BTS’ V Sparks Global Craze for Hirono Doll as the beloved K-pop idol ignites a worldwide frenzy for the Chinese collectible, turning a niche designer toy into an overnight sensation. On October 4, 2025, Kim Taehyung, globally recognized as V from the world’s biggest boy band, departed from Incheon International Airport for Paris Fashion Week, carrying a brown Celine bag adorned with the now-famous Hirono Living Wild – Fight For Joy plush doll. Within hours of his airport appearance, the adorable bear-suited character transformed from a limited-edition art toy to a must-have global phenomenon, sparking comparisons to the legendary Labubu doll craze.
The Hirono Doll: From Airport Accessory to Viral Sensation
The Hirono Living Wild – Fight For Joy plush doll, standing at 6.3 inches tall, represents the collaborative genius of Chinese artist Lang and Pop Mart, the same company behind the wildly successful Labubu series. This particular collectible showcases the Hirono character dressed in a distinctive brown suede bear costume, complete with dungarees and a symbolic torch in hand, embodying themes of courage, hope, and emotional resilience.
Key Features of the Hirono Doll
- Design Elements: Brown suede bear costume with dungarees and torch accessory
- Symbolism: Represents courage when confronting emotions and fighting for joy
- Size: 16cm (6.3 inches) in height with poseable arms
- Materials: High-quality polyester, PVC, and ABS construction
- Brand: Pop Mart collaboration with artist Lang
- Target Age: Not suitable for persons under 15 years
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The V Effect: Instant Global Sellout Success
BTS’ V Sparks Global Craze for Hirono Doll phenomenon unfolded with unprecedented speed across multiple markets. According to social media tracking accounts, the doll achieved remarkable sales figures within hours of V’s airport appearance. In China’s official Pop Mart store, over 500 units sold within 24 hours, while the United States market saw more than 400 units purchased in just 12 hours.
Global Market Impact
The Hirono doll’s success transcended geographical boundaries, selling out across key markets:
- South Korea: Naver Pop Mart shop crashed due to overwhelming demand
- Japan: Amazon Japan sold out within hours
- China: Over 500 units purchased in 24 hours
- United Kingdom: Pop Mart UK store completely sold out
- United States: 400+ units sold in 12 hours
Celebrity Influence on Designer Toy Culture
The phenomenon of BTS’ V Sparks Global Craze for Hirono Doll reflects a broader trend of celebrity influence on collectible culture. Industry experts note striking parallels to the Labubu doll explosion, which gained massive traction after being spotted with various celebrities including Blackpink’s Lisa, Lizzo, and Rihanna.
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The Psychology Behind Celebrity-Driven Trends
Dr. Sarah Chen, a cultural anthropologist specializing in consumer behavior, explains, “When beloved celebrities like V carry personal accessories, fans seek to emulate that connection. The Hirono doll represents more than a collectible—it’s a tangible link to the idol’s aesthetic choices and personality.”
Pop culture analyst Marcus Rodriguez adds, “V’s influence in fashion and lifestyle extends far beyond music. His ability to transform niche items into global phenomena demonstrates the power of authentic celebrity endorsement in the digital age.”
Comparing Hirono to the Labubu Phenomenon
The rise of BTS’ V Sparks Global Craze for Hirono Doll draws inevitable comparisons to the Labubu sensation that dominated 2024-2025. Both designer toys share several characteristics that contributed to their viral success:
Similarities Between the Trends
- Pop Mart Brand: Both characters originate from the same collectible company known for limited releases
- Celebrity Endorsement: K-pop idols played crucial roles in popularizing both dolls
- Social Media Amplification: Fan-driven content across platforms accelerated global awareness
- Scarcity Marketing: Limited availability created urgency and exclusivity appeal
- Aesthetic Appeal: Both dolls combine cute and quirky design elements that photograph well for social media
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Key Differences
While Labubu features a mischievous, elf-like character with sharp teeth and goblin-like features, the Hirono doll presents a softer, more inspirational aesthetic. The “Fight For Joy” edition specifically emphasizes emotional resilience and courage, aligning with themes that resonate strongly with V’s artistic persona and BTS’ positive messaging.
The Fashion Week Connection
V’s appearance at Paris Fashion Week as Celine’s global ambassador provided the perfect backdrop for the Hirono doll’s debut on the international stage. Fashion industry insiders noted how the brown suede doll complemented his sophisticated travel ensemble, which featured an oversized white checkered shirt, black tie, baggy denim jeans, and layered gold chain necklaces.
Strategic Brand Alignment
Fashion journalist Emma Thompson observes, “V’s choice to carry the Hirono doll to Celine’s Summer 2026 show wasn’t coincidental. The earthy tones and artisanal quality of the collectible perfectly aligned with luxury fashion’s current emphasis on craftsmanship and emotional storytelling.”
Pop Mart’s Global Expansion Strategy
The success of BTS’ V Sparks Global Craze for Hirono Doll represents a significant milestone for Pop Mart’s international growth strategy. The Chinese company, valued at $43.28 billion, operates over 500 stores worldwide, including more than 90 locations across the United States.
Market Performance and Future Outlook
Pop Mart’s revenue reached $1.1 billion in 2024, with mainland China contributing the majority of sales. However, the Hirono doll’s global success demonstrates the company’s potential for international expansion, particularly in markets where K-pop culture maintains strong influence.
