BTS has recorded an unreleased Michael Jackson song for an upcoming tribute album, marking a significant collaboration between the K-pop group and the late pop icon.

The recording sessions for the tribute album began in 2024 at Grouse Lodge studio in Ireland, where Jackson had previously worked on the material in 2006.

This collaboration features strong vocal contributions from BTS, alongside renowned producer Rodney Jerkins and rapper Nephew, who are revitalizing Jackson's songs for a new audience.

Big Hit Music announced the tribute album on their official Instagram account, stating it will include songs Jackson prepared in Ireland and is expected to be released in 2026.

Responses to the collaboration have been mixed, with fans expressing excitement while others criticize it as unnecessary and potentially disrespectful to Jackson's legacy.

BTS's involvement in this project signifies a shift in cultural influence, showcasing how non-Western artists are now pivotal in shaping the global music landscape.

Korean netizens have expressed admiration for BTS's achievements and global influence, eagerly anticipating both the collaboration and their upcoming full-group comeback in 2026.

Michael Jackson passed away in 2009, and his unreleased material remained hidden until now, following the discovery of tracks recorded between 1989 and 1991.

These unreleased tracks were found in a storage unit previously owned by Bryan Loren, a former collaborator with Jackson, and have sparked renewed interest in his unfinished work.

Paddy Dunning, the owner of Grouse Lodge, recently met with Jackson's son, Prince, who reminisced about their family's experiences in Ireland and expressed hopes to return with his siblings.

The Michael Jackson tribute project was initially teased in 2018, but it is now being revived with BTS's involvement, creating a historic collaboration between two music legends.

BTS recently announced plans for a comeback album in Spring 2026, further highlighting their ongoing exploration of cross-genre projects.