PUBG x aespa Collaboration Announced: What to Expect from This K-pop Crossover

Image: PUBG x aespa collab

PUBG: Battlegrounds has officially announced its next high-profile collaboration—this time with popular K-pop girl group aespa.

Revealed on June 30, 2025, via Twitter (now X), this crossover event is set to launch on July 9, and while details are still under wraps, early teasers and past PUBG collabs offer a good sense of what fans can expect.

The collaboration is described as a “collision of two universes,” blending the high-stakes action of PUBG with aespa’s futuristic and metaverse-driven style.

This isn’t PUBG’s first K-pop partnership either. The game previously joined forces with BLACKPINK (2020 and 2021), NewJeans (2024), and most recently BABYMONSTER (2025), bringing themed cosmetics, music integrations, and in-game events to players. aespa’s addition seems like a natural next step.

Who is aespa?

aespa is a four-member girl group under SM Entertainment, featuring Karina, Giselle, Winter, and Ningning. They debuted in 2020 with Black Mamba and quickly stood out for their integration of AI avatars, metaverse narratives, and genre-mixing tracks that blend hyperpop, EDM, and hip-hop. Their 2024 album Armageddon, especially the hit single Supernova, solidified their global popularity.

Their artistic themes often revolve around alternate realities and digital avatars—making them a fitting choice for a gaming partnership. In fact, aespa is no stranger to games. Back in 2021, they took part in Huya TV’s SM Super Idol League, playing PUBG Mobile. Fans still remember Winter and Karina’s quirky in-game dance battles and casual banter, highlighting their genuine engagement with the game.

What Might This Collab Include?

While Krafton hasn’t shared full content details yet, past K-pop collaborations give us a solid idea of what’s likely coming:

• Themed Cosmetics: Expect character outfits, weapon skins, and maybe vehicle wraps inspired by aespa’s style or their latest single Dirty Work (released June 27, 2025).

• In-Game Events: PUBG could introduce special aespa zones on maps like Erangel or Rondo—complete with video buses, photo spots, or stage areas. These features mirrored what fans saw during the BABYMONSTER crossover.

• Music Features: Like BLACKPINK’s Lovesick Girls appearing in PUBG Mobile lobbies, aespa’s music might feature in-game, giving players a sonic boost while waiting for matches.

• Exclusive Items: Emotes, voice packs, or avatars themed around Karina, Winter, Giselle, and Ningning could be part of the drop. However, fully playable aespa characters are considered unlikely.

Fan Buzz and Speculation

Fans on social media, especially on X (formerly Twitter), are buzzing with excitement. Many are hoping for a return of aespa’s casual gameplay streams, while others noted the group’s appearance in a PUBG development VOD back in March—though that clip was later removed, possibly to keep the project under wraps.

Interestingly, this isn’t aespa’s only gaming collab making headlines. Capcom recently teased an aespa partnership for Street Fighter 6, promising themed costumes. However, nothing has materialized from that front just yet, making the PUBG team-up the group’s first live gaming crossover.