Netflix's animated hit KPop Demon Hunters has inspired its first official LEGO set: Derpy Tiger and Sussie Bird. The 825-piece collection, priced at $69.99, brings to life the charmingly unsettling supernatural pair from the film, offering a build experience that, while solid, leaves some room for improvement. The set is currently available for $55.95 at Amazon.
A Familiar Duo Reimagined in Brick
The Derpy Tiger and Sussie Bird set focuses on two characters who serve as conduits for Jinu's messages to Rumi in the film. Their names, derived from Gen Z slang, are not explicitly mentioned in the movie, but their unique, slightly creepy designs have made them a fan favorite. The LEGO interpretation aims to capture this essence, a contrast to more sanitized animated characters. The tiger and magpie motif itself has deep roots in Korean art history, inspired by traditional jakhodo paintings symbolizing good fortune and strength. While the film embraced this cultural heritage, as noted by director Maggie Kang's desire for every part of the movie to be "Korean," the LEGO set omits any educational context about this inspiration, a missed opportunity for what could have been an "edu-tainment" element.
The Building Experience
Upon opening the box, the set's predominant color is blue, with the build heavily favoring the tiger. This necessitates careful attention to varying shades of blue to avoid mistakes. A notable positive is the absence of stickers; all details, including eyes, noses, and claws, are printed directly onto the bricks. The build begins with the tiger's body and paws, which feature articulated hinges for decent mobility. The tail is reported to be surprisingly sturdy. The tiger's head, the most substantial part of the construction, can rotate a full 360 degrees. The set excels in replicating the creature's distinctive eyes and layered facial features. The LEGO version includes options to swap the tiger's closed mouth for an open one, revealing interchangeable teeth pieces that represent Rumi's and Jinu's messages from the film, such as "Hello Friend" and "Save the Date." A workaround allows for storing these extra pieces within the tiger's head.
Sussie Bird is a smaller build, easily attachable to the tiger's head, complete with its signature hat and yellow eyes. A standalone plant accessory, referencing a scene from the movie, is also included but is described as somewhat awkward and prone to being misplaced.
Timing and Future Potential
The release of the LEGO collaboration two years after the film's debut is attributed to KPop Demon Hunters' unexpected success and subsequent merchandising timeline. Despite the delay, it's unlikely this will be the only LEGO venture related to the franchise, given Netflix's history with the LEGO Group on other properties like Wednesday and One Piece. Rumors suggest additional KPop Demon Hunters sets may arrive in Spring 2027, potentially featuring minifigures of HUNTR/X and the Saja Boys, with a hope for increased interactivity for younger fans in future releases.