K-pop idols from different groups often come together to do cover stages or joint performances in year-end celebrations and award shows. However, K-pop collaborations for an official release are considerably lesser. Thus, it’s a special occurrence for fans when their biases team up for new music.
Here are some of the most iconic K-pop idol collaborations that became unforgettable moments in K-pop history:
1. “SPOT!” (Zico and Jennie)
“SPOT!” is Zico’s 11th digital single and a collaboration with BLACKPINK’s Jennie, who featured in this song. Released last April 2024, “SPOT!” is a fun hip-hop track about two friends hanging out and partying. This song is Zico’s first music release in more than a year and after launching the boy group BOYNEXTDOOR.
2. “eight” (IU and Suga)
“eight” is IU’s 7th digital single and a collaboration with BTS’s Suga, who produced and featured in her song. Released in May 2020, the track was met with high expectations since IU and Suga were same-aged artists who both excelled in songwriting. “eight” is a meaningful song about loss and moving forward that highlights IU’s unique vocals with Suga’s distinct rap style.
3. “NO PROBLEM” (Nayeon and Felix)
“NO PROBLEM” is a B-side track in TWICE Nayeon’s debut EP, IM NAYEON, released in June 2022. Stray Kids’ Felix featured in the song. “NO PROBLEM” is a lively disco song with all-English lyrics about an unstoppable love. This collaboration between labelmates brought excitement to JYP fans. Nayeon’s bright vocals and Felix’s deep rap resulted in a refreshing song.
4. “Dream” (Suzy and Baekhyun)
“Dream” is a collaboration single by MISS A’s Suzy and EXO’s Baekhyun. The two are both known for being great vocalists in their respective groups. Together, their voices create a harmony perfect for a romantic duet. In 2016, Suzy and Baekhyon won “Best Collaboration” in the Mnet Asian Music Awards for this single.
5. “Shoong!” (Taeyang and Lisa)
“Shoong!” is part of Taeyang’s 2nd EP, Down To Earth, released in April 2023. BLACKPINK’s Lisa featured in the song. Taeyang’s smooth vocals and Lisa’s cool rap created a good flow for the track. Although they are both under different agencies now, their history as labelmates from YG Entertainment made this a highly-anticipated collaboration.
6. “Hate That…” (Key and Taeyeon)
“Hate That…” is a solo single of SHINee’s Key featuring Taeyeon of Girls’ Generation. The song was released in August 2021. Key and Taeyeon have a long-time friendship as labelmates and colleagues in the variety show Amazing Saturday. Since they were known as a chaotic duo, this emotional track was something new for the fans.
By teaming up, these pairings produced instant hits with their different talents and musical styles. As the industry evolves and K-pop idols get to have more creative freedom over their music, there will hopefully be more opportunities for idols to collaborate in the future.