'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
K-pop and Western collaborations have become increasingly popular, but the trend began earlier. In 2010, Kanye West teamed up with JYJ, blending hard rap with Korean pop. Recently, BLACKPINK's Rosé collaborated with Bruno Mars on the track APT, gaining millions of views and expanding exposure for both artists.
A few months back, another BLACKPINK member Lisa collaborated with the Spanish vocalist Rosalia, and the track New Woman became one of the top charting songs of the year.
Note: This article reflects the author's opinion and is listed in no particular order.
K-pop artists made some unique Western collaborations with Rosalia, Megan Thee Stallion, and others
These collaborations are -
Trending
- Rose x Bruno Mars
- IVE and Saweetie
- Lisa and Rosalia
- Jennie and Weekend
- JK and Latto
- JYJ and Kanye West
- BTS and Meghan
- BLACKPINK and Dua Lipa
1) Rose x Bruno Mars
On October 18, 2024, BLACKPINK's Rosé released APT, a K-pop-Western collaboration with Bruno Mars, based on the Korean drinking game "APARTMENT." In the music video, Rosé sings while Bruno plays drums in the background. She got the idea for the song after teaching the game to her crew in the studio but later felt embarrassed as it highlighted Korea's drinking culture, asking her team to delete it from their phones.
However, after releasing the track, audience responses soothe the singer. Within five days, the track has surpassed 98 million views on YouTube.
2) IVE and Saweetie
The six-member girls' group IVE had a major western collaboration with My Type singer Saweetie for the song All Night. On January 9, 2024, the sextant announced their new track which was released later that month.
The track is the remake of Icona Pop's song with the same title, which was aired in 2013. All Night was released during their first world tour Show What I Have, marking a significant track of the band. Also, the track is their first full-length English song.
3) Lisa and Rosalia
The Spanish singer Rosalia teamed up with BLACKPINK's youngest member Lisa for the track New Woman. In August 2024, the track was released on LLOUD's YouTube channel.
The song features a bilingual twist with Spanish rap. Written by Swedish singer Tove Lo and produced by Max Martin and Ilya, it highlights the challenges of transition and empowerment, paired with Y2K-inspired visuals.
4) Jennie and The Weekend
Another western collaboration can be seen from BLACKPINK Jennie for a solo track One of the Girls. She teamed up with The Weekend and Lily-Rose Depp for the title track of the HBO drama series The Idol.
One of the Girls is a seductive R&B track that features The Weekend's artistic touch and Jennie's soft vocals. Additionally, the BLACKPINK member debuted her acting career in this series as a backup dancer and a cult practitioner.
5) Jungkook and Latto
The golden maknae of BTS, Jungkook, and Big Mama singer Latto had an international crossover. The title track of his solo album SEVEN is another K-pop-western collaboration, which was released in July 2023.
This union blends the American and Korean savor in the song which reflects the desire of a boy to spend time with his lover. In the music video, South Korean actress Han So Hee was featured, making the track humourous yet lovable.
6) JYJ and Kanye West
The K-pop and Western collaboration between JYJ and Kanye West is a timeless union. In 2010, the trio, JYJ teamed up with CARNIVAL singer Kanye West for the track Ayy Girl from their debut full album The Beginning.
In the music video, the trio exhibited some quirky dance moves in slow motion, highlighting an apocalyptic scene. Kanye West composed the song so it embarks the Western touches throughout the song.
Read more: 6 K-Pop groups without leaders: BLACKPINK, NewJeans, and more explored
7) RM and Megan Thee Stallion
Meghan Thee Stallion is a ubiquitous name for BTS' western collaboration. In 2021, the Hiss vocalist, Megan joined BTS for Butter and later they were spotted at an LA concert, leaving the fans in awe.
In September 2024, BTS leader RM collaborated with her for a solo track Neva Play, which was featured as the theme song of WWE Smackdown. Megan Thee Stallion, LilJuMadeDaBeat, Shae Jacobs, B Ham, Peter Fenn, RM, and Hadar Adora contributed to writing and producing the track.
Megan's powerful vocal is complemented by RM's rap, making the song an energetic synergy. However, the music video of this Western collaboration features the animated version of RM that debuted on the US Billboard chart at 66th.
8) BLACKPINK and Dua Lipa
The girl group BLACKPINK teamed up with Dua Lip in 2018 and it was their first western collaboration. The track, Kiss and Make Up, is an energetic dance single that spreads an IT girl aesthetic.
The track is featured on the reissue of British singer Dua Lipa's self-titled album, which includes 25 solo singles. Known for its "Girl Crush" concept, the song became an anthem of girlhood and empowerment. The music video emphasizes the importance of love and presents a bold stance toward her lover. This bilingual track topped both iTunes and the US Billboard charts.
Apart from these Western collaborations, K-pop idols and groups like BTS, SEVENTEEN, and Chanyeol joined global artists like Steve Aoki, Far East Movement, Anne Marie, and more.
