Minju of the K-pop girl group ILLIT made a surprise appearance at the opening ceremony of the 2025 League of Legends Champions Korea (LCK) finals on September 28 at the Inspire Arena in Incheon.
Dressed as the popular in-game champion Katarina, she kicked off the event by performing the cinematic theme songs "Bite Marks" and "Here, Tomorrow," earning thunderous cheers from over 10,000 live spectators and millions more watching worldwide.
As the sole opening act for one of esports' most prestigious tournaments, Minju wielded dual blades onstage and led into "Bite Marks" with a dynamic dance routine synchronized to pounding beats. LED screens extending onto the stage floor displayed dramatic League of Legends imagery, while augmented reality visuals of game icons materialized around her. During "Here, Tomorrow," her strong vocals blended with the glow of fans' light sticks and the roar of the crowd, creating an immersive atmosphere befitting a world-class finale.
Minju, a vocal League of Legends enthusiast, said through her agency Belif Lab, "This was a dream stage for me as both a player and a fan. I practiced tirelessly to deliver a memorable performance and cheer on the pro gamers." She added, "I hope my energy helped encourage the teams as they faced off for the title."
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The event concluded with Gen.G defeating Hanwha Life Esports by a 3-1 score, securing their sixth LCK championship and earning the league's first seed at the upcoming 2025 League of Legends World Championships. LCK officials noted the collaboration with Minju highlighted the synergy between the game's competitive scene and its passionate community.
Following the finals, Minju's surprise appearance and striking Katarina cosplay trended on social media platforms, with keywords like "Minju" and "Katarina" dominating real-time searches. The performance underscored ILLIT's rising global profile, as the group expands beyond the music stage into major gaming events.
ILLIT is set to continue engaging fans with their "Glitter Day Encore" concert at Olympic Hall in Seoul's Olympic Park on November 8–9. After selling out their June appearances, the group's strong ticket sales reflect growing demand for live experiences and unique collaborations like Minju's groundbreaking performance at the LCK finals.
