KeSPA unveiled its official mascots, 'ON' and 'NARI', on the 1st. With this reveal, the association has put forward the slogan 'Cultivate potential, lead the future,' effectively symbolising the direction they intend to steer the organisation. You can expect to see these characters cropping up across a variety of online and offline content and projects.

Let's start with 'ON', a character inspired by a mouse—a cheeky nod to the essential piece of kit in any gamer's arsenal. In traditional Korean culture, the mouse represents wisdom, agility, and prosperity. The association has leaned into a cute and approachable aesthetic here, with those oversized ears serving as a metaphor for KeSPA's commitment to listening to the diverse voices within the esports industry. The name 'ON' is a clever double-entendre: it draws from the Korean word for 'all' or 'completeness' while simultaneously referencing the English 'On', signifying that moment when the power is flipped and everyone is connected.

Then there is 'NARI', a character designed to embody the core tenets of esports: light and speed. The name, rooted in light-based properties, suggests 'blooming light' or 'brightening the world,' with a natural extension to 'Bit-nari' (shining brightly). NARI is intended to represent positive virtues like hope, wisdom, and truth.

The symbolism behind this duo is inextricably linked to the association's slogan, 'Cultivate potential, lead the future.' It is all about discovering potential through connection and nurturing it to expand into the future. It’s a bold mission statement that reflects KeSPA's broader goals of fostering amateur talent and driving overall industry growth.

These mascots are set to function as KeSPA's own unique IP, acting as key assets for engaging with the esports community. If you are curious to see them in action, the reveal video is available on the official KeSPA YouTube channel. The association plans to integrate these characters into various initiatives, gradually expanding their reach—even hinting at future merchandising—as they cement their status as the face of the organisation.