal’ struck a chord by tapping into that giddy, rebellious energy of doing something silly with your BFF. In a year when online trends often felt divisive, this one brought people together… one elaborate handshake at a time. PinkPantheress’s airy vocals and the track’s tongue-in-cheek title made it irresistibly memeable. ‘Illegal’ wasn’t just a viral song; it became a secret handshake that united everyone around the world (even celebrities).

    TO LEARN MORE ABOUT PINKPANTHERESS:
    FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | TIKTOK | TWITTER | WEBSITE | YOUTUBE

    4. ‘Mad Again’ — BunnaB

    The DIY glow-up jam that had everyone transforming.

    Emerging Atlanta rapper BunnaB unleashed pure TikTok lightning with ‘Mad Again,’ a high-energy track that went from underground to unavoidable. How did it blow up? Two words: transformation videos. Creators on TikTok seized ‘Mad Again’ as the go-to soundtrack for their before-and-after glow-ups; think makeup transitions, room makeovers, and dramatic hair-dye reveals synced to the beat drop. The result? An explosion of ultra-satisfying content, each clip more addictive than the last. The song’s bold, confident hook also inspired a surprise secondary trend: a sign language challenge. Creators who are deaf and allies translated ‘Mad Again’ into expressive ASL performances, showcasing inclusivity in a way TikTok hadn’t seen before!

    This one-two punch of visual trends launched ‘Mad Again’ into the viral stratosphere. By summertime, millions of TikToks featured the track, and BunnaB found herself with a breakout hit on her hands. The cultural resonance was big: here was a fierce female rapper (yep, BunnaB’s a woman killing it in a male-dominated scene) whose song empowered people to show off their transformations and personal growth. The track’s pounding bass and sassy lyrics became synonymous with confidence and change in 2025. If you flipped your look or your outlook this year, chances are ‘Mad Again’ was playing in the background, hyping you up for that reveal.

    TO LEARN MORE ABOUT BunnaB:
    INSTAGRAM | TIKTOK | WEBSITE

    5. ‘Golden’ — HUNTR/X

    The K-Pop fantasy banger that blurred fiction and reality.

    When a fictional K-Pop band from an animated film scores a real-life hit, you know TikTok is involved. ‘Golden’ by HUNTR/X, a glossy K-Pop/R&B hybrid track from the movie K-Pop Demon Hunters, transcended the screen and took on a life of its own. TikTok users globally couldn’t resist its charm. Multiple dance trends popped up, inspired by the movie’s choreography and the song’s impossible-not-to-dance hook. From teens showing off K-Pop moves to dads and kids dancing together after family movie night, ‘Golden’ turned into a cross-generational phenomenon. The track’s signature high note became a viral challenge in itself, with singers (and plenty of non-singers) attempting to nail it on camera.

    Within days of the film’s release, ‘Golden’ was dominating not just TikTok but also Spotify and YouTube charts! A collaboration featuring real artists Audrey Nuna and EJAE, the song blurred the line between fiction and reality… and we ate it up. Creators used it for everything from outfit glow-up videos to celebratory montages, because its uplifting vibe instantly boosted any content. Emotionally, ‘Golden’ hit that feel-good spot; it’s joyous, inclusive, and just meta enough (a fictional band trending in real life!) to feel like a moment in pop culture history. By year’s end, HUNTR/X’s debut bop proved that in 2025, even cartoon pop stars can top the charts with a little help from TikTok.

    TO LEARN MORE ABOUT K-POP DEMON HUNTERS:
    INSTAGRAM

    6. ‘DtMF’ — Bad Bunny

    The Puerto Rican heartbreak anthem that had TikTok in tears.

