BLACKPINK x MapleStory: The Stunning Vogue Korea Collab (December 2022)

BLACKPINK's groundbreaking collaboration with MapleStory made headlines in December 2022 when Vogue Korea revealed the unique partnership that merged K-pop, gaming, and high fashion. The iconic group worked with MapleStory to create exclusive in-game items that captured their distinctive music and style.

Notably, the members shared deep personal connections to the game during their Vogue Korea interview. Jisoo affectionately called MapleStory an "old friend," while Jennie described her first login as an exciting adventure. Furthermore, Lisa found joy in the character design process, bringing their creative vision to the gaming world. This collaboration proved particularly significant as it coincided with BLACKPINK's success with their "Born Pink" album, which earned them the Top Album Award at the RTHK International Pop Poll Awards.

The Historic Gaming Collaboration Announcement

Nexon unveiled an exciting collaboration between its flagship game MapleStory and global sensation BLACKPINK through a captivating teaser video. The announcement marked a significant milestone as the entire group joined forces with the game developers, following Jisoo's earlier appointment as MapleStory's ambassador.

The collaboration showcased the group's genuine connection with MapleStory as they shared their experiences and thoughts about the game's fashion elements. Additionally, the members actively participated in the development process, proposing creative ideas for in-game items that would resonate with both BLINK and MapleStory communities.

The partnership included two special episodes scheduled for release. The first episode, set for December 8, featured BLACKPINK members predicting results from the "2022 MapleStory Outfit Tournament". Subsequently, the second episode, planned for December 13, documented the group designing exclusive collaboration items.

This strategic partnership extended beyond regional boundaries, reaching players across multiple territories. The collaboration videos became accessible through dedicated web pages and official YouTube channels in countries offering MapleStory and MapleStory M services, including Singapore, Korea, North America, Taiwan, and Japan.

On December 23, Nexon introduced the "BLINK Beauty" package, specifically designed by BLACKPINK members. The update included:

Two BLACK Packages
Two PINK Packages
BLINK Beauty items featuring exclusive face and hair options

The collaboration built upon MapleStory's previous successful partnerships, including one with BTS. For BLACKPINK, this venture added to their growing portfolio of gaming collaborations, complementing their earlier appearances in various games such as Taiko no Tatsujin, Just Dance, and their memorable in-game concert in PlayerUnknown's Battlegrounds.

Inside the Vogue Korea Photoshoot

Renowned photographer Mok Jungwook captured BLACKPINK's essence through an enchanting lens for Vogue Korea's December 2022 issue. The photoshoot masterfully blended soft aesthetics with fierce elements, creating a visual narrative that perfectly embodied the collaboration's spirit.

The artistic direction incorporated innovative techniques, as seen through clever use of projectors and glass screens that added depth to each frame. In one striking image, Lisa's portrait stood out with MapleStory projections gracefully illuminating her features, creating an otherworldly effect that merged gaming aesthetics with high fashion.

The shoot consisted of two distinct sets, each telling its own story. The first set embraced a cute, playful theme, whereas the second set showcased sophisticated technical elements and thoughtful color combinations. Each member brought their unique charm to both individual and group shots, yet maintained a cohesive visual harmony that spoke to their collective strength.

Jisoo commanded attention with her striking outfit choices, demonstrating her fashion versatility. Rosé's signature hair styling added an extra layer of charm to her shots, perfectly complementing the overall aesthetic. Jennie's natural charisma shone through in every frame, alongside Lisa's magnetic presence that captivated viewers.

The release timing proved strategic, coinciding with BLACKPINK's preparation for their world tour. This thoughtful scheduling allowed fans to experience a different side of the group just before their global performances. The photoshoot garnered immediate praise from both fashion critics and fans alike, who appreciated the seamless fusion of gaming culture with high fashion aesthetics.

