Karina photographed in Seoul by Peter Ash Lee on July 25, 2026
Peter Ash Lee
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It’s late afternoon in Seoul and the air is thick with humidity as throngs of sun-soaked fans push toward the main stage at Waterbomb, the K-pop music festival that merges stripped-down artist performances with over-the-top hydrotechnics and water gun battles.
Backstage, Karina is surrounded by a team of handlers fussing about, each tasked with making sure the aespa star is ready for her solo headlining performance on stage. A hairstylist adjusts the singer’s middle part to make sure it is sitting just right, while another woman adjusts her outfit, which on this day consists of a mesh football jersey layered over a lime green bodysuit and leopard-print shorts. Representatives from Sprite, which sponsors Waterbomb and employs Karina as a brand ambassador, mill about, eager to get a product plug in during the “Up” singer’s set.
The Sprite team has hired an interpreter for Karina’s backstage interviews and she stands to the side waiting to be called into action, but the singer politely declines and insists on speaking for herself.
“I’m so excited,” the singer tells Billboard about her performance. “The energy of Waterbomb is amazing because so many people will be watching me perform, and I always feel the crowd’s love and support for me.”
Still, there’s one thing she’s nervous about: “I’m excited, but I’m afraid of getting water on my face,” Karina admits, blushing. “I have to be careful of the makeup.”
The singer’s answer seems to sum up the duality of Karina perfectly: at once carefree and cautious, eager to let loose onstage and perform for her fans, but always in total control of her vocals, choreography and — on this day — her job as a global model for Sprite.
Indeed, the singer’s Waterbomb set is peppered with Sprite shout-outs, from Karina taking a big sip of the brand’s new Sprite Zero With Tea release, to performing her songs against a giant green background. After her set, she’ll head to the Sprite side stage (in a branded green tank top) where she’ll dutifully answer pre-approved questions about her favorite drink flavor (the Sprite Zero With Tea, of course) and pose for photos under a giant blow-up can of the lemon-lime soda. The Sprite reps can take a breather. This girl always delivers.
It’s been six years since Karina burst onto the scene as the leader of aespa, the K-pop group known for their hyperpop sound and futuristic style. Since then, she’s been consistently in the limelight, fronting countless magazine covers and campaigns, while landing award nominations for everything from her singing and rapping, to brand cache. In 2024, Karina released her first solo endeavor, with the hip-hop track “Up,” taken from aespa’s digital single album, SYNK: Parallel Line. The song debuted at number 27 on the Billboard Global 200 chart in its first week — no small feat considering other artists on the chart that week included Lady Gaga, Bruno Mars, Chappell Roan, Billie Eilish and Sabrina Carpenter. “Up” has since accumulated almost 200 million streams on Spotify to date.
Waterbomb was only the singer’s “second solo stage,” as she explains, and Karina says she’s eager to showcase more of what she can do on her own, though she knows it will take time to find her individual sound apart from the group (for what it’s worth, the medley of aespa songs that she performed on stage at Waterbomb drew some of the loudest cheers of her set, and she would reunite with her group mates days later at Lollapalooza 2026).
She’s also been busy on aespa’s SYNK : COMPLæXITY trek, the group’s fourth world tour, while fulfilling her brand partnership obligations with everyone from Sprite and Prada, to Converse and Chanel. As the face of the the former’s “It’s That Fresh” campaign, Karina joins Spanish singer Omar Montes to promote Sprite’s commitment to championing music and community, while celebrating “fresh takes, street culture and authentic self-expression,” per a release. Go anywhere in Seoul and you’re bound to see billboards of the singer with a can of Sprite in hand (though she sheepishly admits that coffee is her go-to drink these days: “I can’t eat a lot before a performance, but honestly, I drink a lot of iced coffee,” she says).
Despite her busy schedule, the artist says she’s been enjoying some downtime too, catching up on books (“I’m reading ‘The Alchemist’ in Korean,” she shares), relaxing with a face mask, and keeping a notepad-style journal to record her thoughts. What kinds of things does she write down? “I write down favorite lines from my books and memories from my travels,” she says. “And I’m always writing lyrics.”