    In a year full of bops, Bad Bunny reminded everyone that a soft, nostalgic ballad can still rule TikTok. ‘DtMF,’ shorthand for Debí Tirar Más Fotos (“I should’ve taken more photos”), emerged as the most unexpectedly emotional viral trend of 2025. The song’s lyrics, where Bad Bunny laments not capturing enough memories with a lost loved one, struck a universal nerve. TikTokers began using ‘DtMF’ to soundtrack tribute videos, sharing personal montages of grandparents, parents, pets, and friends they’d lost. Suddenly, our feeds were filled with cherished snapshots and clips, each one more heart-tugging than the last. The trend became a communal space to grieve and celebrate life: a rare, tender moment on the internet.

    Even Bad Bunny himself couldn’t stay dry-eyed: he posted a TikTok reacting to fans’ tributes, tears streaming as he watched their stories. That raw connection fueled ‘DtMF’ to juggernaut status. It quickly became the most-streamed song off his new album and climbed into TikTok’s top sounds. Culturally, the impact was huge! At a time when social media often feels shallow, this trend had millions openly discussing love and loss. Users commented about calling their abuela or saving more pictures; proof of music turning reflection into action. By blending Bad Bunny’s star power with genuine fan storytelling, ‘DtMF’ turned TikTok into a platform for healing in 2025. Grab the tissues…this one will be remembered as the song that made the internet collectively cry (in a good way).

    TO LEARN MORE ABOUT BAD BUNNY:
    FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | TIKTOK

    7. ‘Wood’ — Taylor Swift

    The cheeky pop blockbuster that had everyone knocking on wood.

    Leave it to Taylor Swift to drop a song so provocatively fun that TikTok couldn’t help but blush… and dance. ‘Wood,’ a standout track from her 2025 album The Life of a Showgirl, is arguably Taylor’s most ahem adult song to date. Fueled by innuendo about her beau’s “new heights of manhood” and a tongue-in-cheek “I ain’t got to knock on wood” hook, the song set the internet abuzz from day one. TikTokers wasted no time spinning it into a viral knock-on-wood dance challenge, complete with a playful tap-tap gesture on the lyric cue. Suddenly, everyone from college kids to actual carpenters (seriously) were posting videos, playfully knocking on tables, doors, and yes, wooden boards in sync with Taylor’s sultry chorus.

    The trend’s humor and boldness felt so 2025: a celebration of owning one’s sexuality and having a laugh about it. Culturally, ‘Wood’ resonated as part of the Taylor-Travis Kelce love story that pop culture obsessively followed. Fans gushed that Swift seemed happier and more empowered than ever, and they channeled that energy into TikTok skits quoting her spicy lyrics. Swifties turned cheeky lines into captions (cue the magic wand jokes) and shared their shock-and-delight reactions to Taylor’s bold new era. By dominating conversation and spawning countless memes, ‘Wood’ proved that a well-crafted pop song can be both a chart-topper and a TikTok trendsetter! Taylor gave 2025 a song equal parts sexy and playful, and we said amen.

    TO LEARN MORE ABOUT TAYLOR SWIFT:
    FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | TIKTOK | TWITTER | YOUTUBE

    8. ‘Certain Kind Of Love’ — Jessie Murph

    Gen Z’s existential pop mood, wrapped in a TikTok trend.

    Jessie Murph delivered a late-year viral gem with ‘Certain Kind of Love,’ a song that turned one candid lyric into a TikTok catchphrase. The track’s pop-rock energy is amazing on its own, but it was the line “I don’t see a world where I turn 25” that set off a firestorm. Young TikTokers seized on those words, half-joking and half-emoting about the classic quarter-life crisis feels. In a trend equal parts dark humor and heartfelt yearning, creators would lip-sync that lyric and showcase their wildest dreams or chaotic life plans before the dreaded 25th birthday. Others made vision board-style videos, proclaiming they will see 25, complete with images of future goals, as Jessie’s anthem blared in the background.

