K/DA Returns With New Music Video
K/DA drops surprise single Firestarter after 6-year hiatus, marking second major release since 2020.
In brief
K/DA drops surprise single Firestarter after 6-year hiatus, marking second major release since 2020. K/DA releases Firestarter music video and single on October 21, 2026, after six years of silence. Originally reported by IGN.
K/DA returns after six years
Riot Games' League of Legends-themed virtual K-pop group K/DA returns with new single Firestarter after six years of silence.
“After six years of silence, Riot Games' League of Legends-themed virtual K-pop girl group, K/DA, has returned with Firestarter, a comeback single created by the animation studio behind Arcane.”
New EP release date
K/DA's new EP Firestarter releases on October 21, 2026, marking their second major release since All Out in 2020.
“The single leads K/DA's new EP, set to come out on October 21, which would mark the group's second major release since All Out in 2020.”
Returning members
MIYEON and SOYEON from i-dle return with Sophie Powers and Mimi Webb, while Seraphine is absent from the new release.
“Returning to the lineup are MIYEON and SOYEON of i-dle, alongside Sophie Powers and Mimi Webb who bring new voices to K/DA’s latest era. The group has previously featured artists including Madison Beer and Jaira Burns, while Seraphine, who joined the virtual girl group for More in 2020 and was voiced by Lexie Liu, is notably absent from the new release.”
Producers behind the sound
Producers Kill Dave and Sebastien Najand, known for shaping K/DA's music since its inception, create Firestarter.
“Behind Firestarter's music video are producers Kill Dave and Sebastien Najand, the composer and producer often regarded as one of the architects of K/DA’s sound, having worked on the group’s music since its inception.”
Fortiche animation studio
Fortiche, the French animation studio behind Arcane, creates Firestarter's music video with a hybrid 3D CGI and hand-painted textures approach.
“Behind Firestarter's music video is Fortiche, the French animation studio whose long-standing partnership with Riot dates back to the original Pop/Stars video in 2018.”
Surprise release and views
Firestarter releases one day early on October 19, 2026, surpassing 4.3 million YouTube views in nine hours.
“Originally scheduled for release on Tuesday, October 20, Firestarter arrived as a surprise drop one day earlier, reportedly following leaks teasing the group’s return. The result is a spark that has already turned into a wildfire, with the music video surpassing 4.3 million views on YouTube alone in just nine hours.”
K/DA's musical impact
K/DA's Firestarter follows three new songs released in less than a month by Riot's virtual bands.
“It’s been a particularly busy year for Riot Games’ musical universe with three new songs released in less than a month. Heartsteel returned with Live My Life, True Damage made a comeback with Know My Name, marking a milestone for Riot’s virtual bands as the first to deliver a League of Legends Worlds anthem.”
Visual and musical details
Firestarter uses ballroom choreography, high-fashion costumes, and infrared-inspired visuals to create a visually striking experience.
“The choreography, meanwhile, seems inspired by drag ballroom culture, combining sharp poses, commanding gestures and theatrical flair into something utterly mesmerizing. It is bold, precise and unapologetically larger than life, the kind of performance that demands your attention even when everything else is already filling your senses.”
At a glance
K/DA releases Firestarter music video and single on October 21, 2026, after six years of silence.