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While Karina can’t share too much about what she’s working on, she says she’s always excited to travel and tour to “see the fans.” It’s a sentiment shared by Sprite, who tapped Karina as a brand ambassador back in 2025, and calls her one of the “most culturally resonant voices in the world.”
Karina photographed in Seoul by Peter Ash Lee on July 25, 2026
Peter Ash Lee
“Sprite’s role in music has always been to serve as a platform for the freshest voices and freshest experiences,” offers Oana Vlad, VP Sprite Global Brand. “You see it through the partnerships that we have now with artists like Karina, who we’ve been partnering with for several years. I think she’s much more well-known than when we started our partnership.”
“Music has always been a core part of Sprite’s cultural DNA and one of the ways we connect with culture around the world,” Vlad adds. “We’re championing the people and communities shaping what’s next, from festival experiences to original music collaborations.”
BUY ONLINE
Sprite Zero Sugar + Tea
12-Pack
More than 2,000 people have purchased this in the last month, per Amazon.
As Vlad explains, “If I could summarize the Sprite brand for you in one sentence, we refer to it as ‘ultimate refreshment with cultural edge.’”
Why sponsor Waterbomb? “We always say that for Sprite live experiences, refreshment has to be tasted, seen, felt and heard,” she says.
Karina photographed in Seoul by Peter Ash Lee on July 25, 2026
Peter Ash Lee
Back at the festival, Karina is approaching the end of her set when she finally steps behind the massive yellow water canons on stage, which performers ranging from Kiss of Life to Shownu and Hyungwon from Monsta X have been using to soak the crowd throughout the three-day outdoor event. “Thank you Waterbomb!” Karina shouts from the stage, as she aims the super soakers towards fans who have been lapping up every second of her set.
The cameras zoom in on the K-pop superstar as she smiles and waves goodbye. Her hair is now a little wetter, yet still perfectly in place, and her outfit has held up to her energetic stage performance, which saw her dancing, jumping and even running into the crowd at one point. As Karina’s face is beamed onto the big screen, you can’t help but feel caught up in the same excitement she had gushed about just before she stepped foot on that stage.
Karina photographed in Seoul by Peter Ash Lee on July 25, 2026
Peter Ash Lee
And there’s one more thing you notice.
With the sun beginning to set, sweaty fans raucously chanting her name, and droplets of water still hanging in the air, the singer is literally glowing. And her makeup is perfectly in place.
All products and services featured are independently chosen by editors. However, Billboard may receive a commission on orders placed through its retail links, and the retailer may receive certain auditable data for accounting purposes.
KPop Demon Hunters fans can add a collectible figurine to their everyday gear with this officially licensed backpack charm release. The collectibles come in a mysterious blind bag, which each contain one of nine sculpted character figures with a distinct pose and expression.
Each statuette includes a metal clip, so it can be attached to a backpack for school, a lunch bag, zipper pull, a set of keys or a purse. The clip-on feature makes it an easy way to personalize school gear, especially alongside the franchise’s growing lineup of back-to-school merch, including backpacks, kids Vans sneakers and water bottles. Of course it’s great for all ages, with adult Demon Hunters fans clipping these colorful charms onto their bags and totes.
BLIND BAG
‘KPop Demon Hunters’ Clip-On Backpack Charm Blind Bag
100+ Bought This Month
Each figure is fully sculpted in 3D and measures just under three inches in size.
The blind bag format means the character you get is completely random, with nine designs available to collect, including HUNTR/X’s Rumi, Mira and Zoey, and Saja Boys Jinu, Abby, Mystery, Romance and Baby. The clumsy but beloved Blue Tiger Derpy is also one of the characters thrown into the mix.
Each character has their own distinct features, outfits and hairstyles, and Rumi, Mira and Zoey are even carrying their iconic swords. Designed for ages four and up, the blind bag also comes with stickers and an anime-style door hanger.
The product is part of the official KPop Demon Hunters merchandise line that’s come out of the widely successful film, with new releases including everything from Mattel dolls and phone huggers to books and Little People Collector Sets.