    The dual interpretations made the trend fascinating: some played it for laughs (“YOLO, who needs 26?”) while others found motivation in it. Either way, Murph’s raw, youthful vocals became the sound of Gen Z’s hopes and fears in 2025. The song itself, with its sparkling production and emo-pop vibe, resonated emotionally because it encapsulates that in-between feeling of being young and uncertain about the future. Culturally, ‘Certain Kind of Love’ gave voice to a generation’s anxiety, and did it in a way that was oddly uplifting. As the song climbed streaming charts (buoyed by TikTok exposure), it proved that sometimes one powerful lyric is all it takes to spark a movement. Jessie Murph went from a rising singer to the patron saint of “live in the moment” youth, and we couldn’t stop humming along!

    TO LEARN MORE ABOUT JESSIE MURPH:
    FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | TWITTER | WEBSITE | YOUTUBE

    9. ‘Zoo’ — Shakira

    The animated movie’s OST that had everyone doing the Shakira shimmy.

    If you thought soundtracks were safe from TikTok’s grasp, think again. Shakira’s ‘Zoo,’ from Disney’s Zootopia 2, pounced onto the scene and immediately took over TikTok. With its signature Shakira bounce and irresistible rhythm, ‘Zoo’ has that universal appeal that makes people nod along…or better yet, jump up to mimic her moves. As the film hit cinemas, TikTok was flooded with clips of fans attempting the ‘Zoo’ dance. From expertly choreographed renditions to adorably clumsy first tries, creators worldwide got in on the fun. One day you’d see a Colombian dance crew nailing Shakira’s hip drops; the next, a suburban dad giving it his best shot in the living room. The hashtag #ZooDance trended in multiple countries as Shakira’s track united all ages in a celebratory shimmy.

    Culturally, this song’s virality was a real full-circle moment: Shakira had given us a TikTok smash back in 2016 with ‘Try Everything,’ and here she was again, reminding us she’s still the queen of soundtrack pop. The emotional uplift of ‘Zoo’ was impossible to resist; it’s pure joy in musical form, arriving just when 2025 needed it. TikTok users used the song not only for dance challenges but to soundtrack zoo outings (of course), fitness routines, and any content needing a jolt of fun energy. Shakira even interacted with fans doing the challenge, further fueling the hype. By year’s end, ‘Zoo’ wasn’t just a song from a movie; it was a global TikTok party. When Shakira yells “Come on, get on up” in the chorus, you best believe millions are dancing like animated animals set free!

    TO LEARN MORE ABOUT SHAKIRA:
    FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | SPOTIFY | TIKTOK | TWITTER | YOUTUBE

    10. ‘Whim Whamiee’ — Pluto Feat. YK Niece

    The hype rap bop that brought mosh-pit energy to our feeds.

    Every year needs a no-holds-barred banger, and in 2025, it was ‘Whim Whamiee.’ This collab between rappers Pluto & YK Niece came out of left field and promptly took over TikTok with its chaotic, high-octane vibe. The track itself is two minutes of pure adrenaline, and TikTokers treated it like a rallying cry. Dance crews, gym rats, and party-goers all jumped on a trend of showcasing insane energy whenever ‘Whim Whamiee’ played. We’re talking college students turning dorm halls into impromptu mosh pits and choreographers bringing full-out hip-hop routines to the app. The song’s rapid-fire lyrics turned into a lip-sync challenge only the bold (or breathless) would attempt, while its bass drops fueled countless “hype me up” memes.

    By mid-summer, ‘Whim Whamiee’ had the whole platform on its feet (literally). The frenzy propelled the song to #5 on TikTok’s own summer chart in the US, and its popularity spilled over to streaming services. Perhaps the biggest sign of its impact? Two of music’s heavy hitters, Lizzo and Sexyy Red, jumped on official remixes, dropping their own verses to ride the wave. We went wild at the co-sign: seeing A-listers vibing to a TikTok-made hit felt like vindication for internet culture. ‘Whim Whamiee’ resonated because it was pure fun: a little unhinged, a lot catchy, and totally participatory! In a year where many viral songs tugged at our heartstrings, this one was all about letting loose. It turned TikTok into a virtual nightclub where anyone could be the life of the party. And if you ask us, Pluto and YK Niece won 2025’s award for the most insane glow-up; from obscurity to everybody’s hype soundtrack, no VIP pass needed!