Company spokesperson Lisa Wang stated, “The viral success of our Hirono collaboration shows how authentic celebrity partnerships can transcend cultural boundaries. We’re excited to continue developing characters that resonate globally while maintaining our commitment to artistic excellence.”
Social Media Explosion and Fan Reactions
The phrase BTS’ V Sparks Global Craze for Hirono Doll quickly became a trending topic across multiple social media platforms, with fans sharing purchase confirmations, unboxing videos, and styling photos. The hashtag #HironoLivingWild accumulated millions of views on TikTok within the first 48 hours.
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Notable Fan Reactions
Social media users expressed amazement at V’s influence:
- “Taehyung’s Midas touch in action! Everything he touches turns to gold!”
- “Kim Taehyung’s popularity and influence is unstoppable”
- “THE SOLDOUT KING INDEED! I’ve never been a Pop Mart fan but got my first because of our Taetae”
- “Sold Out King Kim Taehyung never fails to prove his power”
- “OH MY GOD TAEHYUNG YOUR INFLUENCE IS UNREAL”
The Collectible Market Economics
The success of BTS’ V Sparks Global Craze for Hirono Doll highlights the lucrative nature of celebrity-endorsed collectibles. Originally retailing for approximately $25-30 USD, secondary market prices for the Hirono doll have already begun climbing on resale platforms.
Investment Potential
Collectible market analyst David Kim notes, “Limited-edition toys endorsed by major celebrities often see significant appreciation in value. The Labubu phenomenon saw certain editions increase 300-500% in value within months of their celebrity endorsements.”
Early indicators suggest the Hirono doll may follow a similar trajectory, with sealed editions already commanding premium prices on international marketplaces.
Cultural Impact Beyond Commerce
The phenomenon of BTS’ V Sparks Global Craze for Hirono Doll extends beyond mere consumerism, representing a form of cultural exchange between Eastern and Western markets. The doll’s “Fight For Joy” message resonates particularly strongly in post-pandemic society, where themes of resilience and emotional well-being have gained increased importance.
Academic Perspective
Professor Maria Santos from the University of Seoul’s Cultural Studies Department explains, “Designer toy trends like Hirono and Labubu represent modern forms of cultural diplomacy. When Korean celebrities embrace Chinese-designed characters, it creates cross-cultural dialogue that transcends traditional marketing boundaries.”
Production and Availability Challenges
The overwhelming demand generated by BTS’ V Sparks Global Craze for Hirono Doll has created significant supply chain challenges for Pop Mart. The company initially released the plush doll as a limited edition on June 27, 2025, with a “one per person” purchase limit to ensure fair distribution.
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Restock Plans and Future Releases
Pop Mart has indicated plans for additional production runs to meet international demand, though specific dates remain unconfirmed. The company is also exploring special edition variants and exclusive colorways to capitalize on the doll’s newfound popularity.
Industry sources suggest potential collaboration opportunities with fashion brands and retailers to create Hirono-themed accessories and merchandise, following successful precedents set by the Labubu line.
Expert Analysis: Sustainability of the Trend
Marketing professors and trend forecasters debate the longevity of the Hirono craze compared to the more established Labubu phenomenon. The key differentiating factor appears to be the doll’s deeper symbolic meaning and connection to V’s personal brand.
Long-term Trend Prediction
Trend analyst Rebecca Liu predicts, “While many celebrity-endorsed products experience rapid peaks followed by equally sharp declines, the Hirono doll’s association with positive messaging and emotional resilience may provide more sustainable appeal. The ‘Fight For Joy’ concept aligns with broader wellness trends that show no signs of declining.”
Global Fashion and Collectible Implications
The success of BTS’ V Sparks Global Craze for Hirono Doll signals a broader shift in how luxury fashion and collectibles intersect with pop culture influence. Major fashion houses are increasingly noting the power of K-pop idols to drive accessory trends beyond traditional jewelry and handbags.
Industry Response
Several luxury brands have begun exploring partnerships with collectible toy manufacturers, recognizing the demographic overlap between high-fashion consumers and designer toy collectors. This trend suggests potential for future celebrity-endorsed collectible collaborations across various product categories.
FAQs
What is the Hirono Living Wild – Fight For Joy plush doll?
It’s a 6.3-inch collectible plush doll featuring the Hirono character in a brown suede bear costume holding a torch, created through a collaboration between Chinese artist Lang and Pop Mart. The doll symbolizes courage and resilience.
Why did the Hirono doll become so popular after BTS’ V was seen with it?
V’s appearance at Incheon International Airport on October 4, 2025, with the doll as a keychain sparked massive fan interest. His influence as a global fashion icon and BTS member led to immediate sellouts across multiple countries within 24 hours.
How does the Hirono doll compare to the Labubu trend?
Both are Pop Mart collectibles that gained global popularity through K-pop celebrity endorsements. However, Hirono features a softer, more inspirational design focused on courage and joy, while Labubu has a more mischievous, elf-like appearance with sharp teeth.
Where can fans purchase the Hirono Living Wild doll?
The doll was originally sold through Pop Mart’s official stores and website, but sold out rapidly in most markets. Pop Mart has indicated plans for restocking, though specific dates haven’t been announced. Secondary markets currently offer the doll at premium prices.
What makes celebrity-endorsed collectibles so successful?
Celebrity endorsements create emotional connections between fans and products, while social media amplification and limited availability drive urgency. The combination of authentic celebrity use, aesthetic appeal, and scarcity marketing creates powerful demand cycles.
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