The success of KPop Demon Hunters has extended well beyond merchandise. Netflix says the film has surpassed 600 million views, making it the streamer’s most popular original title, while “Golden” won Best Original Song at the 2026 Oscars. That momentum led Netflix and AEG Presents to announce the K-pop Demon Hunters world concert tour for 2027. Cities, dates and ticket on-sale details have yet to be announced.
Frozen 3 is officially underway, and excitement is already snowballing over the franchise’s new music.
The third installment of Disney’s blockbuster franchise was announced Friday (Aug. 14) at D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event in Anaheim, California, where stars Kristen Bell, Idina Menzel and Josh Gad reunited onstage to tease new music ahead of the animated film’s 2027 theatrical release.
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Bell and Menzel, who voice sisters Anna and Elsa, respectively, took the stage at Honda Center to belt out a rendition of “Frozen Heart,” while Gad performed a new Olaf love song called “Ooooh, Samantha.”
The trio also offered a sneak peek at the story for Frozen 3. Bell revealed that Anna will finally marry her “mountain man” Kristoff (voiced by Jonathan Groff), while Menzel teased that “love is in the air for everyone.” Bell then playfully asked, “Everyone? Even Olaf?”
Gad noted that his snowman character’s love story is like “one snowflake in a blizzard of other snowflakes,” while Menzel said that their characters will be “far from Arendelle” and facing a threat “more wild and dangerous than anything else” they’ve encountered so far.
Disney also revealed that Oscar-winning songwriting duo Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez will return to write new music for Frozen 3. Jennifer Lee and Trent Correy will direct the film, which is set to hit theaters on Nov. 24, 2027.
The first two Frozen films have been major box-office hits. The 2013 original grossed $1.28 billion worldwide, while 2019’s Frozen II topped it with $1.45 billion, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
The original Frozen soundtrack also became a major chart success, reaching No. 1 on the Billboard 200 in 2014 and spending 13 weeks atop the chart that year.
The film’s signature anthem, “Let It Go,” performed by Menzel as Elsa, spent 33 weeks on the Billboard Hot 100, peaking at No. 5 for five weeks. The song won the Oscar for best original song and the Grammy for best song written for visual media.
The Frozen II soundtrack likewise reached No. 1 on the Billboard 200 in 2019.
All products and services featured are independently chosen by editors. However, Billboard may receive a commission on orders placed through its retail links, and the retailer may receive certain auditable data for accounting purposes.
The UFC is headed to the “City of Brotherly Love” for UFC 330. Two top fighters will face off in the main event, as Russian Islam Makhachev (28-1-0) defends his welterweight title against Irish fighter Ian Machado Garry (17-1-0) on Saturday (Aug. 15).
UFC 330 takes place at Xfinity Mobile Arena in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, with a start time of 5:30 p.m. ET/2:30 p.m. PT. The main card begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT, with the main event starting around 11:30 p.m. ET/8:30 p.m. PT.
What Is Makhachev’s and Machado Garry’s Walkout Music for UFC 330?
Although the UFC has yet to announce each fighter’s walkout songs for UFC 330, both usually go out to the octagon to the same songs during their matches. Makhachev has walked out to “Dreams” by DJ Nariman, while Ian Machado Garry prefers to walk out to “Layla” by Derek and the Dominos.
How to Watch UFC 330 Live Online
Every UFC event is available to livestream on Paramount+ for subscribers for free. There’s no more pay-per-view fees to watch UFC events. You just need a subscription to Paramount+.
The Paramount+ Essential Plan, which gives you access to tons of TV shows and movies with limited commercials, increased a dollar to $8.99 per month (or $89.99 per year). The ad-free plan got a small price bump as well to $12.99 per month (or $129.99 per year), but it now includes Showtime, along with everything in the Essential Plan and access to your local CBS station.
After the free trial ends, your plan will automatically renew at the regular rate, but you can cancel any time.
Although it doesn’t offer a free trial anymore, you can get access to Paramount+ for just $1 if you sign up for Walmart+. The retailer’s rewards program offers access to Paramount+ at no extra cost, while Walmart+ also offers a 30-day trial to take the service out for a test drive.
