BTS vocalist Kim Tae-hyung hits Master rank in League of Legends during world tour
Seoul, South Korea – Kim “V” Tae-hyung, a vocalist for the global K-pop sensation BTS, has officially reached Master rank in League of Legends solo queue on the notoriously competitive Korean server.
This impressive feat came to light on August 6, 2026, when fans discovered his in-game achievement visible in the background of an Instagram Story, surprising many given his demanding schedule during the group’s ongoing “Arirang World Tour.”
The arduous climb to Master tier in League of Legends
The screenshot, which V posted in connection with a Grammy announcement, showed his in-game icon adorned with the distinctive purple Master wings and a caption confirming his “Highest rank. Master. Solo/Duo.” It highlights a dedication many find astonishing, blending the high-pressure world of global superstardom with the intense grind of competitive online gaming.
V’s journey to Master rank has been a years-long endeavor, a true testament to his persistent engagement with League of Legends. Public records indicate he was last spotted at Diamond 4 in October 2023, which is already a respectable achievement for any player.
By June 2026, a promotion screen showed V’s account at Diamond 2, maintaining an impressive 61% win rate across 72 games. This means he secured 44 wins against just 28 losses, demonstrating a consistent and high-level performance as he climbed the ranks.
Pushing through the ranks while on tour
The final ascent from Diamond 2 to Master required V to play a staggering 184 games. What makes this particularly remarkable is that he accomplished this while actively participating in BTS’s “Arirang World Tour,” juggling rehearsals, travel, and performances across the globe.
His ability to carve out time and maintain focus for such a rigorous climb, despite the physical and mental demands of a world tour, has garnered significant attention from both the K-pop and gaming communities. Many fans online expressed a mix of confusion and pure respect, often questioning how he managed to find the hours needed to play.
Navigating the highly competitive Korean server
Achieving Master rank on the Korean server is no small feat; it’s widely considered one of the toughest ranked ladders globally. With 1 LP, V now sits within the top 1.5% of players on this server, according to Dexerto, with PCGamesN reporting this as the top 0.84% of players worldwide on the Korean server as of June 2026.
The sheer talent pool and aggressive playstyle of Korean players make ascending the ranks exceptionally difficult. This environment is well-known for fostering some of the world’s best professional League of Legends esports talent, making V’s achievement even more noteworthy.
The unique pressure of Korea’s competitive landscape
Players on the Korean server face an intense competitive atmosphere, characterized by strategic depth and quick decision-making. This creates a challenging ecosystem where every mistake can be severely punished, demanding peak performance and consistent effort from those hoping to climb.
Even seasoned professional players often struggle to maintain high ranks here, highlighting the immense skill and dedication required to reach a tier like Master. It takes a significant level of understanding and execution to compete successfully against such a formidable player base.
K-pop and gaming’s increasing crossover appeal
V’s accomplishment isn’t an isolated incident but rather a prominent example of the growing intersection between the K-pop industry and the gaming world. Many idols are open about their passion for video games, resonating strongly with their global fanbase.
In 2020, BTS had a notable crossover with League of Legends when LCK legend Faker made a surprise appearance on their variety show, “Run BTS,” performing alongside the group. This collaboration underscored the mutual respect and shared cultural space between these two entertainment giants.
Other idols reaching high ranks in LoL
V isn’t the only K-pop star to have achieved high ranks in League of Legends. Kim Jun-su (XIA) reportedly reached Master rank in 2025, demonstrating similar dedication to the game. Seventeen’s Wonwoo and Super Junior’s Kim Hee-chul are also known to be Diamond-tier players, showcasing a strong affinity for the game among Korean celebrities.
These instances reveal a broader trend where K-pop idols, often seen as trendsetters, are actively engaging with and excelling in competitive gaming. Their participation not only humanizes them to fans but also shines a spotlight on the competitive gaming scene itself.
What this means for celebrity involvement in gaming
V’s Master rank achievement underscores a shift in how celebrities interact with their hobbies and how those interactions are perceived by the public. It moves beyond casual endorsements, showcasing genuine skill and commitment in a field often dominated by esports professionals.
This deep level of engagement from a global superstar like V could inspire more fans to explore competitive gaming themselves, potentially boosting League of Legends‘ already massive player base and further legitimizing gaming as a serious pursuit. It also highlights the idea that true passion and hard work can lead to excellence, whether on stage or in a virtual arena.
The blurring lines between fame and passion
The revelation of V’s gaming prowess serves to further blur the lines between traditional celebrity and online culture. It demonstrates that idols, despite their demanding careers, share common interests and pursuits with their audience, fostering a deeper connection and relatability.
This blend of global pop culture and competitive gaming marks an evolving landscape where different forms of entertainment increasingly intersect. As K-pop continues its global expansion, its stars’ personal interests, like competitive gaming, will likely continue to draw new audiences into these digital worlds, showcasing the universal appeal of gaming.