Why EXO Baekhyun’s dream collab with League of Legends was really a decade in the making

EXO Baekhyun has seamlessly transitioned from K-pop idol to embodying League of Legends champion, Ezreal.

In a unique collaboration with fellow artistes Ozi, Tobi Lou, and Cal Scruby, Baekhyun is a part of Riot Games’ Heartsteel, the first all-boy virtual group in the League of Legends universe.

This musical ensemble breathes life into six League of Legends champions, portraying them as up-and-coming pop stars and showcasing their talent through the debut song “Paranoia.”

This collaboration isn’t just another addition to Riot’s impressive portfolio; it holds a special significance for Baekhyun. His deep connection with the video game dates back to his early days as a rookie idol in 2012.

During Worlds 2023 Media Day, the Korean vocalist shares his pure love for LoL and what it means for him to perform as Heartsteel Ezreal.

This is what EXO Baekhyun really thinks of his Heartsteel collaboration with Riot Games

Baekhyun’s portrayal of Ezreal in the Heartsteel project is a perfect fit, given his history of maining the marksman champion from the early gaming days to the present.

“It was an honor to take on the role of Ezreal this time, and I was really happy about it,” he said during the Worlds 2023 press conference as translated by ONE Esports. “I think I approached it with such enthusiasm because I have a lot of affection and love for the game.”

When Riot Games presented the project to him, Baekhyun eagerly accepted without hesitation. This decision was fueled by his decade-long fandom for League of Legends, dating back to when he played the game with friends in his youth.

During that time, he wasn’t recognized as an entertainer or an artiste by his gaming companions. However, Heartsteel changed that dynamic.

“Doing Heartsteel, they finally recognized me as an artiste,” he said. “That moment felt significant to me. Collaborating with Riot has been a really meaningful and enjoyable time.”

Baekhyun is a member of SM Entertainment’s all-boy group, EXO, which marked its debut in 2012 with the release of “Mama” in both Korean and Mandarin versions for its subunits, EXO-K and EXO-M.

One of the few hardcore gamers in K-pop, Baekhyun’s love for League of Legends runs deep. He has played the game with his fellow idols in S.M. Super Celeb League, SM Entertainment’s gaming livestream event.

He also owns a gaming laptop, as seen on one of his vlogs, so he can always play on the go.

Baekhyun also follows the esports scene and is a massive fan of T1 star player Lee “Faker” “Sang-hyeok. In 2021, he teamed up with T1 for the team’s theme song “Runner” for Worlds 2021.

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READ MORE: There’s something different about Heartsteel Ezreal, and it’s all thanks to EXO Baekhyun