Shoppers can receive access to Paramount+ included with any Walmart+ subscription, the retail giant announced last September. A Walmart+ subscription is $98 for the annual plan (about $8.17 per month) after the 30-day trial.
Including a five-day free trial, the streaming service DirecTV comes with free access to Paramount+ with its “Premier” package, which goes for $129.99 for the first month of service ($169.99 per month afterward). It features more than 185 channels, as well as access to ESPN Unlimited, HBO Max, Disney+, Hulu and other streaming services, unlimited DVR storage and the ability to stream on three devices simultaneously. Once the five days are up you’ll be charged the subscription price based on what package you choose at checkout.
Main Card, 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT — Paramount+
- Welterweight: Islam Makhachev (champion) vs. Ian Machado Garry — Main Event, Title Fight
- Women’s Strawweight: Mackenzie Dern (champion) vs. Gillian Robertson — Co-Main Event, Title Fight
- Middleweight: Mansur Abdul-Malik vs. Dustin Stoltzfus
- Lightweight: Edson Barboza vs. Esteban Ribovics
Prelims, 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT — Paramount+
- Welterweight: Chidi Njokuani vs. Joel Álvarez
- Lightweight: Jalin Turner vs. Kauê Fernandes
- Middleweight: Donte Johnson vs. Eric McConico
- Middleweight: Vicente Luque vs. Tresean Gore
Early Prelims, 5:30 p.m. ET/2:30 p.m. PT — Paramount+
- Light Heavyweight: Rafael Tobias vs. Lucas Fernando
- Welterweight: Neil Magny vs. Ramiz Brahimaj
- Welterweight: Jeremiah Wells vs. Myktybek Orolbai
KATSEYE are just about to unleash their new album Wild on Friday, but first, the global girl group dropped by The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon on Wednesday (Aug. 12) to make their late-night performance debut — and Billboard was inside Studio 6B for their latest visit.
We were also in the building when KATSEYE visited Fallon for their first sit-down back in February, but this time, they took the stage for the television performance debut of their latest single “Animal,” the Ed Sheeran-co-written hit that debuted in the top 10 of the Billboard Global 200. “The spirit of Ed is alive in ‘Animal,’” Lara said during Wednesday’s chat.
Of course, when KATSEYE first visited the late-night show earlier this year, it was as a six-piece group; but since that first appearance, two members — Manon in February and Sophia just last week — have taken hiatuses from group activities to focus on their mental health. The remaining quartet (Lara, Daniela, Yoonchae and Megan) expressed their love for their groupmates when Fallon asked about the absent members, with Lara adding that they were grateful to their EYEKONS fanbase who “continue to support us” amid the shifting lineup.
Even before their interview and performance, KATSEYE popped up during Fallon’s monologue to fill in for various members of the Tonight Show crew: Yoonchae took Black Thought’s spot with house band The Roots; Megan was in announcer Steve Higgins’ place at his podium; Lara stepped in for cameraman Hank; and lastly Daniela took Jimmy’s place at center stage to close out the bit.
Also on Wednesday’s show: Matthew McConaughey is the night’s other guest, and he even pops out do a bluegrass cover of Ella Langley’s “Choosin’ Texas,” the massive 17-week Billboard Hot 100 No. 1 smash, with Fallon joining in on harmonies and struming a washboard.
Tune in to catch KATSEYE on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon at 11:35 p.m. ET/PT tonight on NBC and streaming next day on Peacock.
All products and services featured are independently chosen by editors. However, Billboard may receive a commission on orders placed through its retail links, and the retailer may receive certain auditable data for accounting purposes.
The Camp Rock comeback is finally here, and anticipation is building for the franchise’s long-awaited return. Camp Rock 3 reunites Joe Jonas, Nick Jonas and Kevin Jonas as Shane, Nate and Jason, bringing Connect 3 back to the screen and giving patient, longtime fans what they deserve.