    TO LEARN MORE ABOUT PLUTO:
    INSTAGRAM | TIKTOK | WEBSITE

    What’s been your favorite viral track of 2025? Let us know all your thoughts in the comments below or over on Twitter, Instagram, or Facebook!

    Want more trending music? Check here!

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    Asia M.

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  • 10 Of Our Favorite K-Pop Debuts Of 2025

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    From rookie groups to some of the most-established idols finally going solo, K-Pop was full of iconic debuts in 2025. We saw record-breaking sales, one-of-a-kind concepts, and more idols getting hands-on in the production process than we could’ve dreamed. It was really hard to narrow down our favorite K-Pop debuts from this year, but here’s our top 10 in 2025!

    MARK

    Considering it sometimes feels like MARK debuted 802 years ago and is in more groups than we can count, it feels kind of strange to think that he hadn’t had a solo debut yet. But all that experience led to one of the most versatile and fully-realized K-Pop debut albums, not just in 2025, but ever. The concept of The Firstfruit, led by the title track ‘1999,’ is built around the four cities that made MARK who he is today: Toronto, New York City, Vancouver, and Seoul. We’d love this debut for the concept alone, so the tracks being that good just feels like a bonus.

    Hearts2Hearts

    Hearts2Hearts’ 2025 has been so strong that it’s kind of hard to believe it’s their debut year. ‘STYLE’ might be the group’s biggest hit of the year, but there’s no denying the statement that their debut, ‘The Chase,’ which was written by fellow THP faves FLO, made. ‘The Chase,’ and Hearts2Hearts concept so far, is a pure embrace of pop in all its open-hearted, bright, “sparkle, sparkle,” glory.

    CORTIS

    CORTIS was arguably the most-anticipated K-Pop debut of 2025, and the rookie group seemed to take that all in their (very tall) stride! BIGHIT’s third boy group, after BTS and TXT, CORTIS was always going to be under scrutiny. However, not dissimilar to their predecessors, CORTIS jumped onto the scene with an anarchic attitude, determined to do their own thing. Their debut track, ‘What You Want,’ and pre-debut release, ‘GO!,’ show off this energy perfectly, as well as their commitment to a hands-on approach to their music.

    JURIN ASAYA

    In 2025, leader JURIN ASAYA became the first member of XG, a Japanese group based in South Korea, to have a solo debut. Collaborating with Rapsody on the track ‘PS118,’ JURIN ASAYA put her skills on display perfectly, with her quintessential delivery and lyrical wordplay. The track was a great example of what a solo debut should be: a clear statement of individual identity with just a lil’ sprinkle of the group’s character, too.

    XLOV

    Four-member K-Pop group XLOV had a truly unique debut in 2025. They promote a genderless concept, spotlighting their intricate choreography, decadent styling, and impressive production skills instead. Of course, this has earned them a lot of attention, both positive and negative, and shines a light on how gendered the expectations but on boy groups and girl groups can sometimes be. But, even putting all of that aside, XLOV would still be one of our fave debuts this year, thanks to how great ‘I’mma Be’ was. And they’ve just gotten better since!

    YEONJUN

    Does this count as a debut? Technically, yes, so we’re gonna talk about it. TXT’s Yeonjun released his official solo debut album in November, and we’re already anticipating a NO LABELS: PART 02 in 2026…maybe? Taking the stage by storm, as always, Yeonjun brought his quintessential power and charm to the record. NO LABELS: PART 01 deftly balances the opulence of K-Pop with the grit of Yeonjun’s other musical influences blending, hip-hop, hard rock, and more, seamlessly.

