As the K-pop fan base has swelled to encompass the world, the trend of collaborations with Western artists has grown into a mainstream phenomenon.
These partnerships are no longer just a way for K-pop to gain a foothold in new markets; they are a mutually beneficial creative exchange that bridges cultures, blends genres, and produces some of the most innovative and celebrated hits of the modern era. What makes these collaborations so compelling is the way they highlight the universal language of music.
BTS and Coldplay – “My Universe” (2021)
IMDb
“My Universe” marked a landmark collaboration between British rock band Coldplay and BTS, merging two of the world’s most influential music acts. Sung in both English and Korean, the song delivered a message of unity and love that resonated globally. It debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100.
BLACKPINK and Selena Gomez – “Ice Cream” (2020)
Spotify
This colorful summer hit brought together BLACKPINK’s edgy charm and Selena Gomez’s sweet vocals. “Ice Cream” was sung entirely in English and featured a playful, upbeat sound paired with a vibrant music video. The collaboration not only marked BLACKPINK’s continued rise in the U.S. market but also introduced them to a wider audience through Gomez’s massive fanbase.
PSY and Snoop Dogg – “Hangover” (2014)
Spotify
After the global phenomenon of “Gangnam Style,” PSY returned with “Hangover,” a quirky collaboration with rap legend Snoop Dogg. The track leaned heavily into comedic and party-centric visuals while blending EDM and hip-hop.
MONSTA X and French Montana – “Who Do U Love?” (2019)
IMDb
MONSTA X made waves in the Western music scene with “Who Do U Love?”, featuring Moroccan-American rapper French Montana. The English-language track blended smooth RandB with polished hip-hop elements, making it a radio-friendly hit.
TXT and Jonas Brothers – “Do It Like That” (2023)
IMDb
Tomorrow X Together (TXT) collaborated with the Jonas Brothers for the catchy, summer anthem “Do It Like That.” Produced by Ryan Tedder, the upbeat track combined TXT’s youthful energy with the Jonas Brothers’ signature pop-rock vibe. The collaboration was widely promoted across both Korean and U.S. platforms, highlighting the increasing synergy between K-pop and Western pop industries.
Lisa (BLACKPINK) and DJ Snake, Ozuna, Megan Thee Stallion – “SG” (2021)
YouTube
BLACKPINK’s Lisa joined forces with an eclectic group of global stars on “SG,” a tropical house track led by DJ Snake. With Latin flair from Ozuna, fiery bars from Megan Thee Stallion, and Lisa’s bilingual rap, the song became a cultural melting pot. It demonstrated Lisa’s global appeal beyond K-pop and showcased how international collaborations are now a mainstay in the industry.
MONSTA X and Sebastián Yatra – “Magnetic” (2019)
YouTube
MONSTA X teamed up with Colombian pop star Sebastián Yatra for “Magnetic,” a bilingual Latin-pop track that pushed K-pop further into the Spanish-speaking market. Sung in both Spanish and English, the song blended MONSTA X’s smooth vocals with Yatra’s romantic flair, resulting in a sultry, cross-cultural hit.
BLACKPINK and Dua Lipa – “Kiss and Make Up” (2018)
YouTube
“Kiss and Make Up” marked BLACKPINK’s first official collaboration with a Western pop star, teaming up with Dua Lipa for a bilingual dance-pop anthem. Released as part of the deluxe edition of Dua Lipa’s self-titled album, the track featured lyrics in both English and Korean, showcasing the growing appetite for cross-cultural collaborations in mainstream pop. Its tropical house vibe and infectious chorus helped it chart globally.
BTS and Halsey – “Boy With Luv” (2019)
IMDb
BTS teamed up with American singer Halsey for the vibrant and record-breaking single “Boy With Luv,” which became a global sensation. The song blended K-pop’s infectious energy with Halsey’s pop sensibilities, racking up hundreds of millions of views on YouTube within days. Their chemistry was evident both in the song and live performances.
PRETTYMUCH and NCT DREAM – “Up to You” (2020)
YouTube
American boy band PRETTYMUCH and K-pop group NCT DREAM joined forces for “Up to You,” a laid-back RandB-pop track that blended smooth harmonies and youthful charm. The collaboration, released in English, showcased the vocal strengths of both groups and emphasized the genre-blending appeal of modern boy bands across borders. Though not heavily promoted, the track was celebrated by fans for its clean production and refreshing cross-cultural energy