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The brothers are joined by a younger cast led by Liamani Segura as Sage and Malachi Barton as Fletch, who are ready to carry the torch in the next installment. Only one song, “One Beat Away,” has been released ahead of the movie premiere, with a 17-song album available once the film is out.
Executive producer Demi Lovato is also returning as Mitchie Torres for a cameo, making the reunion even more meaningful. She joined the Jonas Brothers at the Los Angeles premiere, where she posed with Joe Jonas on the red carpet.
For die-hard fans, the movie premieres on the Disney Channel on Thursday (Aug. 13) before arriving on Disney+ the following day.
At a Glance: Where to Watch ‘Camp Rock 3‘ Online
- Date: Broadcasts on Thursday, Aug. 13; Streams on Friday, Aug. 14
- Start Time: 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT
- Streaming Platform: DirecTV, Sling TV, Hulu + Live TV, Disney+
How To Watch ‘Camp Rock 3’ Online
If you don’t have access to Disney Channel via a traditional cable or satellite TV, you can watch on streaming platforms that carry the channel, like DirecTV, Sling TV and others.
Watch Camp Rock 3 on DirecTV. The platform’s entry-level plan is the “Entertainment” package, which features more than 90 live channels, including Disney Channel, as well as Hulu and Disney+ bundle (with ads) and ESPN Unlimited. The streaming platform is offering $30 off for the first month for $59.99 for the first month and $89.99 per month afterward. The plan includes over 150 MyFree DirectTV channels.
You can watch Camp Rock 3 via Sling TV. The platform’s Sling Orange plan includes access to 30 live channels, including Disney Channel, ESPN and Freeform. Prices start at $45.99 monthly, or you can purchase a three-month prepay price of $114.99, then $45.99 monthly. Customers can even add HBO Max, Paramount+ with SHOWTIME and STARZ to their plan too. As long as you have a internet connection, Sling TV can be watched anywhere in the U.S.
If you don’t have a Hulu + Live TV subscription, the streamer offers a free trial that’ll get you your first three days free to access Disney Channel. Once the free trial is over, you’ll be charged the regular subscription fee, which starts at $89.99 per month. For even more content, Hulu + Live TV bundles with Hulu, Disney+ and ESPN Unlimited at no extra cost to watch even more exclusive and original sporting events and programming.
Camp Rock 3 appears on Disney+ from Friday (Aug. 14) onward. The streaming platform offers several plans for customers wanting more than just Disney content. Plans start at $11.99 per month for the Disney+ and Hulu Bundle, which includes Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, Nat Geo, Hulu Originals and FX. Customers can choose the six-month pay plan upfront.
On the higher end, customers can opt for the Disney+, Hulu, ESPN Unlimited Bundle Premium for $44.99 per month, which includes all of ESPN’s networks, option to download videos and other features.
Camp Rock 3 picks up the franchise 18 years after Camp Rock debuted in 2008 and 16 years after Camp Rock 2: The Final Jam in 2010. The long-awaited sequel comes after years of fans revisiting the originals and wondering if the story would ever continue. Now, the wait is just about over.
All products and services featured are independently chosen by editors. However, Billboard may receive a commission on orders placed through its retail links, and the retailer may receive certain auditable data for accounting purposes.
With the release of his latest album Monica back in March and currently on tour throughout North America, Jack Harlow is having a bit of a moment in music in 2026.
Whether you’ve been there from the very beginning or you just discovered the rapper’s music, Shop Billboard has rounded up the best Jack Harlow merch and apparel to show off your love and affection. In fact, Harlow has an official store on Amazon that features T-shirts, hoodies, polos, beanies (if you ever wanted to rock his iconic hats) and other items. There is even a stylish monogram claw clip going for just $20 each.
Scroll down and shop the best Jack Harlow merch and apparel you can buy on Amazon.
AMAZON STOREFRONT
‘Monica’ Hooded Scarf
Jack Harlow
8% Wool, 21% Nylon, 70% Polyester, 1% Spandex
If you’re an Amazon Prime member, you can order now and any one of these merch and apparel items will be delivered to your home in less than two days, thanks to Prime Delivery.
