The vibrant streets of Manhattan buzzed with excitement as the KPop Demon Hunters’ Huntr/X group made their dazzling debut at the iconic Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Ejae, Audrey Nuna, and Rei Ami, the real-life voices behind the characters Rumi, Mira, and Zoey, performed their breakout hit “Golden,” bringing their animated personas to life in eye-catching outfits that captivated parade-goers and viewers alike.
The trio appeared in cozy snowsuits inspired by their characters, blending warmth with performance-ready style. Each member added their own flair to their outfits, with Ejae sporting a bright purple headband, Nuna wearing two hair-framing pieces, and Ami donning earmuffs reflecting her character’s signature hairbuns. Their choreography, complete with confetti bursts, infused a cinematic pop energy into the bustling streets of New York.
The parade also featured the debut of the massive Derpy Tiger balloon, a fan-favorite character from Netflix’s KPop Demon Hunters, towering 21 feet tall and stretching 39 feet long. Huntr/X’s performance marked a milestone for K-pop’s global influence, with “Golden” hitting No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and earning four Grammy nominations. The high-energy choreography and dynamic harmonies brought directly from the animated film mesmerized the live audience, which included enthusiastic participation from actor and comedian Ken Jeong.
The parade, streamed on NBC and Peacock, showcased headline acts such as Cynthia Erivo, Kool & the Gang, Lil Jon, and Taylor Momsen. With over 34 balloons, 28 floats, 26 performers, and 4,500 handmade costumes, this year’s parade covered a 2.5-mile route from West 77th Street to Macy’s Herald Square, drawing in thousands of cheering spectators.
Huntr/X’s debut at the parade reflects the growing impact of K-pop in American culture. From animated screens to the live holiday stage, Ejae, Audrey Nuna, and Rei Ami have seamlessly blended a classic Thanksgiving tradition with a modern celebration of music and style.
In a world where trends come and go, Huntr/X’s performance at the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade stands out as a testament to the global influence and undeniable charm of K-pop.
Peace Nero is a writer and blogger who loves to explore different topics of self-development. She shares her personal experiences in order to help people discover their true purpose in life.