The Uglydoll is a brand based upon a series of plush toys created by Sun-Min Kim. The idea was first conceived between husband-and-wife team David Horvath and Sun-min Kim through their exchange of written letters. The line was launched on February 14, 2001, and was awarded the Specialty Toy of the Year award by the Toy Industry Association in 2006. In May 2011, it was announced that Illumination had acquired the rights to make an animated feature film. The film was released on May 3, 2019.