Dua Lipa and BTS: What We Know About Their Rumored Collaboration
There is no official collaboration between Dua Lipa and BTS. A rumor to that effect circulated in January 2026 when BTS announced their comeback, but the group's fifth album has since been released, and Dua Lipa doesn't appear on it.
Where the rumor started
BTS confirmed their return to the industry in early January 2026, announcing a fifth full-group studio album after nearly four years apart due to military service and solo projects. The scale of the comeback, combined with the group's history of Western pop crossovers, fueled speculation that British singer Dua Lipa could appear as a featured artist on the new record. Neither BTS's label nor Dua Lipa's team confirmed anything at the time — it stayed strictly a fan and media rumor.
What actually happened with the album
The album, titled ARIRANG, was released on March 20, 2026, led by the single "SWIM," with "2.0," "Hooligan," and "NORMAL" as follow-up promotional tracks. Its official 14-track list is:
- Body to Body
- Hooligan
- Aliens
- FYA
- 2.0
- No. 29
- SWIM
- Merry Go Round
- NORMAL
- Like Animals
- they don't know 'bout us
- One More Night
- Please
- Into the Sun
Dua Lipa isn't credited on any track. With the album out and the Arirang World Tour already underway, the January rumor can be considered resolved — at least for this era.
A track record of real K-pop crossovers
Dua Lipa's connection to K-pop isn't invented; she has a genuine history of it:
| Collaboration | Year | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| "Kiss and Make Up" with BLACKPINK | 2018 | Bonus track on the deluxe edition of her debut album, mixing English and Korean lyrics |
| "Physical" remix with Hwasa (MAMAMOO) | 2020 | New Korean verses added to the original single |
| "Handlebars" with Jennie (BLACKPINK) | 2025 | Featured on Jennie's solo album |
| BTS collaboration rumor | January 2026 | Speculation only; never materialized on ARIRANG |
Any chance they cross paths later?
BTS did share a major global stage in 2026, performing "Dynamite" during the FIFA World Cup halftime show alongside Madonna, Shakira, and Justin Bieber — but without Dua Lipa. Looking ahead, industry reports have floated Dua Lipa, Tame Impala, and BTS as possible Coachella 2027 headliners, which could reopen the conversation, this time as a live moment rather than a studio feature.
FAQ
Is Dua Lipa featured on BTS's new album?
No. The official 14-track list for ARIRANG doesn't include her.
Where did the collaboration rumor come from?
It started in January 2026 around BTS's comeback announcement, based on speculation rather than any official statement.
Has Dua Lipa worked with K-pop artists before?
Yes — with BLACKPINK ("Kiss and Make Up," 2018), Hwasa of MAMAMOO ("Physical" remix, 2020), and Jennie of BLACKPINK ("Handlebars," 2025).
Could they still collaborate in the future?
Nothing is confirmed, but both acts have been mentioned as potential Coachella 2027 headliners, which fans see as a possible opening for a live crossover.