Through careful art direction and styling, the shoot successfully translated MapleStory's virtual world into tangible fashion moments. The resulting images served as a testament to the versatility of both BLACKPINK and MapleStory, proving that gaming culture and high fashion could coexist in perfect harmony. Each frame captured the essence of this unique partnership, creating a visual story that resonated with both gaming enthusiasts and fashion aficionados alike.

BLACKPINK Members' Gaming Connection

Beyond their musical prowess, BLACKPINK members share a deep-rooted passion for gaming, especially evident through their MapleStory collaboration. Jisoo stands out as the group's most dedicated gamer, earning recognition as MapleStory's official 2022 ambassador. Her gaming expertise extends beyond casual play, as she demonstrates strategic thinking by recommending specific character classes for her fellow members based on their personalities.

In a recent revelation, Jisoo disclosed that gaming represents her largest expenditure category. "I don't even shop much. But when I spend money on a game, I think of it as an investment," she explained, comparing in-game purchases to buying real-world clothing. Her gaming dedication catches attention even from fellow artists, with label mate Somi noting Jisoo's predawn Animal Crossing sessions.

The other members also maintain strong connections to gaming culture. Jennie showcases her gaming skills through various titles, primarily excelling in Overwatch where she favors the tank character D.Va. Rose appreciates the aesthetic elements of games, expressing particular fondness for MapleStory's character designs. Lisa, though less experienced in gaming, received thoughtful character recommendations from Jisoo, suggesting Adele as an ideal character choice due to its user-friendly mechanics.

Their gaming involvement extends across multiple platforms. The group has collaborated with numerous gaming franchises, creating unique experiences for their fans. A significant milestone occurred with their PUBG Mobile partnership, where they performed virtually and released exclusive content. Moreover, they ventured into the metaverse through Roblox, establishing "Blackpink: The Palace" where fans could interact with member avatars.

The members' authentic enthusiasm for gaming manifests in their collaborative work. Throughout the MapleStory partnership, they actively participated in design discussions, sharing personal experiences about the game's fashion elements. This genuine connection resonates with both gaming and K-pop communities, bridging these entertainment spheres naturally rather than through mere promotional efforts.

Fan and Media Response

The release of BLACKPINK's MapleStory collaboration on December 21, 2022, sparked immediate enthusiasm across social media platforms and gaming communities. Vogue Korea's unveiling of the photoshoot generated significant buzz, with fans praising the innovative use of projection technology and thoughtful artistic direction.

Korean netizens expressed particular admiration for the group photos, highlighting Jennie's striking shoulder line and the overall aesthetic appeal. Comments flooded online platforms: "The group photo is so pretty! Jennie's shoulders are amazing to look at!" Another fan noted, "My favorite 2D game and my favorite female idol Jennie - the combination is so good!".

The fashion elements received considerable attention, as fans inquired about purchasing opportunities for the outfits showcased in the shoot. Many praised the styling choices, with one enthusiast commenting, "Their outfits are so pretty! Where can I buy them?" The pictorial concept earned widespread acclaim for its fresh approach to gaming fashion.

Gaming community reactions proved equally positive, with MapleStory players expressing excitement about the collaboration's potential impact on in-game fashion. Experienced players acknowledged Jisoo's gaming expertise, noting her understanding of KMS fashion trends would likely influence the design quality.

The collaboration's announcement prompted discussions about its commercial implications. MapleStory enthusiasts anticipated exclusive packages, with some declaring "My wallet is ready!" Others compared it to previous successful gaming partnerships, including the memorable Sword Art Online crossover.

International media coverage emphasized the collaboration's significance in bridging K-pop and gaming cultures. The partnership garnered attention for its innovative approach to content creation, with planned episodes showing BLACKPINK's involvement in game development processes.

The response highlighted the successful merger of fashion, gaming, and K-pop cultures. Fans appreciated how each member brought unique elements to the collaboration while maintaining group cohesion. One observer noted, "Each of them brings something unique to the photoshoot, shown in their solo shots. Yet in the group shot, they all seamlessly work together".