Collaborations have become a potent weapon for bridging cultures and breaking down musical boundaries in the dynamic world of K-pop, where the beats are contagious and the choreography is mesmerizing. K-pop has grown far beyond its Korean roots over the years, becoming a global phenomenon that defies language and boundaries.
Join us on a musical trip as we look at 7 K-pop international collaborations that not only entertained but also broke down barriers, leaving an unforgettable effect on the global music landscape.
1) BTS and Halsey – “Boy With Luv” (2019)
In 2019, the world witnessed the explosive combination of global sensations BTS and American pop artist Halsey in “Boy With Luv.” This energetic and catchy hit not only dominated charts throughout the world, but also demonstrated the seamless fusion of K-pop and Western pop, proving that music truly knows no boundaries.
2) BLACKPINK and Selena Gomez – “Ice Cream” (2020)
BLACKPINK, the K-pop queen, collaborated with pop superstar Selena Gomez to create the sweet and sassy “Ice Cream.” This partnership not only brought together disparate fan bases but also broke down language barriers, demonstrating that a captivating song and energetic beats are universal languages.
3) EXO and Jason Derulo – “Let’s Shut Up & Dance” (2019)
“Let’s Shut Up & Dance” combined EXO’s mesmerizing melodies with Jason Derulo’s rhythmic ability. The partnership demonstrated the merging of K-pop and Western pop with a dance anthem that resonated globally, demonstrating that music is a powerful force that can bring people from all over the world together.
4) MONSTA X and French Montana – “Who Do U Love?” (2019)
The combination of MONSTA X and American rapper French Montana in “Who Do U Love?” was an important turning point in K-pop’s rise to international success. The seamless mixing of English and Korean lyrics demonstrated the genre’s capacity to cross linguistic boundaries, engaging a varied audience.
5) SuperM and Baekhyun with BIBI – “Jopping” (2019)
SuperM, a supergroup made up of members of many prominent K-pop groups, delivered the intensity with their song “Jopping.” This collaboration also included the outstanding Baekhyun and BIBI, demonstrating K-pop’s versatility and ability to collaborate with performers from many musical backgrounds.
6) IU and SUGA (BTS) – “Eight” (2020)
“Eight” was conceived when IU’s honeyed vocals met the amazing production of SUGA from BTS. This emotionally charged cooperation transcends language barriers, touching the hearts of listeners all across the world. The hauntingly lovely melody revealed the universality of emotions expressed through music.
7) ATEEZ and Eden – “Answer” (2021)
ATEEZ, a rising star in the K-pop scene, partnered with Eden, an Australian producer, on “Answer.” This music not only highlighted ATEEZ’s unique sound but also the genre’s global popularity. The partnership demonstrated that the essence of K-pop is found not just in the language but also in the feelings it provokes.
