The KPop Demon Hunters Series Balloons to Take Center Stage at the Iconic Thanksgiving Parade

As Thanksgiving approaches, the selection of giant inflatables for the 99th annual Thanksgiving parade in New York City has been revealed. Fans of the popular animated series KPop Demon Hunters have something exciting to look forward to, as fan-favorite mascots Derpy Tiger and Sussie are set to appear as giant balloons.

The parade takes place each year in the heart of New York, showcasing a diverse array of inflatable figures from different corners of pop culture. Previous appearances have included everything from SpongeBob SquarePants and Scooby-Doo to anime favorites like Dragon Ball and One Piece.

Meet the Mascots: Derpy Tiger and Sussie

These two adorable animal mascots appear throughout the hit animated show KPop Demon Hunters. Within the series' plot, Huntr/x is a popular musical act by day and a squad of supernatural hunters by night, harnessing their musical power to repair the Honmoon and shield humanity from demonic threats. Much like Huntr/x and the Saja Boys, these mascots have won the hearts of fans worldwide and are sure to be a memorable highlight for audiences of all ages during the parade.

An Incredible Year for KPop Demon Hunters

It's no exaggeration to say that 2025 has been the year of KPop Demon Hunters. This animated feature from Sony has risen to number one as the top-viewed movie on the streaming platform, received five nominations at the Grammys, and the vocal talents behind Huntr/x—Rumi, Mira, and Zoey's voice actors—recently performed on a major late-night show, presenting a breathtaking spectacular act.

Adding to the excitement, Ejae, Audrey Nuna, and Rei Ami are also scheduled to make an appearance during the Thanksgiving Day festivities. Audiences can look forward to a show-stopping musical number from the group.

What's Next for the Franchise?

A new feature film, KPop Demon Hunters 2, is reportedly in development, with a expected debut in the year 2029. While it's a long wait, the widespread love for the original film suggests that audiences are eager for a sequel that lives up to the first installment. For now, everyone can look forward to the incredible inflatable versions of Derpy Tiger and Sussie at the holiday parade.

Don't miss the full gallery of images below to see the balloons up close!
Theodore Tate
Theodore Tate

Elara Vance is a seasoned luxury goods analyst with over a decade of experience evaluating high-end products and lifestyle trends across Europe.