HYBE’s Gaming Future: BTS Fans Get Ready for More K-Pop-Inspired Games!

HYBE Interactive Media (HYBE IM), the gaming division of South Korea’s entertainment giant HYBE (yep, BTS Army, you know them!), just secured a hefty ₩30 billion ($21 million) in fresh funding. This move is all about stepping up their game—literally—in the video game industry.

The funding round was led by MM Investment, which pitched in ₩15 billion ($10 million) as a follow-up investment. New investors, including Shinhan Venture Investment and Daesung Private Equity, also joined the party.

So, what’s all this cash going toward? HYBE IM says it’ll fuel marketing, operations, localization, and live services for its game titles. More importantly, the company is looking to capitalize on its biggest strength—its K-pop intellectual properties—to carve out a stronger position in the gaming world.

"This additional funding marks a pivotal moment in strengthening HYBE IM's global competitiveness in both game publishing and development," said Wooyong Chung, president of HYBE IM. "We aim to evolve beyond IP-based gaming and become a next-generation publisher delivering compelling content to gamers worldwide."

Investors seem pretty excited about HYBE IM’s upcoming titles, "Architect: Land of Exile" and "Arkheron." These new games highlight the company's ambition to move beyond just K-pop-themed games and make a name for itself in the broader gaming industry.

Of course, HYBE’s music stars have already made their way into gaming. BTS had their own mobile game, "BTS Island: In the SEOM," while SEVENTEEN and Fromis 9 featured in "ASTRA: Knights of Veda." More recently, LE SSERAFIM popped up in Activision Blizzard’s "Overwatch 2."

This latest funding brings HYBE IM’s total investment to a cool $100 million. Just last August, the company secured $80 million in a round led by Makers Fund, so things are definitely moving fast.

Since launching in 2021, HYBE IM has shown impressive growth, finding early success with games like "Rhythm Hive" and "BTS Island: In the SEOM." It has also expanded its portfolio by publishing titles like Macovill's "OZ Re" and Flint's "ASTRA: Knights of Veda."

The company says it's doubling down on efforts to make its key titles a success, emphasizing its commitment to building a sustainable gaming ecosystem. "HYBE IM remains committed to the stable operation and growth of its titles through its global publishing expertise," the company stated.

For HYBE, diving deeper into gaming feels like a natural evolution. With a roster full of globally recognized K-pop idols, the company has a built-in fanbase eager to engage with interactive content. This strategy has worked well for other entertainment giants, and HYBE seems poised to follow suit.

HYBE IM is just one piece of the larger HYBE puzzle, which also includes Big Hit Music, Belift Lab, Source Music, Pledis Entertainment, KOZ Entertainment, and ADOR. This diversified approach shows HYBE’s big-picture vision—spanning music, gaming, and beyond.

Industry analysts say HYBE’s increased focus on gaming aligns with a broader trend in entertainment. Companies are looking to create immersive experiences that blend music, gaming, and other media. Plus, South Korea’s gaming market is one of the most robust in the world, with strong demand for mobile gaming and esports.

With this fresh round of funding, HYBE Interactive Media looks ready to level up in the global gaming scene—all while staying true to its K-pop roots.