Zoey in KPop Demon Hunters is the youngest member of HUNTR/X, the fictional K-pop girl group at the centre of Netflix’s Oscar-winning animated film, where she’s the group’s lead rapper and fights demons with twin blades called shinkal. She’s voiced by American actress Ji-young Yoo, with singer Rei Ami providing her vocals in the English version. This guide covers who Zoey is, how she compares to bandmate Mira, the background on the film itself, and where UK families can buy the growing range of KPop Demon Hunters toys.
Who Is Zoey in KPop Demon Hunters?
Zoey (조이 in Korean) is the tritagonist of KPop Demon Hunters, the 2025 Netflix film produced by Sony Pictures Animation. She’s Korean by heritage but grew up in Burbank, California, and serves as HUNTR/X’s maknae, the group’s youngest member, known for her playful energy and sharp humour.
As a demon hunter, she fights alongside bandmates Rumi and Mira, using a pair of throwing knives called shinkal, a weapon style rooted in Korean shamanic tradition. Fans and cast alike point to her as the group’s comic relief, though she’s just as capable in a fight as the other two.
Zoey‘s look and personality were shaped partly by her voice actress, Ji-young Yoo, who described bringing the character’s near-constant energy to the recording booth as genuinely tiring work, according to comments she gave Entertainment Weekly.
Within the group, Zoey also acts as the main lyricist, a detail that plays into several of the film’s plot points around HUNTR/X’s songwriting process. Character designers gave her a rounder, more youthful silhouette than Rumi or Mira, reinforcing her role as the group’s baby of the family without making her any less central to the fight scenes.
Fan response to Zoey has focused heavily on her comic timing and her fashion, with cosplay of her stage outfits a regular sight at UK anime and gaming conventions since the film’s release. Her popularity has also fed directly into merchandise demand, since toy and collectible ranges tend to prioritise whichever characters fans search for and cosplay most.
Zoey’s Voice Actors: Speaking and Singing
Two performers bring Zoey to life in the English-language version. Ji-young Yoo, previously seen in Prime Video’s Expats and the horror film Until Dawn, voices her spoken dialogue.
Singer Rei Ami handles Zoey’s vocals across the soundtrack, including the hit single “Golden”, which topped the Billboard Hot 100 according to Billboard’s charts. In the Korean dub, Zoey is voiced by Kim Yea-lim.
Mira in KPop Demon Hunters: How She Compares to Zoey
Mira, the other half of HUNTR/X’s supporting duo, is the group’s lead dancer and choreographer, a contrast to Zoey’s role as rapper and self-described maknae energy. Where Zoey throws knives, Mira in KPop Demon Hunters fights with a curved polearm called a gok-do, a weapon inspired by traditional Korean bladed weaponry.
Mira is voiced by model and actress May Hong, with singer Audrey Nuna performing her vocals (aside from one track voiced by members of the K-pop group TWICE). Hong told Entertainment Weekly that she related to Mira’s mix of toughness and vulnerability, having felt similarly perceived by people around her.
Character-wise, Mira is written as the group’s “black sheep”, a rebellious personality shaped by early friction with her family before she was scouted and trained by mentor Celine. That backstory gives her a sharper, more guarded edge than Zoey’s openness, even though the two share a close friendship and several comic scenes together.
The Film Behind the Characters
KPop Demon Hunters follows HUNTR/X, a K-pop girl group who secretly protect humanity from demons using the power generated by their fans, a barrier called the Honmoon. Their rivals, a boy band called the Saja Boys, turn out to be demons sent to steal that fan energy for the demon king, Gwi-Ma.
Directed by Maggie Kang and Chris Appelhans, the film launched on Netflix and in UK cinemas on 20 June 2025. It went on to become Netflix’s most-watched original film ever, passing 500 million views by March 2026, according to Netflix’s own Tudum newsroom.
At the 98th Academy Awards on 15 March 2026, the film won Best Animated Feature and Best Original Song for “Golden”, beating rivals including Zootopia 2 and Elio. A sequel, currently untitled beyond working reports, was confirmed by Netflix and Sony on 12 March 2026, with Kang and Appelhans returning to write and direct, though it isn’t expected before 2029.
