'NewJeans father' 250 releases World Cup anthem sampling Koreana's 'The Victory'

Producer 250, widely recognized as the "father of NewJeans" for his work with the popular K-pop group, has released a surprise new single titled 'Victory.' The track is positioned as an unofficial anthem for the 2026 North, Central American, and Caribbean Football Confederation (CONCACAF) World Cup season.

Released on the 19th, 'Victory' is a collaboration with British DJ and producer Hudson Mohawke. The song samples Koreana's 'The Victory,' the official theme song of the 1988 Seoul Olympics, composed by Italian film score maestro Giorgio Moroder. 250 and Mohawke retained the original's optimistic and grand melody while infusing it with the textures of retro electronic music and the direct energy of stadium chants, effectively evoking the spirit of the 1988 Olympics for the 2026 World Cup.

250 has established a unique musical identity by navigating the realms of Korean electronic music and K-pop. His 2022 album 'Ppong' garnered significant acclaim, winning four awards at the 20th Korean Music Awards, including 'Album of the Year' and 'Musician of the Year.' His involvement in NewJeans' hit songs like 'Attention,' 'Hype Boy,' and 'Ditto' has further cemented his public recognition.

Hudson Mohawke is also a notable figure in the global electronic music scene. He gained early attention as the youngest finalist in the UK DMC DJ Championships at age 15. His career includes work with Kanye West's G.O.O.D. Music production team and collaborations with artists like Drake.