aespa share new track ‘Dark Arts’ via online shooting game

aespa have released their new single ‘Dark Arts’ via a collaboration with hit online shooting game PUBG Battlegrounds.

PUBG: Battlegrounds is an online battle royale shooter that averages 30million players a day and is the inspiration behind the music video for K-pop sensations aespa.

Released earlier this week ‘Dark Arts’ is a heavy, guitar-driven track that, according to a press release, “conveys the tension of combat” while aespa’s vocal harmonies “add a fierce determination for victory.” The accompanying music video sees Karina, Giselle, Winter and Ningning causing all sorts of chaos in the world of PUBG: Battlegrounds.

“As one of the reigning groups in K-pop, aespa are perfectly positioned for the collaboration with PUBG: Battlegrounds, a global leader in the battle royale genre. The end result delivers fearless ambition and the thrill of battle – sonically merging the distinct universes and symbolism of both the group and the game,” continues the announcement.

PUBG players can currently unlock a variety of aespa-themed items within the game and the k-pop band have also been confirmed to perform at the PUBG Nations Cup 2025 later this month, where they will give ‘Dark Arts’ its live debut.

aespa lands at PNC 2025.
The first-ever performance of the ‘Dark Arts’ premieres at the PNC 2025 Final Stage Day 3 Opening Ceremony.
Get ready – witness the final act of the collaboration.

🏆PNC 2025: July 23 – July 27
📅”Dark Arts” Special Stage: July 27, 9AM UTC / 2AM PDT /… pic.twitter.com/PN6DQi8L3n

— PUBG Esports (@PUBGEsports) July 13, 2025

Earlier this week, it was reported that aespa will release a new album in September. Last month, the group released their first single of 2025 with ‘Dirty Work’ following on from 2024’s mini-album ‘Whiplash’ which was launched ahead of a world tour.

SM Entertainment has reportedly confirmed the rumours about a new album. “aespa is preparing an album with the goal of making a comeback in September,” a spokesperson allegedly told Dispatch.

In other news, Mario Kart 64 is the latest soundtrack to join Nintendo’s dedicated streaming service but fans have taken to social media to demand the music of Mario Kart World.