‘KPop Demon Hunters’ Halloween Costumes Cause Global Craze as Parents Rush to Buy or DIY

The success of Netflix’s hit animated film ‘KPop Demon Hunters’ has led to an unexpected Halloween frenzy. Across the United States and Europe, parents are scrambling to find ‘KPop Demon Hunters’ Halloween costumes as official merchandise sells out in stores and online ahead of the October 31 celebrations.

The Wall Street Journal reported that the costume craze has reached record levels, creating shortages at major retailers. With the film’s characters like Rumi and Joy now among the most requested Halloween looks for children, demand has far surpassed supply.

Massive Demand Leaves Parents Empty-Handed

Limited-edition outfits from Netflix’s official store sold out within hours. The yellow jacket worn by Rumi, priced at nearly $90, quickly became a collector’s item. Additional costume pieces such as purple wigs and blue shorts pushed total outfit costs to over $200, prompting frustration among families preparing for Halloween.

Spirit Halloween, one of the largest costume chains in the U.S., reported two separate shipments of ‘KPop Demon Hunters’ costumes selling out instantly. A Glendale, California employee told reporters, “Parents line up early, and everything’s gone before lunch. We’ve had to redirect them to Amazon or other stores.”

Online retailers such as Amazon also saw extreme shortages, with some listings incorrectly labeled or overpriced. One mother in Pittsburgh shared that her order arrived several sizes too small. She eventually found the last remaining Joy costume locally but paid twice the normal price.

DIY Costumes on the Rise Amid Shortages

Unable to find store-bought versions, some parents have turned to crafting their own ‘KPop Demon Hunters’ Halloween costumes. In London, one mother spent days sewing and shaping costume details by hand, using clay for buttons and glue for accessories. “It’s been exhausting, but my kids love the characters,” she said.

Industry insiders blame the shortage on the film’s overwhelming global success. Originally seen as a niche project for K-pop fans, ‘KPop Demon Hunters’ became Netflix’s most-watched animated feature with over 300 million views by mid-September 2025. The film’s vibrant visuals and empowering female characters made it especially popular among young viewers.

Netflix has increased production of consumer goods, but costume manufacturing takes months of advance planning. Suppliers say production lines are often booked up to two years ahead, making last-minute expansion nearly impossible before Halloween.

Pop Culture Meets Halloween Fashion

This year’s costume rush shows how entertainment and pop culture are shaping consumer trends. Alongside classic superheroes and horror icons, ‘KPop Demon Hunters’ characters have entered the mainstream, reflecting the global influence of Korean media on Western audiences.

Experts note that the craze mirrors similar phenomena following Disney’s Frozen and Pixar’s Inside Out. Merchandising experts predict that once new shipments arrive in November, demand will remain strong for holiday gifting and future cosplay events.

With parents improvising, prices surging, and shelves emptying, 2025’s Halloween may go down as the year of the ‘KPop Demon Hunters’ costume shortage — a pop culture milestone born from Netflix’s latest global hit.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: Why are ‘KPop Demon Hunters’ costumes sold out?

High global demand and limited production have caused stock shortages. Netflix merchandise sold out faster than expected after the film’s viral success.

Q2: How much do official costumes cost?

The Rumi costume jacket costs about $89.95, with complete sets reaching over $200 due to additional accessories.

Q3: Are DIY costumes becoming popular?

Yes. Parents unable to find official versions have resorted to sewing and crafting homemade outfits using clay and fabric materials.

Q4: When did ‘KPop Demon Hunters’ break viewership records?

The film surpassed 300 million views on Netflix by mid-September 2025, becoming its most-watched animated title.

Q5: Will more costumes be available soon?

Manufacturers are ramping up production, but due to long lead times, most restocks are expected after Halloween.