    BEOMGYU

    Ok, so we might be contradicting ourselves just a teeny-weeny bit. Like Yeonjun in 2024, Beomgyu didn’t have an official solo debut this year, but he did release his debut mixtape track, ‘Panic.’ The indie-pop song grows from a gentle intro to a searing anthem, with one of the sweetest concepts in any 2025 debut. The track came to life thanks to Beomgyu’s personal experience of music’s healing powers and how he’s been comforted by his own favorite artists. In turn, Beomgyu wanted to pass that hopeful energy onto MOA, and so, ‘Panic’ was born!

    YEJI

    ITZY’s formidable leader, YEJI, finally had her solo debut in March 2025. Air is all about embracing excitement, and there were few releases more exciting than this one! A mix of synth-pop and dream-pop, this EP had exactly the energy we had dreamed of for a YEJI debut, but it still exceeded all our expectations, with killer performances and fairytale references. YEJI’s intention with this solo debut was to showcase her aura, and she definitely achieved that!

    HUNTR/X

    You knew we had to include our girls, HUNTR/X, right? In 2025, the girl group that stars in K-Pop Demon Hunters had a debut year that most idols couldn’t even imagine! ‘Golden’ has topped the Billboard Global (Excl. U.S.) chart for a record-tying 19 weeks, and hit number one on the Billboard Hot 100 for 8 weeks, too. And all of that success is before we even mention their other songs, like ‘How It’s Done’ or ‘What It Sounds Like!’

    Saja Boys

    Where HUNTR/X go, the Saja Boys will follow! Just like HUNTR/X arguably became the world’s favorite girl group in 2025, Saja Boys became a top boy group, in our hearts as well as charts all over the globe. From ‘Soda Pop’ to ‘Your Idol,’ there are few debut tracks that have gotten stuck in our collective heads like the ones from K-Pop Demon Hunters!

    And that’s our ten! Do you agree with our picks for favorite K-Pop debuts of 2025? Anyone you wish we had included on this list? Hit us up! You can find us at @thehoneypop on Twitter, or by visiting us on Facebook and Instagram.

    Want more K-Pop content? We got you!

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    Anna Marie

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  • The First ‘KPop Demon Hunters’ Dolls Are Here—But There’s a Huge Catch

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    The KPop Demon Hunters dolls from Mattel have been revealed in detail. But don’t get too excited: they won’t arrive until next fall, and there’s another pricey catch attached.

    Pre-orders for Mattel Creations’ KPop Demon Hunters dolls begin November 12. If you snag a pre-order with holiday gift-giving in mind, you’ll have to print out an IOU and stick it in a Christmas stocking, because the dolls are estimated to arrive “by October 2026,” according to Mattel.

    At least they will be out before the recently announced sequel, but whoa, that’s still a long time to wait.

    Did we mention that, at least for this initial Mattel run, the dolls will only come as a package deal? You can’t just buy one Huntr/x member; you have to get the full set of Rumi, Mira, and Zoey—and the “What It Sounds Like” three-pack will set you back $150.

    © Mattel Creations

    The details on Zoey, Rumi, and Mira are gorgeous. Their “What It Sounds Like” outfits look just like in the film, and it’s so cool to see Rumi’s demon marks prominently displayed across her design. But we have to admit, they look too fancy to play with, and that’s common with the Mattel Creations drops, which explains the sticker price.

    If you’re apprehensive about committing to all three, there will be more toy drops, including more accessible options, also coming in 2026.  And we’re hoping, of course, for Huntr/x dolls in the “How It’s Done” outfits and ones that sing “Golden” too.

    With the sequel officially in the works, fingers crossed that Netflix and toy makers are ready to seal the Honmoon with an avalanche of KPop Demon Hunters merch before it’s released. Take a look at the “What It Sounds Like” dolls from the Mattel Creations set below!

    KPop Demon Hunters is now streaming on Netflix.

