In K-pop, official characters have become a fun and meaningful way for idols to connect with fans. Whether it's cute mascots or quirky animations, many groups team up with big brands to create characters that reflect each member’s personality and vibe. They’re not just for show either, as these characters often show up in games, webtoons, and a ton of merch, giving fans something extra to enjoy beyond the music. For a lot of fans, collecting this merch feels like having a little piece of their favorite group with them at all times.
Here are some official K-pop characters that have built their own loyal followings:
BT21 [BTS]
Created by BTS in collaboration with LINE FRIENDS in 2017, BT21 is one of the most popular K-pop official characters. Each member designed a character based on their ideas and personalities: Tata (V), RJ (Jin), Chimmy (Jimin), Cooky (Jungkook), Mang (J-Hope), Shooky (SUGA), and Koya (RM). Together they created VAN, a guardian robot that represented their fandom, ARMY.
TRUZ [TREASURE]
TRUZ is the popular creative result of the collaboration between TREASURE and LINE FRIENDS in 2020. Each member participated in the creation and designing of the playful and colourful characters—Chilli (Hyunsuk), Romy (Jihoon), Yochi (Yoshi), Bonbon (Junkyu), Lawoo (Jaehyuk), Hikun (Asahi), Som (Doyoung), Ruru (Haruto), Woopy (Jeongwoo), Podong (Junghwan), Matetsu (former member Mashiho), and Ye-Dee (former member Yedam).
DENIMALZ [DAY6]
Released in 2018, DENIMALZ are a set of animal mascots representing the JYP Entertainment pop rock band DAY6. Each Denimalz character—Bang (Sungjin), Ke (YoungK), Pil (Wonpil), and Don (Dowoon)—shares little details with their human counterparts.
LOVELYS [TWICE]
LOVELYS are adorable tiny creatures with identical heart-shaped ears, introduced by TWICE in 2018. Lovelys embodies each member’s personality — Navely (Nayeon), Jeongvely (Jeongyeon), Movely (Momo), Savely (Sana), Jively (Jihyo), Mively (Mina), Davely (Dahyun), Chaengvely (Chaeyoung), and Tzuvely (Tzuyu).
MINITEEN [Seventeen]
MINITEEN are mini versions of Seventeen members, released in 2024. The characters are CHOITCHERRY (S.Coups), JJONGTORAM (Jeonghan), SHUASUMI (Joshua), O.C.L (Jun), TAMTAM (Hoshi), FOXDUNGEE (Wonwoo), PPYOPULI (Woozi), DOA (DK), KIMJA (Mingyu), THEpalee (The8), BBOOGYULI (Seungkwan), NONVER (Vernon), and CHANDALEE (Dino).
TWOTUCKGOM [MONSTA X]
For MONSTA X, their official characters come in the form of cute bears called TWOTUCKGOM. Each bear, Nunugom (Shownu), Hamgom (Kihyun), Minggom (Minhyuk), Zizigom (Hyungwon), Honeygom (Joohoney), Danygom (I.M), and Bebegom (former member Wonho), reflects their personality traits and preferences.
PPULBATU [TXT]
TXT’s official character PPULBATU (PLUS X TOGETHER) was introduced in 2024. Each member participated in the creative process of the characters — CHOI YONG MEONG (Soobin), HWANG CHOON (Yeonjun), BAMGEUT (Beomgyu), DA-GO-NYANG (Taehyun), and HHM NYA RING (Hueningkai).
WDZY & TWINZY [ITZY]
First, ITZY collaborated with LINE FRIENDS and created WDZY. After their contract ended, the JYP girl group released new official characters, TWINZY, in 2023. All TWINZYs are cats with distinctive looks and personalities — KKengEE (Yeji), Li-Li (Lia), RyuJJi (Ryujin), RyeoWoo (Chaeryeong), and NAong (Yuna).
SKZOO [Stray Kids]
Stray Kids debuted their official characters, SKZOO, in 2020, showcasing animal versions of the members — Wolf Chan (Bang Chan), Leebit (Lee Know), DWAEKKI (Changbin), Jiniret (Hyunjin), HANQUOKKA (Han), BbokAri (Felix), PuppyM (Seungmin), and FoxL-Ny (I.N.). Fans love how SKZOO characters retain the unique traits of the members.
MINIVE [IVE]
MINIVE presents mini-versions of the IVE members, often shown with chic, modern aesthetics that match the group’s luxurious, elegant brand image. The characters — Ganganji (Yujin), Dal-e (Gaeul), Naori (Rei), Cherry (Wonyoung), Cheez (Liz), and Erang-e (Leeseo)—are vivacious just like the idols.
ANITEEZ [ATEEZ]
ATEEZ released their official characters called ANITEEZ in 2024, a fluffy animal gang —JJOONGrami (Hongjoong), DDEONGbyeoli (Seonghwa), TYUdeongi (Yunho), HETmongi (Yeosang), SANdeoki (San), bbyongMING (Mingi), WOOYOnyang (Wooyoung), and JJONGbear (Jongho).
Bunini [NewJeans]
NewJeans' mascot, Bunini, is a rabbit character that embodies the group’s youthful freshness and playful energy. With simple yet suitable designs, Bunini quickly became an emblem of NewJeans' branding, especially through merchandise and animated shorts. It comes in 5 cotton candy individual colours for each of the members.
BBNEXDO [BOYNEXTDOOR]
BBNEXDO, the latest K-pop official characters by the KOZ Entertainment’s boy group BOYNEXTDOOR, blend the playful, boyish energy of the group. The characters are MYNGMYNG (Jaehyun), CATBBI (Sungho), DALRING (Riwoo), HAN TATPUNG (Taesan), 312 (Leehan), and WOONBABY (Woonhak).
From BT21 by BTS to BOYNEXTDOOR’s BBNEXDO, which official character stood out to you the most? Share your favorite in the comments below!
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