The creators of the animated film HUNTR/X have revealed the significance of the norigae charms worn by the characters, drawing inspiration from traditional Korean attire known as hanbok. Each charm, designed by Euni Cho, embodies the unique personalities and styles of the film’s main characters—Rumi, Mira, and Zoey—transforming them into more than mere accessories.
Throughout the film, the members of HUNTR/X can be seen adorned with these special charms, which are integrated into their belts, earrings, and necklaces. The charms were initially conceptualized with functional abilities, but the final design emphasizes fashion, showcasing the characters’ identities. The design process resulted in distinctive themes for each character’s norigae, with Rumi’s incorporating light and dark elements, Mira’s reflecting her bold nature, and Zoey’s inspired by playful, childlike designs.
Insights into Character Designs
Rumi’s norigae features a blend of light and dark elements, complete with miniature magical-girl style charms and a crystal flower charm. The predominant color in her design is purple, symbolizing her complexity. Meanwhile, Mira’s charm is designed to resonate with her vibrant personality, including bows that mirror her signature hairstyle and a large heart charm. According to Euni Cho, this heart represents the warmth beneath Mira’s seemingly cold exterior, while miniature charms of Rumi and Zoey signify her familial bond with them.
In contrast, Zoey’s norigae is crafted in the style of children’s designs from the Joseon period, characterized by shorter, colorful elements that reflect her playful spirit. Cho elaborated that Zoey’s charm includes two large bells reminiscent of her hair buns, along with playful motifs such as a turtle, bunnies, and toy bead blocks spelling her name. These elements encapsulate her creativity as both a hunter and a musician.
Transition from Functionality to Fashion
While the production team originally envisioned the charms with functional capabilities, such as weapon summoning, these concepts evolved into purely aesthetic designs as the film progressed. The decision to make the charms fashion-centric aligns with the film’s overall visual style, emphasizing character individuality rather than utility.
Since its release on Netflix in 2025, HUNTR/X has set remarkable records, becoming the most-watched animated original film on the platform and the most popular English-language film overall. The film has garnered over 325.1 million views and achieved sell-out special showings in theaters. Additionally, it has received five Grammy nominations for its soundtrack, further enhancing its cultural impact.
As interest in the film continues to soar, a significant merchandise rollout is anticipated next year, alongside early discussions for a sequel. While the full sequel is expected to take a few years, there are possibilities for short films to maintain audience engagement in the interim.
The charm designs not only enhance the film’s aesthetic but also serve as a testament to the careful thought and cultural appreciation embedded within HUNTR/X. As fans eagerly await more content, these insights into the characters’ representations offer a deeper connection to the narrative and its cultural roots.