    Want more io9 news? Check out when to expect the latest Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek releases, what’s next for the DC Universe on film and TV, and everything you need to know about the future of Doctor Who.

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    Sabina Graves

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  • The Singing Voice of Rumi Just Gave Us the Closest We’re Gonna Get to New ‘KPop Demon Hunters’ Music

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    Huntr/x fans rejoice: the voice of Rumi, EJAE, has released music to tide us over until we get any news about a KPop Demon Hunters sequel.

    Marking her official solo act debut, EJAE has released “In Another World,” which gives fans of the singer’s emotional vocals on “Golden” another banger to belt. The deeply resonant and powerful ballad is a gorgeous rumination on love and loss, and I can already imagine it backing up fan edits of Rujinu (Jinu and Rumi’s ship name). The song just dropped so I imagine the internet will hop on the pop bop as part of their campaign to bring Jinu back—nothing wrong with redeeming a bad boy (ahem, Ben Solo), after all.

    In a recent interview with Ryan Seacrest, EJAE talked about the making of her debut single. “I wrote ‘In Another World’ during a time when I was questioning every choice I’d made. It’s about those quiet moments when you imagine the life you didn’t live—and realizing it’s okay to miss something and that in another world maybe it would be perfect.”

    It’s such a powerful debut, illustrating through music how even under the bright lights of KPop Demon Hunters, life can contain multitudes, inspiring more amazing work from the singer-songwriter. EJAE explained how the newfound success has given her the opportunity to step back on the mic: “I’ve always dreamed of sharing my songs with the world, but I never imagined I’d be the one singing them.”

    She continued, “This song—and this moment—feel like I’m finally letting people see who I really am. It’s both terrifying and thrilling, but mostly I’m just so excited to be able to share something that’s authentically me.” And we’re so happy she’s stepping into her power to seal the Honmoon in real life, since EJAE will also be joining her KPop Demon Hunters vocal co-stars, Audrey Nuna and Rei Ami, at iHeartMedia’s Jingle Ball to perform Huntr/x songs this winter.

    Check out the music video for “In Another World,” directed by Bryant Hyun, below!

    Want more io9 news? Check out when to expect the latest Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek releases, what’s next for the DC Universe on film and TV, and everything you need to know about the future of Doctor Who.

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    Sabina Graves

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  • 5 Things We Want to See in a ‘KPop Demon Hunters’ Sequel

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    The future of KPop Demon Hunters as a franchise remains unclear even as the massive Netflix hit acquired from Sony Pictures Animation continues to dominate pop culture. The fandom, of course, expects a sequel—and it’s already abuzz with what’s next for Rumi, Zoey, and Mira and their destiny to keep the Honmoon sealed from the demon world.

    Here are just some of the things we’d love to see explored in an eventual (and probably inevitable) KPop Demon Hunters 2.

    Different Demon Hunter Eras

    © Netflix

    The mythology of the Demon Hunter lore goes deep if there was always a trio of singers holding the Honmoon down. It would be so cool to explore spinoffs of different eras through a series or anthology of shorts (think Star Wars: Visions) that jumps around time periods and perhaps other countries.

    I’m interested in learning if other cultures also have music magic wielders and how demons might work through commercial music to try to gain control. I want to learn about other bands, maybe in short-form spin-offs, to set up new characters for the future. There are so many possibilities!

    Rumi’s Family Backstory

    Rumi Demon
    © Netflix

    Rumi being the love child of a demon and a hunter is an origin story we want to see. It’s perfect for a prequel or somehow pulling a Godfather 2 with dual timelines arcing into how that informs Rumi’s destiny.

    Perhaps we could glimpse her father’s and mother’s past as they meet in the present to further the complexities of good vs. evil between the demons and the humans. If Jinu could be a good-guy demon, maybe Rumi’s father was too. There was so much left unanswered by Celine (Rumi’s guardian); we don’t really know what happened to her parents or how they were dealt with by Gwi-ma and the other good guys.

