PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds (PUBG), the globally popular battle royal game, has teamed up with rising K-pop group ALLDAY PROJECT to celebrate its 9th anniversary. As part of the collaboration, the group has dropped the track “I DON’T BARGAIN.” The song reflects the core themes of the game that include survival, the underdog spirit, and an uncompromising drive for victory. The music video features the members appearing one by one against the backdrop of the PUBG battlefield, gradually building momentum as their dynamic performances are intercut with intense combat scenes.
As we celebrate the collaboration between PUBG x ALLDAY PROJECT, let’s look back at PUBG’s most memorable K-pop partnerships, which showcased how powerful the combination of K-pop and gaming can be.
BLACKPINK
One of PUBG’s most successful collaborations was with the global sensation BLACKPINK. In 2020, PUBG used BLACKPINK’s hit “How You Like That” as its lobby background music, marking the first time a K-pop artist’s song was featured in the game. In 2022, BLACKPINK became the first K-pop act to hold an in-game concert through their second collaboration with PUBG. The group later released the music video for their collaboration track “Ready For Love,” featuring their realistic 3D avatars performing the song.
aespa
Known for their futuristic concept, aespa was a natural choice for a collaboration with PUBG. Last year, PUBG teamed up with aespa in a collaboration that perfectly matched the game’s immersive digital world, allowing the group’s high-tech aesthetic to blend seamlessly with the in-game environment. As part of the project, aespa released the single “Dark Arts,” featuring an aggressive rhythm and powerful guitar sounds that capture the group’s determination to secure victory at all costs.
NewJeans
PUBG’s collaboration with NewJeans in 2024 helped the game connect with a younger generation of fans. By incorporating themed elements inspired by the group’s music and visuals, the partnership created a vibrant and engaging in-game atmosphere. The collaboration introduced a variety of skins, map decorations, and cosmetics inspired by the K-pop girl group. Energy drinks and care packages across all maps were redesigned with NewJeans-themed visuals, while vehicle music was replaced with tracks from the group.
BABYMONSTER
Last year, PUBG teamed up with BABYMONSTER to celebrate the game’s seventh anniversary. The collaboration introduced new gameplay elements, exclusive items, and themed rewards inspired by the group’s distinctive style and energetic performances. Players could also encounter interactive BABYMONSTER video buses that delivered special video messages from the members along with unique rewards. In addition, designated photo zones allowed players to pose virtually with their favourite member and unlock exclusive in-game items.
G-DRAGON
The iconic collaboration between PUBG and G-Dragon brought a distinctive creative flair to the game. It marked the first time that both PUBG: Battlegrounds and PUBG Mobile partnered with an artist simultaneously on a global scale. The collaboration filled the PUBG universe with G-Dragon-inspired decorations, a new progressive weapon skin and Chroma, exclusive store items, and special in-game events. The Truck Stop area on Miramar was also transformed into the set of G-Dragon’s “POWER” music video, while vehicle music across the game was replaced with tracks from the BIGBANG leader.
As gaming and music continue to influence each other, PUBG’s collaborations with K-pop artists show how entertainment industries can come together to create exciting experiences for global audiences.
SEE ALSO: aespa team up with Anderson .Paak for punk R&B track 'Keychain' from the film 'K-Pops!'
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