HYBE IM secured ₩30 billion ($21 million) in fresh funding as the gaming subsidiary of K-pop powerhouse HYBE Corporation intensifies its push into global game publishing. Existing investor IMM Investment contributed half the amount, while Shinhan Venture Investment and Daesung Private Equity joined as new backers.
The capital injection comes less than eight months after the Seoul-based company raised $80 million in strategic investment. Since launching in 2021, HYBE IM has built a portfolio that includes titles like “Rhythm Hive” and “BTS Island: In the SEOM,” alongside publishing deals for third-party games.
Investor confidence stems largely from two upcoming flagship releases – “Architect: Land of Exile,” an MMORPG developed with Aqua Tree, and “Arkheron,” a PvP title from Bonfire Studios. Architect, which debuted at G-Star 2024 in Busan last November, has drawn attention for its non-targeting combat mechanics rarely seen in the genre since TERA.
The funding will primarily support marketing, operations and localization for these titles. While the company has leveraged HYBE’s K-pop assets, including BTS, in previous games, president Wooyong Chung indicated a broader vision, stating the company aims to evolve beyond IP-based gaming to become a global publisher delivering content to worldwide audiences.
HYBE CEO Jason Jaesang Lee previously told shareholders that gaming is “poised to play a crucial role” in the company’s future entertainment ventures, suggesting the expertise developed in music fandom can transfer effectively to gaming.
