After a six-year wait, K/DA are finally making their long-awaited return to the music scene.
Riot Games, the developer of League of Legends, has officially announced the comeback of its hugely popular virtual pop group K/DA, bringing Ahri, Akali, Evelynn, and Kai'Sa back together for a new single titled “FIRESTARTER”.
The announcement marks the group's first major musical release since their ALL OUT EP in 2020, which followed their explosive debut with "POP/STARS" in 2018. Since then, K/DA have amassed more than 2.7 billion global streams and 1.8 billion video views, establishing themselves as one of the most successful virtual music acts to emerge from gaming.
What is FIRESTARTER by K/DA?
"FIRESTARTER" is K/DA's latest single, marking a new musical direction for the group while retaining the identities of its four original members.
The single also comes with an official music video directed and produced by Fortiche Production, the French animation studio behind Riot Games' Emmy Award-winning animated series Arcane and K/DA's original "POP/STARS" music video.
For their return, Riot Games and Fortiche have given K/DA a more mature, fashion-forward aesthetic, drawing inspiration from haute couture and high-energy runway performances. "Bringing K/DA back was a joy for the whole artistic team," said Marietta Ren, Director at Fortiche. She explained that the studio wanted the group's return to feel more mature and fashion-forward, combining haute couture with fiery energy as K/DA enter their next era.
Who are the artists behind K/DA's FIRESTARTER comeback?
K/DA's comeback brings back two familiar voices from their original lineup, alongside two new artists taking on the roles of Evelynn and Kai'Sa.
i-dle's SOYEON returns as Akali
SOYEON, rapper and lead producer of South Korean girl group i-dle, is reprising her role as K/DA's Akali. One of the most recognisable voices from the group's debut, SOYEON previously performed on "POP/STARS" and returned for the ALL OUT era. She was also part of Riot Games' virtual hip-hop group True Damage, where she voiced Akali in "GIANTS".
Outside of her work with Riot Games, SOYEON is known for her songwriting, production, and rap performances with i-dle, as well as her solo music career.
i-dle's MIYEON returns as Ahri
Joining SOYEON is fellow i-dle member MIYEON, who returns as K/DA's leader and vocalist, Ahri.
MIYEON has been part of K/DA since "POP/STARS", lending her vocals to the group's debut alongside SOYEON, Madison Beer, and Jaira Burns. She also returned for the ALL OUT EP in 2020. Beyond K/DA, MIYEON has continued her music career with i-dle while also establishing herself as a solo artist and actress.
Sophie Powers joins K/DA as Evelynn
Singer, songwriter, and fashion designer Sophie Powers is joining K/DA as Evelynn, taking over a role previously performed by Madison Beer and Bea Miller.
Known for combining music with bold fashion and visual concepts, Powers brings her distinctive creative style to K/DA's new direction. Her work also extends beyond music, including fashion collections, stage design, and outfits for other artists.
Mimi Webb joins K/DA as Kai'Sa
British singer-songwriter Mimi Webb completes K/DA's new lineup as Kai'Sa, the group's lead dancer and choreographer. Webb, who has received a BRIT Award nomination, is known for her expressive vocals and emotionally driven pop music. She takes over the role previously voiced by Jaira Burns and Wolftyla.
Her inclusion introduces another established pop artist to K/DA's international lineup, joining the returning voices of MIYEON and SOYEON alongside Sophie Powers.
