Best K-Pop collabs: Jungkook and Usher to Rosé and Bruno Mars

Unexpected duos, bold experiments, and unforgettable tracks: these K-pop collaborations are making waves across the music scene

When two minds work together, hard work often yields sweeter fruit. This principle holds true in the music industry, where unexpected K-pop collaborations between diverse artists result in unforgettable creations.

These partnerships—from surprising duets to bold cross-genre experiments—have birthed some of the industry’s most beloved tracks. They not only captivate audiences but also showcase artists’ remarkable talent and ability to adapt to other artists’ grooves, regardless of whichever agency they hailed from.

Discover some of the best collab songs here.

‘APT.’ by Rosé and Bruno Mars

Rosé of BLACKPINK and Bruno Mars have dropped the sultry single APT., a cross-genre masterpiece that blends Mars’s signature smooth R&B with Rosé’s ethereal K-pop vocals. The track has instantly taken over global charts, offering fans a seamless fusion of both artists’ distinct styles.

The release of APT. marks a pivotal moment in Rosé’s solo career, following her success with On The Ground, and taps into Mars’s ever-evolving sound, reminiscent of his Silk Sonic era.

‘Standing Next to You’ Remix by Jungkook and Usher

With members undergoing mandatory military training under the Korean government last year, it is only natural that some will work on their solo activities. Jungkook of BTS did not waste time. After hits like Left and Right and Seven, he won the charts again with Standing Next to You.

The Usher remix of the song, released in 2024, maintained the song’s momentum and captivated fans worldwide. It brought together Jungkook’s dynamic performance style and Usher’s smooth R&B influence. The track is part of Jungkook’s solo album, Golden, featuring other international artists.

‘New Woman’ by Lisa and Rosalía

In a powerful collaboration, Lisa and Spanish sensation Rosalía have teamed up for New Woman, an empowering anthem for women. The track showcases Lisa’s fierce rap verses and Rosalía’s captivating vocals, creating a sonic celebration of strength, independence, and cross-cultural unity.

New Woman is more than just a catchy hit—it’s a statement piece. Fans are already hailing it as a new feminist anthem, where two worlds collide to create something truly extraordinary.

‘Spot!’ by Zico and Jennie

Spot is another song that has taken the K-pop music scene by storm. And why not? It meant the collaboration between two seasoned artists, Zico and Jennie. Back in 2018, Zico shared on the Korean show Radio Star that one of the artists he wanted to work with was Blackpink, and now his wish has come true (albeit lacking three members, but still).

Released in April this year, this digital single quickly soared to the top of various music charts. The song captures the essence of a spontaneous encounter at a late-night party, with Zico’s smooth rapping complementing Jennie’s unique vocals. The accompanying music video enhances the song’s charm with its intimate and hip atmosphere.

‘Shoong’ by Taeyang and Lisa

A surprise to YG Entertainment fans, former BigBang member Taeyang collaborated with BLACKPINK’s Lisa on the electrifying track Shoong in 2023 from his EP Down to Earth.

This powerhouse duo brought their A-game to the accompanying performance video, where their seamless and captivating choreography highlighted their exceptional chemistry and artistry. This collaboration fused the unique styles of two K-pop legends and set a new benchmark for iconic performances in the industry.

‘That That’ by PSY and Suga

Once PSY releases a song, it is a guaranteed hit. He further secured its success and longevity in the charts with BTS Suga’s participation.

The pair teamed up for the explosive track That That in 2022, blending PSY’s signature energy with SUGA’s lyrical prowess. The song, paired with a high-energy music video, showcases their dynamic synergy and brings a fresh twist to the K-pop scene, marking a monumental collaboration that captivates fans worldwide.

‘Dessert’ by Hyoyeon, Jeon Soyeon, and Loopy

Girls’ Generation member Hoyeon’s debut EP Deep features a standout collaboration with (G)I-DLE’s Soyeon and rapper Loopy.

Dessert blends Hoyeon’s captivating vocals with the latter pair’s infectious raps, creating an addictive dance track that perfectly showcases each artist’s unique strengths. In fact, it has trended on platforms like TikTok, encouraging fans worldwide to participate in dance challenges and share their creative interpretations.

‘Topline’ by Stray Kids and Tiger JK

Fourth-generation K-pop group Stray Kids collaborates with Korean hip-hop legend Tiger JK for Topline. This song shows off the rap line’s diverse flows and techniques despite having intricate and busy instrumentation—a Stray Kids staple.

This marks Stray Kids’ first debut feature on a track; thus, the smooth assist from Tiger JK was a wise decision. Their combined laid-back flow and unshakable confidence elevate this B-Side song.

‘Fighting’ by Seventeen BSS and Lee Young-ji

It has been a long time since Seventeen’s sub-unit BSS made a comeback, so they have to do it with a bang. And they did.

BSS answered their fans’ long-awaited demand with Fighting, featuring Korean rapper Lee Young-ji. The song’s unexpected success, with its smart lyrics, positive energy, and upbeat funk rhythm, earned multiple awards and chart-topping status.

‘Back for More’ by Tomorrow X Together and Anitta

Back for More brings together Tomorrow X Together (TXT) and Anitta in a collaboration that blends K-pop and Latin pop. The track’s energy and melodies showcase the artists’ high synergy, creating a vibrant and unforgettable musical experience.

As a pre-release to TXT’s latest album, The Name Chapter: FREEFALL, about reaching adulthood, the track is a testament to the boys’ more mature side.

‘On the Street’ by J-hope and J.Cole

BTS J-Hope and J.Cole join forces on an R&B-rap track they co-composed in 2023, each offering their wisdom on the art of endurance in being an artist, bridging their humble beginnings to their current status and influence.

The song was one of J-hope’s last projects before focusing on his military obligations to the country, making this collaboration a musical feat and a beacon of hope for his fans that he will return.

‘No Problem’ by Nayeon and Felix

JYP Entertainment artists Nayeon of Twice and Felix of Stray Kids, a rather unlikely pair, treated fans with a collaboration with No Problem.

The second track on her debut solo album, Im Nayeon, is a fun disco pop song about the power of love.

‘Smoke’ by Dynamic Duo and Lee Young-ji

This song was inspired by the popular dance survival show Street Woman Fighter 2. The leaders of the participating dance groups used Smoke in the show’s second challenge.

Smoke ignites a fiery synergy between Dynamic Duo and Lee Young-ji, blending the former’s seasoned rap prowess with Young-ji’s rising star power in the Korean hip-hop scene. This track delivers a raw and introspective narrative, underscored by slick beats and captivating flows, making it a standout in contemporary Korean music.

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Topics

K-pop Music

Angela Nicole Guiral

Digital Editor, Tatler Philippines

Angela Nicole Regis Guiral is the assistant digital editor of Tatler Philippines. She studied journalism and has since written features that look closely at how culture, lifestyle and social impact converge, while occasionally wandering into the worlds of style and travel.