Following K/DA, the new League of Legends virtual boy group HEARTSTEEL is set to capture the gamers and K-pop fans' hearts!
What will be their concept and how will EXO Baekhyun add to the color of the team?
HEARTSTEEL: Concept & Debut Date of Riot Games' New Virtual Boy Group 2023
On October 17, Riot Games finally unveiled its new artist in time for the "LoL World Championship (Worlds Cup)" period!
According to the announcement, the company is embarking on the debut of a new virtual boy group, which will be called HEARTSTEEL.
ALSO READ: From ISEGYE IDOL to PLAVE: Rise of Virtual Groups in K-pop Scene — Why Are They So Popular?
The images of the new artist "HEARTSTEEL," were reinterpreted versions of the six champions in "League of Legends" by Riot Games. This includes Ezreal, Kayn, Aphelios, Yone, K’Sante, and Sett.
Maria Egan, the global head of music and events of Riot Games' entertainment division especially introduced the team, saying:
"Riot Games has provided players with innovative music through virtual artists. This time, we have introduced 'HEARTSTEEL' through close collaboration with great artists.
Through Riot Games Music, our company will continue various attempts to expand the scope of game IP (intellectual property rights) such as virtual artist K/DA, heavy metal band Pentakill, and hip-hop group True Damage."
Earlier on November 18, Riot Games initially introduced the K-pop girl group, "K/DA." The quartet was created by gathering pop star members including Ahri, Akali, Evelynn and Kai'Sa.
Their debut song, POP/STARS became a huge hit not only among gamers but even among K-pop fans, and their popularity especially got stronger thanks to (G)I-DLE Miyeon (Ahri) and Soyeon (Akali) who lent their voices to the project.
HEARTSTEEL to Debut With 1st Single 'PARANOIA,' Virtual Group to Include Baekhyun as Vocalist
Meanwhile, "HEARTSTEEL" will release the music video of its first single, "PARANOIA" on its official YouTube on October 24.
Players and K-pop fans can enjoy the music of "PARANOIA" on major domestic and international music sites such as MelOn, Genie, Bugs, Spotify, and YouTube Music.
Regarding its members, the group is already earning positive feedback after it was revealed that EXO Baekhyun will lend his voice to the virtual group. He will play the role of Ezreal, the vocalist of the group.
Along with him, singer-songwriter and producer ØZI will be joining as Sett's voice, the co-leader and rapper of the group, as well as"Buff Baby" singer Tobi Lou as K'Sante (co-leader, vocalist).
Cal Scruby, who also participated in the 2020 LoL World Championship theme song, "Take Over" will also participate as Kayn (rapper, performer). Lastly, two unnamed voices for Aphelios (performer, lyricist and composer) and Yone (producer) will complete the team.
For more K-Pop news and updates, keep your tabs open here at KpopStarz.
KpopStarz owns this article.
Written by Eunice Dawson.