Is KPop Demon Hunters Suitable for Kids?
The BBFC has classified KPop Demon Hunters PG for UK cinema and streaming release, citing mild fantasy violence, injury detail and scary scenes. That’s the same certificate the film carries in US cinemas, where the MPA cited action and violence, scary images, and some suggestive material.
In practice, most reviewers suggest it suits children from around 7 or 8 upwards, with parental co-viewing recommended for anyone younger given the demon imagery and a few emotionally heavy scenes involving guilt and family conflict. Younger children sensitive to jump scares or monster designs may find some sequences intense, even though the tone stays largely upbeat and comedic.
KPop Demon Hunters Toys: What’s Available in the UK
KPop Demon Hunters toys have expanded fast since Mattel became the global toy licensee in October 2025. In the UK, Smyths Toys Superstores stocks the widest in-store range, with around 40 KPop Demon Hunters products currently listed and prices running from about £4.99 for small collectibles up to £34.99 for larger playsets, according to Smyths’ own website.
Here’s a rundown of what’s out there:
- Mini doll and keychain packs: smaller figures of Rumi, Zoey, Mira, Jinu and other characters, similar to Mattel’s US “For the Fans” and “Hello Friend” assortments
- Fashion doll sets showing the trio in their final-performance outfits, sold through Mattel Creations on a preorder basis
- Nerf toys modelled on the group’s weapons, including Zoey’s blades and Mira’s curved sword, plus light-up electronic light sticks
- Board and card games, including a KPop Demon Hunters edition of Monopoly and a Monopoly Deal card game from Hasbro
- Small-scale collectibles such as Little People figures and Furby Furblets based on characters including Derpy the tiger
Availability shifts often, and some ranges, particularly the American Girl-branded 18-inch dolls, have launched in the US first with UK stock arriving later or via preorder only. It’s worth checking Smyths, Amazon UK or Mattel Creations UK directly for current stock and prices before you commit to a purchase.
Secondhand and import listings on sites like eBay fill some of the gap for US-only items, though shipping costs and import charges can push the final price well above what you’d pay for a UK-stocked equivalent. For anyone buying as a gift, sticking to UK retailers avoids the risk of customs delays around Christmas or birthdays, even if the range on offer is currently smaller than in the US.
FAQS
Who plays Zoey in KPop Demon Hunters?
Ji-young Yoo voices Zoey’s spoken dialogue, while singer Rei Ami performs her vocals on the soundtrack. Kim Yea-lim voices the character in the Korean-language dub.
What weapon does Zoey use in KPop Demon Hunters?
Zoey fights demons with a pair of throwing knives called shinkal, a weapon style drawn from Korean shamanic tradition. It matches her quick, agile fighting style compared to her bandmates’ larger weapons.
Who is Mira in KPop Demon Hunters?
Mira is HUNTR/X’s lead dancer and choreographer, fighting with a curved Korean polearm called a gok-do. She’s voiced by May Hong, with singer Audrey Nuna providing her vocals.
Is KPop Demon Hunters appropriate for young children?
The BBFC rates it PG for mild fantasy violence, injury detail and scary scenes, and most reviewers suggest it suits children from around 7 or 8 upwards. Parental co-viewing is generally recommended for younger or more sensitive children.
Where can I buy KPop Demon Hunters toys in the UK?
Smyths Toys Superstores carries the widest UK range in store and online, with Amazon UK and Mattel Creations UK also stocking figures, dolls and games. Prices currently run from around £4.99 to £34.99 depending on the item.
Is there a KPop Demon Hunters sequel?
Yes. Netflix and Sony confirmed a sequel on 12 March 2026, with original directors Maggie Kang and Chris Appelhans returning, though it isn’t expected to arrive before 2029.
How many views does KPop Demon Hunters have on Netflix?
The film passed 500 million views by March 2026, making it Netflix’s most-watched original film to date, according to Netflix’s Tudum newsroom.
Did KPop Demon Hunters win any awards?
Yes. It won Best Animated Feature and Best Original Song for “Golden” at the 98th Academy Awards on 15 March 2026, alongside wins at the Golden Globes, Critics’ Choice Awards and Annie Awards.