    Theories have abounded about Rumi being related to Gwi-ma, but being his daughter directly seems unlikely—maybe his granddaughter? Would that be too Star Wars-y? It would be best if Rumi’s lineage was explored without her having to be a product of pure good and pure evil.

    Bringing Jinu Back

    Jinu Soda
    © Netflix

    Usually we think characters should stay dead but not this man. Our boy Jinu deserves a second chance. His sacrifice was huge so we’d like to see him return in some way. A popular theory online is that he’s trapped in Rumi’s sword, which would make sense as he gave her his soul and became a part of the prism Honmoon. Plus, if Derpy and Sussie are still around, they might be able to find him through their connection to pull him out of a backdoor of sorts. Maybe he’s human again but doesn’t remember who he was? We want the drama and to have him earn his way back to Rumi; that’s both fulfilling and romantic. We don’t need any more tragic star-crossed lovers; that could have been Rumi’s parents story but it doesn’t have to be hers.

    And speaking of bringing back characters, maybe let’s give the Saja Boys a chance at redemption too. It would be nice to see them come back as comedic relief and try to do good while making more good music. We miss Baby and Abby. Perhaps they can team up with Huntr/x to defeat a bigger threat. Also, more Derpy and Sussie always and forever, please.

    A Full Huntr/x Album

    Huntr:x Song Sesh
    © Netflix

    As someone who wished there was a Powerline album out of A Goofy Movie and who excitedly bought that special edition Josie and the Pussycats (2001) vinyl, I cannot stress enough that we need a whole Huntr/x album. Songwriter EJAE (who does the singing voice for Rumi), along with voice cast singers Audrey Nuna (Mira) and Rei Ami (Zoey), will soon be performing awards-season contender “Golden” on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, which feels like a test run for a real-life Huntr/x and more music, we hope.

    Huntr/x could really do a whole sequel companion album—that would be so meta! The future of Huntr/x feels unlimited because we’d be seated to see a sequel movie in a theater or at home and go to the official tour with Huntr/x light sticks in hand. Do it for the fans!

    Demon Hunter World Song Contest

    Huntrx Trio White
    © Netflix

    Picture it: Huntr/x is the main band we follow as the sequel introduces a bigger global threat that’s connected to Rumi’s family. Who you gonna call? A story along these lines could bring in other Demon Hunters for an Avengers-style team-up from around the world that’s part world song contest (like Eurovision) and part Mortal Kombat.

    Maybe the latter might be too extreme for the world of KPop Demon Hunters but the baddies have to be vanquished somehow. And these potential team-ups can be characters introduced through friendly competition in the sequel, with their side stories featured in an anthology leading up to a third film where it all comes together.

    Want more io9 news? Check out when to expect the latest Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek releases, what’s next for the DC Universe on film and TV, and everything you need to know about the future of Doctor Who.

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    Sabina Graves

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  • 5 Halloween Costumes Inspired By K-Pop Demon Hunters

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    We think it’s safe to say that K-Pop Demon Hunters is one of the best things to ever come out of 2025. Most of the movie soundtrack will make it into our Spotify Wrapped, to be sure. And we’ve lost count of how many times we’ve rewatched this incredible animated movie that took the Internet by storm.

    As we near the Halloween season (or should we say “THPloween”), we’re more than happy to cook up some costume ideas inspired by K-Pop Demon Hunters. There are, of course, the option to cosplay as any of the characters from the movie. But here are just a few more K-Pop Demon Hunters-inspired costume ideas for you to consider this Halloween!

    Soda Can x Ramen Cup

    Our first costume idea inspired by K-Pop Demon Hunters is a soda can and ramen cup duo. We all know the Saja Boys’ iconic ‘Soda Pop’ jingle by heart at this point. And we can only hope that there’s no shortage of soda can costumes out there. You can grab a partner and dress them up as Huntrix’s ramen cup, found in one of the most meme-worthy scenes ever. Bonus points if the two of you can get ready for Halloween in three minutes flat…We’re timing you!

