In recent years, the contrasting worlds of K-pop and video games have been colliding like never before, creating some of pop culture’s most exciting (and surprising) crossovers. League of Legends was one of the first video games to spark this wave by creating a virtual idol group named K/DA, which featured Soyeon and Miyeon from i-dle. BTS brought their chart-topping hit “Dynamite” to Fornite in 2020, complete with exclusive emotes, dance animations, and even music video screenings. On Roblox, NCT 127 headlined a full-scale virtual concert, joined by K-pop inspired avatars and a custom in-game map. Even PUBG is no stranger to K-pop collaborations—their first with BLACKPINK, featuring themed in-game events, a virtual concert, and custom content. Subsequent collaborations with NewJeans and BABYMONSTER followed, making player counts and cosmetic sales spike. Now, PUBG: BATTLEGROUNDS is teaming up once again with powerhouse music industry to feature a brand new crossover moment with aespa.
For the collaboration, aespa will be releasing a brand new single titled, “Dark Arts.” The in-game event and launch film rolls out for PC on July 9, followed by a console release on July 17. The track officially releases to streaming services on July 15, following their previous release, “Dirty Work,” that had over 1 million pre-orders and multiple #1 chart placements globally.
“Dark Arts” is packed with fast-paced guitar riffs and intense beats, perfect for aespa and their unique image that merges reality and virtuality. Built around the concept of “avatar, experience, and aspect,” aespa’s storyline explores the idea of meeting one’s “other self” and navigating new digital worlds together, making them the perfect candidate for a PUBG collaboration. Fans of both aespa and PUBG can expect a thrilling fusion of musically futuristic vibes within an action-packed universe.
Arriving on July 9 (PC), July 17 (console):
- Character skins for Karina, Winter, Giselle and NingNing, plus matching weapon and vehicle wraps.
- Lobby tracks such as “Spicy,” “Next Level” and “Dirty Work,” setting the tone before every drop-in.
- Pop-up holographic stages on select maps, perfect for screenshots and dance emotes.
- Event quests rewarding sprays, a themed parachute and bonus BP for completing daily objectives.
A teaser campaign began on June 29 on PUBG’s YouTube channel and social media, and on July 3 at 5 AM ET, the first official collaboration video dropped, kicking off a series of sneak peeks and exclusive content leading up to the full release next week.
PUBG x aespa Prelude (with ‘Whiplash’)
The PUBG x aespa theme song ‘Dark Arts’ lands on July 9 in-game and in the Launch Film.
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