 Overview
- NewJeans, a prominent K-pop group, is set to create the theme song, ‘GODS,’ for the 2023 League of Legends World Championship, marking the first time a K-pop group has been chosen for this prestigious esports event.
- This collaboration between NewJeans and Riot Games promises to bring a fresh musical dimension to the Worlds, adding excitement to the tournament set to take place in South Korea from October 10 to November 19, 2023.
In an unprecedented move that has fans buzzing with excitement, the K-pop phenomenon, NewJeans, is set to be the voice behind the theme song for the 2023 League of Legends World Championship, also known as the ‘LoL Worlds.’ This marks the first time a fully-fledged K-pop group has taken center stage to perform the theme song for this globally acclaimed esports event.
The announcement came from their label, ADOR, stating that NewJeans, comprising members Minji, Hani, Daniel, Haerin, and Hyein, will release the highly anticipated theme song, ‘GODS,’ for the 2023 LoL Worlds on October 3 at 10 p.m. PST | October 4 at 5 a.m. GMT. This collaboration between NewJeans and Riot Games, the creators of League of Legends, has been kept under wraps, creating an air of mystery and intrigue among fans.
1 Who is NewJeans?
NewJeans, under the patronage of ADOR, an independent label within HYBE helmed by the visionary Min Hee-Jin, entered the K-pop scene on July 22, 2022. With a resolute focus on delivering authentic and youth-centric music, akin to the enduring allure of a classic pair of jeans, their debut album, “NewJeans,” dropped on August 1, 2022. The resounding success of this debut catapulted them into the elite club of million-seller debuts within the K-pop realm. Notably, their track “Hype Boy” etched an unprecedented legacy by charting on the Billboard Global 200 for an astounding 37 consecutive weeks, an extraordinary feat for any female K-pop ensemble.
2 What is LoL World Championship?
The League of Legends World Championship, often referred to as the ‘Worlds,’ is undeniably the largest esports event on the planet, drawing viewership in the millions. Celebrating its 12th anniversary this year, the Worlds is making a triumphant return to South Korea after a five-year hiatus. In the nail-biting finals of the 2022 Worlds, watched by a staggering 5.14 million viewers worldwide (excluding China), Korean team T1 clashed with DRX, keeping fans at the edge of their seats. Should a Korean team clinch victory in this year’s Worlds, South Korea will solidify its position as an eight-time Worlds champion, further cementing its dominance in the League of Legends esports scene.
3 What is interesting about the collaboration?
What makes this collaboration all the more exciting is that the theme song for the League of Legends Worlds has historically been entrusted to global music titans such as Imagine Dragons and Lil Nas X. With NewJeans joining the ranks, they are poised to bring a fresh and distinctive flavor to the event’s soundtrack.Â
In a groundbreaking collaboration, NewJeans has secured the distinction of being the inaugural K-pop sensation to lend their voices to the World’s anthem. This remarkable achievement follows in the footsteps of (G)I-DLE and Twice, as the third girl group to join forces with Riot Games for League of Legends.
The theme song ‘GODS’ is a musical creation born from the collaboration of Riot Games’ senior composer Sebastien Najand and Mako, a group that has made waves through their participation in the ‘Arcane’ OST and other notable projects. The music video for ‘GODS’ tells the compelling story of pro gamer Kim Hyukgyu, also known as ‘Deft,’ whose unyielding spirit and journey to greatness have captivated the hearts of esports enthusiasts worldwide.
4 NewJeans and Riot Games' Reaction
NewJeans expressed their excitement about the collaboration, with the group stating, “Working with Riot Games has been a refreshing experience. We had the opportunity to explore new genres and sounds, and we are thrilled to present a song that embodies the unique essence of NewJeans and League of Legends.”
Carrie, the Head of Creative and Esports Global at Riot Games, shared her enthusiasm for the project, stating, “We’ve combined NewJeans’ powerful vocals with an intense track to convey the dedication and honor of the players participating in the LoL World Championship.”
5 When and Where?
