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K-Pop idol groups today extend far beyond music releases and performances. Many artists now build full-fledged character universes—ranging from member-inspired illustrations to narrative-driven mascots—that fans interact with daily. 

©BT21 ©MINI TEEN

BTS’s BT21 and SEVENTEEN’s Miniteen are prime examples of how character branding has become an essential part of fandom culture.

These characters are more than just “cute merch.” They allow fans to express affection in subtle, everyday ways—through keyrings on a bag, plushies on a desk, or beauty products with character motifs. As this trend evolves, collaborations across beauty, fashion, and animation have grown rapidly, expanding the reach of K-Pop character culture.

©NCTWISH

In some cases, character lines are no longer limited to member likenesses. NCT WISH, for instance, offers both member-based characters and symbolic ones—like Woosumunjisae and Green Star—which draw from the group’s broader themes and aesthetics. This kind of multi-layered character worldbuilding shows how global fans engage with K-Pop in increasingly diverse ways.

With this expanding landscape, two recent collaborations stand out: SKZOO × Zootopia 2 and RIIZE × UIQ. Both highlight how K-Pop character culture continues to grow and connect with wider industries.

SKZOO × Zootopia 2

©realstraykids ©Instargram

The collaboration between Stray Kids’ beloved characters SKZOO and Disney’s Zootopia 2 has already sparked excitement among fans worldwide.

Pop-up Store Details

A special pop-up store will run from November 25 to December 7, 2025, at +LECT Seongsu in Seoul.
Hours are Monday–Thursday 11:00–20:00, and Friday–Sunday 10:00–20:00.

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Collaboration Merch

Visitors can explore a range of SKZOO × Zootopia collaboration goods, including plush dolls, coin pouches, shoulder plushies, and secret glitter badges. The space also features a photo zone designed to recreate the world of Zootopia 2, turning the visit into an immersive experience.

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SKZOO Cameos in the Film

One of the most exciting points is that SKZOO characters are set to appear in Zootopia 2 as fun easter eggs.

This goes beyond typical merch collaborations—fans will literally get to spot their favorite characters inside a major animated film, creating a sense of discovery and connection.