Not a member? Sign up for a 30-day free trial to take advantage of all that Amazon Prime has to offer, including access to Amazon Music for online music streaming, Prime Video, Prime Reading, Prime Gaming and other digital services; fast and free shipping in less than two days with Prime Delivery; in-store discounts at Whole Foods Market; access to exclusive shopping events — such as Black Friday in November — and other fantastic perks. Learn more about Amazon Prime and its benefits here.
Additionally, Harlow is currently on tour across the United States and Canada throughout August and September, before he heads to the United Kingdom for the fall season during the month of October. In the meantime, shop more Jack Harlow’s merch and apparel on Amazon below.
Want more? For more product recommendations, check out our roundups of the best Xbox deals, studio headphones and Nintendo Switch accessories.
All products and services featured are independently chosen by editors. However, Billboard may receive a commission on orders placed through its retail links, and the retailer may receive certain auditable data for accounting purposes.
Karina is stepping into some stylish new Converse. The K-pop star is currently touring with fellow aespa members, having kicked off the SYNK : COMPLæXITY world tour on August 7, 2026, in Seoul. But despite Karina’s busy schedule — she also performed at Lollapalooza on Aug. 2 — the band’s lead singer had time to squeeze in a collab with Converse by modeling their Run Star Crush and the Chuck 70 X.
The Run Star Crush turns the familiar Chuck Taylor All-Stars into something more playful, with exaggerated proportions, a curved platform and a lightweight build that gives everyday outfits a noticeable lift. The shoes are for anyone who thinks classic sneakers could use a little more attitude.
PLATFORM SNEAKERS
Converse Run Star Crush Black
New Release
Sizes run from men’s 3 to 13 and women’s 4.5 to 14.5
The Run Star Crush in black makes a strong case for giving classic sneakers a little more height. Its durable canvas upper keeps the familiar Chuck look, while a molded foam midsole and separated rubber outsole create lightweight lift and a unique design.
WORN BY KARINA
Converse Run Star Crush Egret
Selling Fast
Comes with with removable OrthoLite insole.
The Run Star Crush in egret is the counterpart of the black version above. Available in sizes 3-13 for men and 4.5 to 14 for women, fit experts say these shoes run a tad on the large side, and recommend getting a half-size smaller than usual.
Karina has also modeled the Chuck 70 X, which keeps the recognizable shape of the original Chuck while giving it a sharper, more modern finish. The upgraded footwear features dual-star accents on the rubber bumper and top eyelets, an updated leather patch logo, subtly aged toe cap and foxing, plus a tongue stabilizer designed for comfort and everyday wear. The collection comes in a variety of colors in both high and low tops. The Chuck 70 X is available now in China and Korea, with a global launch on August 27.
Converse
aespa will embark on their North American leg of the SYNK : COMPLæXITY world tour in September. Find tour tickets online here.
All products and services featured are independently chosen by editors. However, Billboard may receive a commission on orders placed through its retail links, and the retailer may receive certain auditable data for accounting purposes.
Beats has long been a leader in the audio game, with their wireless headphones and earbuds consistently topping bestsellers lists and worn by some of the biggest celebrities and musicians in the industry.
But Beats products used to cost a pretty penny, running you into the hundreds of dollars for a brand new pair of buds. Fortunately, that’s no longer the case, as the latest Amazon deal discounts the popular Beats Solo Buds down to an all-new low price of just $69.
These earbuds used to be over $100 and were re-priced at $79.99 at the beginning of the year. Now you can an additional $10 off, making it the cheapest price we’re seeing for a pair of brand new Beats.
BEST DEAL ONLINE
Beats Solo Buds Wireless Bluetooth Earbuds
Amazon says more than 2,000 shoppers have picked up these Beats earbuds in the last month alone. What’s more: the same earbuds deal sold out at Walmart, so Amazon is the best place to score the discounted price.
The Beats Solo Buds are wireless earbuds that boast the brand’s premium audio quality with big range, clarity and crispness. Music is loud and punchy and you can further customize your settings with the Beats App. These earbuds work with both Apple and Android devices.