    Lion x Huntress

    This Halloween costume idea plays with the symbols between the two main groups in K-Pop Demon Hunters. You or a bestie can dress up as a lion to represent the Saja Boys’ pride, complete with a mane, tail, and set of paws. On the flip side, you can rock a killer huntress (HUNTR/X) stage outfit, on the hunt for demons and (fake) lions alike. If you’re feeling extra creative, channel your inner Rumi, Mira, or Zoey and try crafting a personalized demon hunting weapon for yourself!

    Vacation-Mode Bobby, Mira, & Zoey

    Workaholics, this one’s for you! If you’re running out of time to come up with a K-Pop Demon Hunters-inspired costume for Halloween, you can put this one together pretty easily. Just find a fluffy white robe (a 34 short or whatever your size is), add a face mask or hair towel wrap, and you’ve got vacation-mode Bobby, Mira, and Zoey! To add some more flair to this costume, feel free to put together the ultimate snack tray for your party while chanting “couch, couch, couch!” all night.

    Sleeping Bag

    This costume idea is a nod to Mira’s Met Gala appearance, where she’s absolutely slaying in a sleeping bag that speaks for itself. But it also doubles as a reference to the Saja Boys camping outside of Huntrix’s fansign event so they can be the first ones to enter. You can do this costume solo or with a group. Just remember that only one of you gets to sit in a chair at any time while everyone else has to fend for themselves sitting on the ground. (IYKYK)

    All Gold Everything

    We’re always trying to think outside the box for our annual THPloween costumes. So, what if you dressed up as the K-Pop Demon Hunters honmoon itself? Walk with us. Imagine the shiniest, most golden costume you can find. It can be anything from a ballgown or satin dress to a jacket or poncho. Glittery lines and shimmery details are a plus! Accessorize with as much gold jewelry as you can find, and you’re well on your way to sealing the honmoon.

    What did you think of our Halloween costume ideas inspired by K-Pop Demon Hunters? Which one speaks to you the most? Let us know your thoughts on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram!

    Interested in K-Pop content? Follow along with us here!

    If you’re looking for more of our movie content, we got you!

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    Julie Dam

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  • ‘KPop Demon Hunters’ Just Can’t Stop Breaking Billboard Records

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    The shine hasn’t worn off KPop Demon Hunters or its music quite yet. According to Variety, the film’s soundtrack has hit #1 on the Billboard Top 200, and the Huntr/x song “Golden” has held at #1 in the Hot 100 for the fifth week in a row.

    As a result, it’s now the longest-running song by an animated band in charting history. That can be owed to a recently released deluxe edition that features the movie’s songs combined with sing-along, instrumental, and a cappella versions of each track. With this, Huntr/x has dethroned 1969’s “Sugar, Sugar” by the Archies and the Chipmunks’ 1958 hit “The Chipmunk Song,” which placed at #1 for four weeks each during their respective years. Its place in the Top 200 marks the first animated movie to lead since Encanto back in 2022, which it held for nine consecutive weeks.

    If that weren’t enough, three other KPop songs placed in the Top 10 for the 100 bracket. Saja Boys’ “Your Idol” and “Soda Pop” stayed in the middle at numbers 4 and 5, respectively, and Huntr/x’s “How It’s Done” went up to number 8. The two fictional bands previously went to war on the charts earlier this summer and went back and forth as to which was charting better than the other, just like in the film.

    That KPop Demon Hunters is continuing its momentum bodes well for Netflix and Sony, who are hoping to have a long-term franchise on their hands and possibly get some Oscars in the process. Until news on either breaks out, the only thing to do is keep listening to the music.

    Want more io9 news? Check out when to expect the latest Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek releases, what’s next for the DC Universe on film and TV, and everything you need to know about the future of Doctor Who.

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    Justin Carter

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