Tue. Sep 9th, 2025

K/DA: The Virtual K-Pop Pioneers Before KPop Demon Hunters

Before the fictional groups Huntrix and Saja Boys from Netflix`s `KPop Demon Hunters` captivated audiences globally, another virtual K-pop sensation, K/DA from League of Legends, had already paved the way for animated musical stardom.

Comparisons between `KPop Demon Hunters` and Riot Games` K/DA were inevitable even prior to the film`s release. Both feature animated girl groups delivering infectious K-pop tracks, complete with unique weaponry, combat attire, and similar aesthetics. Notably, both virtual entities have also teamed up with the acclaimed real-world K-pop group, Twice.

While it`s highly probable that K/DA influenced the creators of `KPop Demon Hunters,` official acknowledgments have been scarce. However, Ian Eisendrath, the film`s music supervisor, confirmed K/DA was among “many influences” for Huntrix`s sound, serving as one of “8-12 references” to shape their musical identity.

Regardless of the extent of K/DA`s influence, Riot`s initiative demonstrated years ago that virtual K-pop groups could garner significant fan support.

Comprising League of Legends champions Ahri, Akali, Evelynn, and Kai`sa, K/DA features real-world vocal talents. Madison Beer and Jaira Burns lend their voices to Evelynn and Kai`sa, while (G)I-DLE`s Miyeon and Soyeon voice Ahri and Akali. The group mirrors traditional K-pop girl groups, with distinct member roles and personalities reflecting common K-pop archetypes.

K/DA debuted in 2018 at the League of Legends World Championship, initially serving as both an entertainment act and a promotional tool for in-game skins. Their inaugural single, music video, and augmented-reality performance in Incheon, South Korea, all launched concurrently, quickly achieving widespread recognition.

Their debut track, “Pop/Stars,” soared to number one on K-pop charts, number five on US Apple Music pop charts, and topped Billboard`s World Digital Song Sales. Its YouTube music video rapidly amassed over 100 million views within a month. Remarkably, K/DA made history as the first K-pop girl group to achieve a platinum certification for a single, despite being a virtual entity.

Viranda Tantula, creative lead for the opening ceremony, attributed “Pop/Stars“ success to their unwavering dedication to portraying the champions` “real-world” fantasy. This required crafting a pop song and performance capable of rivaling genuine stadium-level pop acts.

Despite the significant effort invested, K/DA`s debut was originally conceived as a one-off single. Tantula noted they aimed to make that “singular moment as dope as possible” without long-term plans. However, “Pop/Stars“ unexpected and immense success prompted the team to explore future possibilities for the group.

Following their debut, K/DA entered a period of silence, yet fan enthusiasm persisted through art, cosplay, and dance covers, alongside consistent sales of K/DA skins. Two years later, in 2020, they made a triumphant return with the five-track EP “All Out,” once again delivering an augmented-reality performance of their lead single, “More,” at the Worlds opening ceremony.

Although “All Out” tracks didn`t achieve the viral magnitude of “Pop/Stars,” the EP was a successful musical venture, boasting Spotify play counts comparable to Huntrix`s current discography.

Riot has not released new K/DA content since “All Out,” though they have introduced other virtual groups like the boy band Heartsteel and the Akali-centric True Damage within the League of Legends universe. Interestingly, the popularity of `KPop Demon Hunters` has sparked a renewed interest in K/DA, evident from YouTube comments on “Pop/Stars” and numerous Huntrix/K/DA fan creations on K/DA community platforms.

New K-pop fans introduced via the Netflix film are gravitating towards K/DA for more virtual K-pop. While shared musical styles likely play a role, virtual acts may also offer a less daunting entry point for those unfamiliar with real-world K-pop fan culture. Ultimately, both K/DA and Huntrix successfully serve as `gateway` artists for newcomers to the genre.

Despite their undeniable similarities, a crucial distinction separates K/DA and Huntrix: K/DA operates as a “real” virtual K-pop group with performances, music videos, and fan interactions in our world, whereas Huntrix currently exists solely within the `KPop Demon Hunters` narrative.

Riot`s successful management of K/DA offers a viable blueprint for Netflix to develop `KPop Demon Hunters“ groups. During a Reddit AMA, music supervisor Ian Eisendrath expressed enthusiasm for Huntrix and Saja Boys becoming full-fledged virtual bands, stating, “I would love that.”

Emulating K/DA`s trailblazing path, Huntrix and Saja Boys are currently dominating charts, competing directly with major real-world K-pop groups. Huntrix notably surpassed Blackpink to reach number two on US Spotify charts, while Saja Boys outranked BTS and Stray Kids as the top-charting K-pop boy group. While Netflix`s future plans for these fictional acts remain unconfirmed, their stadium-filling potential is undeniable.

By Bramwell Nightingale

A Toronto-based gaming journalist with over eight years of experience covering the North American gaming industry. Started his career writing for independent gaming blogs before establishing himself as a reliable source for breaking gaming news. Specializes in AAA game releases and studio acquisitions across Canada and the US. His investigative approach to gaming industry developments has earned him respect among developers and publishers alike

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