Stitch in $340M Box Office Hit “Lilo & Stitch” Picks BTS’s J-Hope as Favorite
In a surprise revelation that’s delighting K-pop fans worldwide, Disney’s beloved alien Stitch has revealed himself as a member of ARMY the global fanbase of BTS and named J-Hope as his favorite member.
On May 27, Walt Disney Company Korea shared a clip from a recent interview with The Nerds of Color, in which Stitch enthusiastically talked about his love for K-pop and BTS. The interview, timed with the release of the live-action remake of Lilo & Stitch, has gone viral across social media platforms.
“I’m a huge fan of K-pop,” Stitch declared in the interview. “And of course, my favorite group is BTS I love all of them, but especially J-Hope!” The blue extraterrestrial even broke into a cheerful dance to J-Hope’s 2018 mixtape track Hope World, drawing laughter and affection from fans.
The video instantly captured hearts online, sparking a flurry of fan reactions such as:
“Stitch’s bias is J-Hope? He’s got taste!”
“LOL this is the crossover I didn’t know I needed.”
“Now I want to watch Lilo & Stitch just for this adorable moment.”Advertisement
The movie Lilo & Stitch tells the story of Lilo, a lonely Hawaiian girl, and Stitch, a mischievous blue alien, as they become an unlikely but loving family. The film combines lighthearted comedy with emotional depth – a mix that’s resonated strongly with both children and adults.
Critics and audiences alike have praised the film:
“Stitch’s charm really shines through!”
“It moved me more than I expected — I even teared up.”
“Watching it with my daughter made it all the more special.”Advertisement
The film isn’t just a hit in Korea it’s setting records globally. As of its opening weekend, Lilo & Stitch has raked in an estimated $341.7 million (approx. ₩467.4 billion) worldwide. It also scored a 97% CGV Golden Egg Index rating in Korea and ranked No.2 at the domestic box office upon release.
Notably, the movie premiered on the U.S. Memorial Day (May 26), achieving the highest opening weekend score for that holiday in recent years, highlighting its cross-generational and global appeal.
Stitch’s public declaration of ARMY status is a clever nod to the ever-growing global influence of Korean pop culture. With Disney’s reach and BTS’s worldwide fandom, the crossover moment has only boosted interest in the film.
While Stitch is known for his chaotic, lovable energy, his pick of J-Hope the BTS member known for his bright personality and powerful dancing feels perfectly in character. Fans have even suggested a future collab between Disney and BTS, half-jokingly asking: “When’s the Stitch x J-Hope dance challenge coming?”
“Lilo & Stitch” is now playing in theaters worldwide, offering laughs, heartfelt storytelling — and a dose of K-pop love from one of Disney’s most iconic characters.