Top 8 K-Pop and Global Music Collaborations of 2023
K-Pop’s global takeover hit new highs in 2023, unveiling a fresh wave of hitmakers post-BTS. Jung Kook, the solo sensation, stole the limelight with a bunch of collabs, flaunting his genre-hopping skills. From in-your-face jams to surprise duos, here’s the lowdown on 2023’s hottest K-Pop and global music tag-teams.
- SEVEN – Jung Kook, Latto
Jung Kook, the bigwig of K-Pop collabs, left a mark in 2023, ruling the charts worldwide with “SEVEN,” his Latto collab. Despite Jung Kook’s military break looming, the explicit version rocketed him to global fame, snagging that #1 spot. The catchy chorus and bold move showcased his range, leaving fans craving more.
- ON THE STREET – j-hope, J. Cole
Jung Kook’s BTS buddy, j-hope, went solo, teaming up with hip-hop heavyweight J. Cole for “ON THE STREET.” It may not have hit Jung Kook’s heights, but it solidified j-hope as the real deal. Great sound and empowering lyrics further established him as a force in his own right.
- BACK FOR MORE – Tomorrow X Together, Anitta
In my #HITSOFTOMORROW column in September, TOMORROW X TOGETHER and Anitta dropped “Back For More,” their most Top 40-ready track. The unexpected K-pop and Latin fusion became a breakout hit in English-speaking realms, proving the magic of cross-cultural musical blends.
- BETTER THINGS (RAYE Remix) – aespa, RAYE
aespa’s journey hit a high with “BETTER THINGS (RAYE Remix).” Featured in my #HITSOFTOMORROW column, RAYE’s touch took the single to new heights. This collab not only showcased the girl group’s skills but also marked RAYE’s breakthrough, a unique mix of K-pop and global music magic.
- SLOW – Jackson Wang, Ciara
In an unexpected but harmonious pairing, Jackson Wang and Ciara teamed up for “SLOW.” Offering both artists a shot at a blockbuster, it combined Ciara’s Top 40 legacy and Wang’s success with “Blow.” Debuting at Coachella, this collaboration not only met expectations but also delivered a well-deserved global hit.
- ONE OF THE GIRLS – The Weeknd, JENNIE, Lily-Rose Depp
JENNIE from BLACKPINK showed her versatility beyond music in “ONE OF THE GIRLS” with The Weeknd and Lily-Rose Depp. Despite BLACKPINK’s quiet chart year, JENNIE’s acting breakout and the seductive track hinted at her triple-threat potential, awaiting the right project.
- CUPID – Twin Version – FIFTY FIFTY, Sabrina Carpenter
FIFTY FIFTY’s “CUPID” got a TikTok-worthy twist with Sabrina Carpenter in the Twin Version. This clever remix added to the hit, becoming the band’s breakout in the Top 40. The ongoing TikTok craze for the single proves the unexpected collaboration’s success.
- UNFORGIVEN – LE SSERAFIM, Nile Rodgers
Nile Rodgers found his groove in K-pop with “UNFORGIVEN,” teaming up with LE SSERAFIM. Sampling Ennio Morricone’s theme, the track fearlessly introduced the artists to a global audience. Nile Rodgers’ touch made it a standout K-pop/global collab of the year.
In a year packed with surprise duos and chart-topping hits, these collabs highlighted K-pop’s power to cross borders and genres. From bold bangers to unexpected fusions, 2023 cemented K-pop’s spot in global music. As we eagerly await the next wave of musical mashups, these collaborations will resonate for years.
2023: A year of K-pop magic and global harmony.
