In a monumental cross-cultural musical event, the nine-time Grammy Award-winning artist and producer Anderson .Paak has teamed up with the SM Entertainment juggernaut aespa for a new single titled “Keychain.” The track is set to feature on the soundtrack of .Paak’s highly anticipated feature directorial debut, K-POPS!, serving as a sonic bridge between Western R&B and the high-octane world of Korean pop.
A Fusion of Global Superpowers
The collaboration was officially teased on Monday, 23 February, via Instagram. The evocative cover art features a tactile, purple fuzzy bag adorned with two distinct charms: a miniature Anderson .Paak keychain and an elegant aespa logo. Scheduled for release at midnight ET on 27 February, the song is produced by the legendary Dem Jointz. Known for his architectural approach to sound, Dem Jointz has previously shaped the K-pop landscape through hits for NCT, EXO, and SHINee, as well as aespa’s own chart-topping anthem, “Supernova.”
While “Keychain” is their first formal duet, .Paak’s affinity for the Korean music scene is well-documented. He has previously collaborated with R&B sensation Dean, BTS leader RM, and most recently, G-DRAGON.
The Creative Genesis of ‘K-POPS!’
The film K-POPS! is more than a directorial project; it is a personal exploration of cultural duality. Speaking at the Toronto International Film Festival, .Paak revealed that the project was born during the COVID-19 lockdowns. What began as comedic skits with his son evolved into a deep dive into the competition-show structures and the 90s R&B roots that define modern K-pop.
| Release Detail | Information |
| Track Title | “Keychain” |
| Artists | aespa & Anderson .Paak |
| Primary Producer | Dem Jointz |
| Release Date | 27 February 2026 |
| Film Project | K-POPS! (A .Paak Directorial Debut) |
| Theatrical Partner | Exclusive to AMC Theatres |
A Star-Studded Cinematic Experience
The film, co-written by .Paak and Khaila Amazan, stars .Paak alongside his real-life son, Soul Rasheed, and veteran actress Yvette Nicole Brown. To ensure the film’s authenticity, a galaxy of K-pop icons will make cameo appearances, including Vernon of SEVENTEEN, Jay Park, Jessi, and Crush.
“Keychain” is expected to capture the essence of this “Black-Korean” cultural synergy, blending .Paak’s signature funk and groove with aespa’s futuristic, hyper-pop aesthetic. Fans can catch the track on all streaming platforms and see the film exclusively in AMC Theatres starting 27 February.