Two of K-Pop’s powerhouse groups, aespa and RIIZE, are lending their voices to the upcoming anime series, Kill Blue. SM Entertainment’s dynamic girl group aespa will perform the opening theme song, “ATTITUDE,” while their labelmates, the rising boy group RIIZE, will perform the ending theme, “KILL SHOT.” The announcement has generated significant buzz, bringing together the worlds of K-Pop and anime.
A Double Feature from SM Entertainment
The collaboration marks a significant moment for both groups. aespa’s track, “ATTITUDE,” was released as a Japanese digital single on March 6, 2026, and is described as a song that “perfectly matches the fast-paced energy of Kill Blue,” according to a statement shared by The-O Network. For RIIZE, “KILL SHOT” is their first-ever theme song for a television anime. The group described the track as capturing the anime’s intersecting themes of “the ordinary and the extraordinary” with a powerful, rock-inspired sound.
About the Anime: Kill Blue
Kill Blue is an adaptation of the popular manga by Tadatoshi Fujimaki, the creator of Kuroko’s Basketball. The story follows a legendary 39-year-old hitman who is mysteriously transformed into a 13-year-old boy and must infiltrate a middle school. The anime is produced by CUE animation studio and is set to premiere on April 11, 2026, on TV Tokyo in Japan. As reported by Final Weapon, the series promises a unique blend of action, comedy, and youthful chaos.
A Fusion of Global Fandoms
The involvement of two major K-Pop acts in a highly anticipated anime project highlights the growing synergy between the two industries. Both aespa and RIIZE have rapidly growing global fanbases, and their participation is expected to bring a new level of international attention to Kill Blue. Fans of both the groups and the original manga are eagerly awaiting the premiere to see and hear how this exciting collaboration comes to life.
References
1. Crunchyroll: Kill Blue Anime Theme Song Performers Revealed in Teaser Trailers
2. The-O Network: aespa and RIIZE Perform Theme Songs for KILL BLUE Anime
3. Final Weapon: KILL BLUE Anime Reveals Opening and Ending Theme Songs by aespa and RIIZE
