The world knows HYBE for creating K-pop legends like BTS and SEVENTEEN. And yet now, this entertainment powerhouse is making waves in an entirely new arena: gaming. HYBE IM, the interactive media and gaming subsidiary of this Korean company, is ushering in the next generation of gaming, blending top-tier intellectual property (IP) with ambitious game development.
And with its recent $21 million investment boost, the future of global gaming will soon have a K-pop twist.
Gaming Company HYBE IM Secures $21 Million in New Funding
South Korea is making waves in entertainment and technology. And HYBE, the powerhouse behind K-pop icons BTS and SEVENTEEN, is pioneering a new chapter in gaming through its subsidiary, HYBE IM.
HYBE IM has raised over 137.5 billion KRW (around 100 million USD). The company is now transitioning from music-centered casual gaming to an immersive, global game publishing and development company. This exciting strategic shift has significantly marked the dawn of a new era in gaming. And the new gaming company, HYBE IM, is leading that inspiring change.
On April 1, 2025, HYBE IM announced it raised 30 billion KRW (about 21 million USD) in its latest funding round. This funding came from a mix of existing and new investors, including IMM Investment, Shinhan Venture Investment, and Daesung Private Equity. Adding to the 107.5 billion KRW (around 80 million USD) raised in August 2024, the total amount now reaches 137.5 billion KRW, showcasing strong investor confidence in HYBE IM’s global potential.
According to CEO Chung Woo Yong, this latest round signifies a “milestone,” reflecting HYBE IM’s exciting evolution from a K-pop IP-based mobile game creator to a next-generation global publisher.
From Puzzle Games to Immersive Worlds
At first, the gaming company HYBE IM first charmed fans with “BTS Island: In the SEOM.” It is a delightful puzzle game that beautifully reflects the personalities and charisma of BTS members.
However, this game was just the beginning.
As a new successful gaming company, HYBE IM then followed up with fun titles like “Rhythm Hive” and “Puzzle Seventeen.” These early projects showcased HYBE IM’s knack for turning beloved artist IP into engaging interactive experiences.
Now, with a stronger capital base, the company is then excited to expand into immersive, globally appealing gaming formats. It then dives into large-scale, immersive game development with exciting upcoming flagship titles, including:
- “Architect: Land of Exiles” – a massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG) that unveiled its captivating trailer in November 2024.
- “Arkheron” – a highly anticipated PVP game known for its rich storytelling and exceptional gameplay.
These games represent a massive shift from mobile-first games to high-fidelity, story-driven, and potentially cross-platform experiences. Not only that, but they are also designed to engage a wider international gaming audience beyond HYBE’s core fandom.
Strategic Focus Areas: Marketing, Localization, and Operations
Considering this massive transition, HYBE IM then intends to use the recently acquired funds to focus on three main areas:
- Marketing – Strengthening global brand awareness and user acquisition efforts for upcoming game releases.
- Operations – Enhancing live service capabilities and infrastructure to support scalable, long-term community engagement.
- Localization – Adapting games for diverse international audiences through culturally sensitive content and region-specific adjustments.
This strategy then highlights HYBE IM’s commitment to delivering technically excellent games that resonate culturally in Asia, North America, and Europe.
Positioning Within HYBE’s Ecosystem
HYBE IM is also stepping up to support HYBE Corporation’s exciting vision of diversifying revenue and fostering IP-driven creativity.
With a dynamic entertainment strategy that incorporates music, fan platforms like Weverse, merchandise, and gaming, HYBE now fosters an engaging ecosystem while creating new revenue opportunities.
As BTS reunion coming in 2025 and the global fanbase expanding, HYBE is poised to enhance fan interactions through gaming. Meanwhile, HYBE IM’s crucial role is to create interactive experiences that merge music, storytelling, and fandom in real-time, bringing fans closer together.
HYBE IM: A New Promising Player in the Global Gaming Scene
The upcoming journey of HYBE IM will become more than just an entertainment company stepping into the gaming world. Instead, it shows how smart investments and creativity in Korean culture can disrupt traditional industry norms.
Therefore, by uniting fandom and gameplay, HYBE IM creates a unique gaming niche where storytelling, artist-driven properties, and community design successfully unite as one. The company’s promising, “Architect: Land of Exiles” and “Arkheron,” will eventually highlight Korea’s shifting position in the global AAA gaming industry.
Furthermore, HYBE IM’s continuous investment in talent, technology, and storytelling makes it one of South Korea’s most exciting new players in the global gaming arena. With major projects on the horizon and a deliberate shift towards original content and immersive experiences, this company is poised to transform how the world engages with both K-culture and gaming.
So, prepare yourself! As HYBE IM steps into this new chapter, the next generation of gaming is also being shaped right in South Korea!
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