K-pop’s rise from the bustling streets of Seoul to stadiums across the globe is more than just a story of catchy choruses and flawless choreography. It’s also about cultural exchange, bold artistry, and fearless collaborations that have redefined what pop music can be. By joining forces with Western artists, K-pop idols have not only broken records but also built bridges across languages and cultures, transforming the music industry in the process.
This guide explores the top 10 K-pop collaborations with Western artists, diving into the stories, creativity, and impact that make each of them unforgettable milestones.
1. BTS and Halsey (Boy With Luv)
When BTS teamed up with Halsey in 2019, the result wasn’t just a song; it was a cultural moment. Boy With Luv debuted with an explosion of pastel visuals, joyful choreography, and a seamless mix of Korean and English lyrics. The track broke YouTube records in its first 24 hours and quickly became a fan favorite worldwide.
What made this collaboration special was the chemistry. From playful music video interactions to their performance together at the Billboard Music Awards, BTS and Halsey showed how K-pop and Western pop could blend effortlessly. Fans celebrated with cover dances, fan art, and endless streams, proving that music truly speaks a universal language.
2. BLACKPINK and Selena Gomez (Ice Cream)
Released in the summer of 2020, BLACKPINK’s collaboration with Selena Gomez was as sweet as its title. With lyrics in English and Korean, Ice Cream was a trilingual hit that delivered fun, color, and plenty of viral dance moments across TikTok and Instagram.
This partnership was more than a catchy summer anthem. It represented BLACKPINK’s global ambition and Selena’s warm, approachable style. Together, they crafted a song that crossed cultures while keeping it playful, stylish, and universally appealing.
3. Super Junior and Leslie Grace (Lo Siento)
Back in 2018, Super Junior and Dominican-American singer Leslie Grace made history with Lo Siento, the first major Latin-K-pop collaboration. Sung in Spanish, Korean, and English, the track fused Latin rhythms with K-pop energy and quickly gained fans across continents.
The collaboration showed just how adaptable K-pop could be. Super Junior’s Spanish vocals impressed fans worldwide, and Lo Siento paved the way for more K-pop and Latin music crossovers, proving that rhythm and passion are truly borderless.
4. Steve Aoki and BTS (Mic Drop (Remix))
When EDM legend Steve Aoki remixed BTS’s Mic Drop in 2017, the result was a powerful blend of rap, trap, and electrifying dance beats. The track transformed into a global club anthem, earning platinum certification and becoming a festival staple.
This collaboration wasn’t just about adding bass drops. It symbolized K-pop’s shift into the global mainstream, introducing millions of listeners to the genre’s swagger and energy. To this day, it remains one of the most iconic East-meets-West remixes in pop.
5. Dua Lipa and BLACKPINK (Kiss and Make Up)
British pop superstar Dua Lipa joined BLACKPINK in 2018 for Kiss and Make Up, a song about reconciliation and desire. The bilingual lyrics flowed naturally, and the sleek, danceable beat made it a global hit.
The track was born from mutual admiration when Dua Lipa reached out to BLACKPINK after meeting them in London. Their collaboration became an instant fan favorite, boosting BLACKPINK’s global recognition and proving that U.K. and Korean pop could create magic together.
6. G-Dragon and Missy Elliott (Niliria)
In 2013, K-pop visionary G-Dragon teamed up with hip-hop queen Missy Elliott for Niliria. This bold track fused traditional Korean folk sounds with futuristic beats and Missy’s iconic rap flow.
The collaboration was groundbreaking not just for its sound, but for the message: K-pop isn’t afraid to experiment. The track pushed boundaries and showed how traditional culture could blend seamlessly with global hip-hop.
7. EXO’s Chanyeol and Far East Movement (Freal Luv)
Freal Luv, released in 2016, was a multicultural powerhouse. Featuring EXO’s Chanyeol, Far East Movement, Tinashe, and Marshmello, the track combined EDM, rap, and multilingual vocals into a truly international hit.
With lyrics in English and Korean, the song celebrated inclusivity and diversity. It became a symbol of how K-pop collaborations can thrive across continents and genres.
8. MONSTA X and French Montana (Who Do U Love?)
In 2019, MONSTA X made a bold move with Who Do U Love?, their first all-English single, featuring rapper French Montana. The track blended smooth vocals with rap verses, making it radio-friendly in the U.S. and Europe.
This collaboration was more than just a song; it was MONSTA X’s statement that K-pop groups could succeed directly in Western markets. It opened doors for future all-English K-pop tracks and gave the group a foothold in global mainstream pop.
9. Lady Gaga and BLACKPINK (Sour Candy)
Lady Gaga’s 2020 album Chromatica featured Sour Candy, a daring collaboration with BLACKPINK. Packed with hard-hitting beats and bilingual lyrics, the song felt both futuristic and fun, perfectly capturing the fearless spirit of both acts.
Even during the challenges of the pandemic, the track became a streaming sensation. It showed how bold experimentation and cross-cultural creativity could make a song unforgettable.
10. Lil Nas X and RM (Old Town Road (Seoul Town Road Remix))
In one of the most unexpected collaborations, Lil Nas X invited BTS’s RM to join his viral hit Old Town Road in 2019. RM’s playful rap verse gave the remix a fresh twist, adding K-pop’s charm to the country-rap phenomenon.
The project was born out of social media banter and mutual respect, making it spontaneous and fun. The remix highlighted how K-pop can adapt to any genre and how the most surprising collaborations often leave the biggest impact.
Conclusion
These collaborations show why K-pop is more than just a genre; it’s a global movement. Each partnership broke barriers, brought cultures together, and set new standards for creativity in music.
From stadium stages to streaming charts, K-pop and Western artists continue to inspire fans around the world. These collaborations remind us that music is the ultimate universal language, one that connects people across borders, styles, and generations.