Battery life is super strong, with up to 18 hours with the included charging case. In a rush? A quick five-minute charge gets you up to one hour of playtime. The case itself is the smallest charging case Beats has ever made, and slides easily into your pockets or bag.
The earbuds fit comfortably in your ears and this deal includes four different eartip sizes so you can find the best fit. We love how lightweight they feel and they’ve been great for workouts and runs too. Beats says its specially-designed “laser-cut vents” help to “improve audio performance while relieving pressure for added comfort.”
Everything pairs easily over Bluetooth, with fewer drop outs, whether you’re listening to a playlist or taking a call.
Regularly $79.99, get the Beats Studio Buds Wireless Earbuds on sale for just $69 on Amazon. This deal is moving fast, so we recommend adding to cart before the sale ends or quantities run out. Choose from four colors on sale. See full details here.
From must-have electronics to dorm room deals, you can shop more Back to School savings on Amazon.com.
All products and services featured are independently chosen by editors. However, Billboard may receive a commission on orders placed through its retail links, and the retailer may receive certain auditable data for accounting purposes.
Millions of viewers around the world have fallen in love with KPop Demon Hunters, with the Oscar-winning film now ranking as Netflix’s most-watched original movie of all time.
But if you’re like me, you’ve also fallen asleep to the film, with the moody scenes and haunting soundtrack (occasionally) serving as an ideal backdrop to doze off too. I’ve seen the movie so many times, the songs are almost like meditation for me.
Now, there’s another way to fall asleep with the film, as Walmart is selling a weighted “pillow buddy” inspired by the supernatural tiger, Derpy.
CALMING EFFECTS
KPop Demon Hunters Derpy Weighted Pillow Buddy
Similar to a weighted blanket or weighted heating pad, this plush toy is stuffed with beans to help it sit upright and also provide gentle pressure against your chest or body.
Walmart doesn’t give the exact specs for this new release, but in my experience, similar weighted stuffed animals typically weigh less than two pounds, so you’re not in danger of being smushed or crushed. Instead, it’s like a gentle hug that can often help with anxiety, restlessness or insomnia. The feeling of having the cuddly 18-inch Derpy toy against the body “provides a comforting, cozy feel,” per a product description.
This stuffed toy is made from a soft “velboa” material, which mimics the look and feel of velvet. The colorful plushie features Derpy’s expressive eyes, toothy grin and leopard-style spots and stripes. While he follows owner Jinu around in the film, this version of the blue tiger can now be your companion at home.
PLUSH PILLOW
KPop Demon Hunters Sleeping Derpy Tiger
Looking for another Derpy pillow option? More than 1,000 shoppers have picked up this “Sleeping Derpy” pillow in the last month alone, per Amazon.
This plush toy features the tiger in his sleeping pose, which may inspire you to fall asleep as well. This plushie isn’t weighted, but at 18 inches, it’s perfectly sized for a snuggle. Both of the Derpy pillows are part of Netflix’s official KPop Demon Hunters merch line.
The stuffed animals come on the heels of other KPop Demon Hunters toy releases in recent months, including an official Squishmallows collection and official HUNTR/X Mattel dolls.
SET OF TWO
GISEO Cartoon Pillow Covers
You can also pick up this fan-made pillow cover set, which features two versions of the HUNTR/X trio posing in their performance outfits.
Sized for your couch, chair or bed, the Amazon deal gets you two 18 x 18-inch pillow covers inspired by KPop Demon Hunters. Keep in mind: you’ll need to buy the actual pillows separately (we like this top-rated throw pillow here).
You can shop for more KPop Demon Hunters bedroom accessories, like blankets and bedding, here.
ALSO AVAILABLE
Toy Story Buzz Lightyear Weighted Pillow Buddy
Walmart, meantime, sells other weighted toys, like this Buzz Lightyear plushie, which measures 23 inches in size (just under two feet).
A bestseller online, shoppers give the weighted plush an average 4.9-star review out of five, with reviewers praising everything from the toy’s “sensory soothing” abilities, to the fact that you can toss it in the washing machine and dryer.