HYBE IM nets $21 million to originate bigger publishing industry by wielding the ability of K-pop
Astra: Knights of Veda and Dungeon Stalkers developer HYBE IM has secured $21 million to accelerate its presence in the industry by utilizing K-pop artist intellectual properties.
The firm noted enthusiasm for its forthcoming MMORPGs Architect: Land of Exile and Arkheron also fueled excitement surrounding the investment.
HYBE IM is a branch of the Korean entertainment giant HYBE, a record label, talent agency, and music production firm best known for managing the globally popular boyband BTS through its Mighty Hit label.
HYBE has been advancing into the gaming sector through HYBE IM, which was established in 2022 to lead its development and publishing objectives.
The division previously acquired an $80 million investment from the Makers Fund and other investors in 2024—now totaling over $100 million raised thus far.
The latest funding round included previous investor IMM Funding, along with newcomers Shinhan Venture Investment and Daesung Private Equity.
The funds will mainly be used to enhance marketing, operations, and localization strategies to strengthen the successful launch and ongoing service of its products.
HYBE IM president Wooyong Chung expressed that the company ultimately aims to “progress beyond IP-centric gaming and become a next-generation publisher offering engaging content to gamers globally.”
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Game Developer content editor Chris Kerr is an award-winning journalist and writer with more than ten years of experience in the gaming industry. His work has been featured in major print and digital outlets such as Edge, Stuff, Wireframe, International Business Times, and PocketGamer.biz. Throughout his career, Chris has covered significant industry events like GDC, PAX Australia, Gamescom, Paris Games Week, and Develop Brighton. He has served on the judging panel for The Develop Star Awards multiple times and appeared on BBC Radio 5 Live to discuss breaking news.