Practice, Perform, Game: K-pop Idol Gamers
Here’s a rundown of all the K-pop idols who are gamers! Ranging from avid gamers to previous streamers as well as a few you might not have expected—there’s a gamer in all of us.
We’re all Gamers here! Image: Niamh Healy with images from Google.
Welcome back to the gaming corner here at Cherry Chu Magazine. Today’s article, as the title suggests, is all about the K-pop idols who are gamers. From ATEEZ’s YUNHO playing VALORANT to Jennie from BLACKPINK’s love for Overwatch, and plenty more for you to read about.
If you want more Korean e-sports content, click here.
YUNHO (ATEEZ)
YUNHO from ATEEZ. Image: Official ATEEZ Instagram.
As an ATINY (and a YUNHO stan), the fact YUNHO is a gamer makes me so happy.
In a conversation with a fan at a meet and greet YUNHO confirmed he “loves VALORANT” and that his rank is Radiant—the top rank in the game for competitive players. To put that into perspective, Radiant is the same rank as pro players such as Tyson “TenZ” Van Ngo. YUNHO has also played ATEEZ’s Superstar ATEEZ game and ranked third in the world.
Sakura (LE SSERAFIM)
As an avid gamer, Sakura used to stream her gaming on her YouTube channel—though the last update on this channel was three years ago.
Although she doesn’t post on YouTube anymore, she still actively games. She has told hosts and journalists that she plays Animal Crossing and Zelda. She has also played League of Legends with a top Korean pro player — Kim “Deft” Hyuk-kyu in a YouTube video!
SOOBIN (TXT)
In livestreams SOOBIN has confirmed how he and other TXT members used to play video games with BTS—including League of Legends.
SOOBIN has also mentioned how he plays League of Legends in his free time, including playing for 10 hours following a demotion of rank (common when not playing for a longer period of time or having more losses), so much so that he had blisters forming!
Yoona (Girls’ Generation)
Yoona has previously revealed her love for gaming, including playing League of Legends with other K-pop idols as part of a SM Entertainment content piece.
She also uploaded an Instagram post showcasing her playing Wild Rift (a League of Legends mobile game—with a few changes). There are multiple YouTube videos of Yoona playing video games with her fellow Girls’ Generation members.
All members of BTS
All of the BTS members are well known for their love of gaming, with fans often looking to Jin as the main gamer of the group that “paved the way.”
Although, fans may remember a collaboration between BTS and T1 Esports in 2021—the most notable Korean esports organisation. Together the two groups played a game of League of Legends in their two teams of five; BTS versus T1.
Jisoo (BLACKPINK)
Similar to other gamer idols on this list, Jisoo plays games both on her phone as well as at a PC setup, specifically Overwatch.
In posts and conversation, Jennie and Jisoo have mentioned how they often play Overwatch together, and it was rumoured on Reddit that Jisoo is a big fan of the Hero – Hanzo. Additionally, it is rumoured that Jisoo first began gaming by using her brother’s Overwatch account and that this started her love of gaming.
Heeseung (ENHYPEN)
Last but by no means least is ENHYPEN’s Heeseung. As showcased on live streams and the group’s YouTube channel, Heeseung has often shown his gaming prowess to fans; especially his skill and talent for League of Legends.
He is also reported to be a fan of Overwatch and to be a difficult opponent for the other members, especially as he is quiet while playing and gives nothing away.
Who is your favourite gaming K-pop idol? Let us know in the comments below!
Edited by Maia Anselmo.