The fictional K-Pop group HUNTR/X, from Netflix's animated hit "KPop Demon Hunters," delivered a memorable performance at the 99th annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City. The trio, brought to life by singers EJAE, Audrey Nuna, and Rei Ami, performed their song "Golden" for an estimated television audience of 3.5 million people, solidifying their status as a 2025 pop culture phenomenon.
The performance was a highlight of the historic parade, which drew large crowds to the streets of Manhattan. The event showcased the growing influence of the animated series, which premiered in June of this year and has since captured a significant global following.
Key Takeaways
- The group HUNTR/X from Netflix's "KPop Demon Hunters" performed at the 99th Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.
- Singers EJAE, Audrey Nuna, and Rei Ami performed the song "Golden" live.
- The performance was watched by a reported 3.5 million viewers.
- The event also featured a mini-reunion with Ken Jeong, the voice of the group's manager in the show.
A High-Energy Performance in Herald Square
The trio of EJAE, Audrey Nuna, and Rei Ami took to the stage with an energetic rendition of "Golden." Their appearance was introduced by comedian and actor Ken Jeong, who voices HUNTR/X's manager, Bobby, in the animated series. The introduction created a moment of excitement for fans, serving as a small reunion for the cast.
The performance stage itself was a nod to the show, designed to resemble a large 'norigae,' a traditional Korean accessory worn by the characters. The singers were surrounded by backup dancers wearing golden gloves, adding to the visual spectacle. Two large floats depicting the show's characters, Derpy the tiger and Sussie the bird, were also part of the group's procession.
Embodying Their Animated Characters
The artists' outfits were carefully styled to reflect their on-screen counterparts. EJAE, the voice of Rumi, wore an all-black ensemble complemented by a furry purple hat that mirrored her character's distinctive hair.
Rei Ami, who voices the group's youngest member, Zoey, incorporated metallic elements into her outfit and styled her hair with earmuffs reminiscent of Zoey's signature buns. Audrey Nuna, the voice of Mira, channeled her character's confident energy with a bold jacket and skirt combination, finished with sheer gloves.
Building Momentum
The Macy's Parade performance is the latest in a series of high-profile appearances for the group. On October 4, they performed on the season 51 premiere of Saturday Night Live. Just days later, on October 7, they held their first full-length live performance and interview on The Late Show with Jimmy Fallon, steadily building their presence in the mainstream music scene.
A Star-Studded Parade Lineup
The 99th iteration of the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade was a massive undertaking, hosted by TODAY show anchors Savannah Guthrie, Hoda Kotb, and Al Roker. The event featured a total of 34 balloons and 28 floats, continuing its long tradition as a holiday staple.
While HUNTR/X was a major draw, the parade included a diverse array of performers and attractions. The musical lineup featured artists such as Ciara, Lil Jon, Shaggy, Teyana Taylor, Kool & The Gang, Busta Rhymes, and country singer Jewel. The parade was opened by Cynthia Erivo, star of the upcoming film Wicked: For Good.
Parade by the Numbers
- 99th Year: The 2025 event marked the 99th time the parade has been held.
- 34 Balloons: Iconic characters like the Pillsbury Doughboy, Bluey, and Buzz Lightyear floated above the streets.
- 28 Floats: The famous Macy's Rocking Horse float made its 68th appearance.
- 1 New Addition: A float featuring Labubu from Pop Mart's viral plush collection made its debut.
A Longstanding American Tradition
The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade has been a cornerstone of American holiday celebrations since its inception in 1924. The first parade was held on November 27 of that year in New York City. The signature giant, balloon-type floats were introduced just a few years later in 1927 and have been a main attraction ever since.
Over the decades, the event has evolved into a grand spectacle that draws hundreds of thousands of spectators to the city and millions more to their television screens. The inclusion of modern pop culture acts like HUNTR/X demonstrates the parade's ability to adapt and remain relevant to new generations while honoring its historic roots.