When Worlds Collide: Faker's Surprise Cameo in Stray Kids' "CEREMONY" MV
In an unexpected crossover that has fans across two massive fandoms buzzing, League of Legends legend Lee "Faker" Sang-hyeok made a surprise appearance in Stray Kids' latest music video for "CEREMONY." Released on August 22, 2025, as the title track from their fourth studio album KARMA, this collaboration represents a fascinating intersection of esports and K-pop culture.
The Unexpected Cameo
Faker's appearance comes at the very end of the music video (at 2:41), where viewers catch a glimpse of the T1 superstar at his PC setup before he delivers his signature "shush" gesture to the camera. In a brief but impactful moment, the gaming icon's legendary presence is perfectly captured while fitting perfectly into Stray Kids' visuals.
For those unfamiliar with Faker, he's widely regarded as the greatest League of Legends player of all time, with multiple World Championship titles under his belt and a career spanning over a decade at the highest level of competitive gaming. His inclusion in a K-pop music video signals just how much the boundaries between different entertainment mediums continue to blur in modern Korean culture.
Behind the Scenes
According to Stray Kids member Felix, the group was incredibly honored to have Faker participate in their project. What makes this collaboration even more impressive is the timing - Faker filmed his segment while Stray Kids was actively on tour, showcasing the dedication both parties had to making this crossover happen despite busy schedules.
"Faker filmed our music video while we were on tour. He did a great job, and although I couldn’t meet him in person, I’m grateful and honored. If we get another chance, I’d love to meet him and play games."
This kind of collaboration between e-sports and music isn't entirely unprecedented in Korea, where both industries have massive cultural influence, but seeing two icons at the top of their respective fields come together still feels special and unexpected.
The Fan Reaction
Predictably, fans from both communities have been going wild over this unexpected crossover. Social media has been flooded with reactions from STAYs (Stray Kids fans) and League of Legends enthusiasts alike, many of whom never imagined their two favorite worlds would intersect in such a direct way.
The brief but memorable appearance has sparked conversations about future collaborations and has fans wondering what other surprising crossovers might be in store as the lines between different forms of entertainment continue to blur.
Tweet from @froggiejenjen
Next Chapter of KARMA
As both Stray Kids and Faker continue to dominate their respective fields, this collaboration serves as a reminder of the creative possibilities that emerge when artists and athletes are willing to step outside their comfort zones and explore new territories together.
Whether this is a one-time collaboration or the beginning of more crossovers between K-pop and e-sports remains to be seen, but one thing is certain - when legends from different worlds come together, the results are always worth watching.