June 23, 2025 – The global music scene is set to witness a compelling new collaboration as Stray Kids’ Hyunjin partners with rising American alt‑pop artist d4vd. The duo’s forthcoming single, titled “Always Love,” marks a notable fusion of K‑pop’s dynamic energy with indie‑R&B sensibilities, continuing the wave of cross‑cultural musical experimentation seen in recent years.
According to reports, the collaboration was confirmed on June 22 via a social media post by d4vd himself, who revealed not only the song title but also a premiere date set for June 27. The announcement has instantly sparked excitement among fan communities, announcing the pairing as “finally official” after weeks of speculation.
The musical relationship between the two artists traces back to earlier this year, when d4vd attended Stray Kids’ “dominATE” world tour in California and South Korea. Footage and fan clips documented his emotional reaction as he met Hyunjin in person. Social media buzzed with moments like d4vd’s tearful exclamation in a TikTok video: “stray kids concert was SO fun omg 😭😭 #d4vd #hyunjin”. Later, he teased the collaboration over platforms like TikTok and Twitter, even calling Hyunjin “oppa” and indicating that working together would “happen one day”.
Though full details about the track are still under wraps, sources suggest “Always Love” will explore emotional themes through a stylistic blend reflecting both artists’ strengths. d4vd, known for his melancholic yet melodic style—as showcased on his debut album Withered (April 25, 2025)—often combines indie‑pop, alt‑R&B, and intimate bedroom pop to convey nuanced storytelling. Meanwhile, Hyunjin’s expressive vocals and performance flair, developed through Stray Kids’ high‑energy releases and solo SKZ‑Record tracks, may inject a warm, dynamic counterpoint.
The result promises to resonate with both Western indie audiences and K‑pop fans, delivering what Soompi described as a “sneak peek” teaser video of the track that features d4vd dancing alongside a cardboard cutout of Hyunjin and his SKZOO plushie. The teaser underscores the playful yet heartfelt tone many anticipate from the full song.
This collaboration reflects the ongoing evolution of K‑pop’s global appeal and its intersection with Western independent music scenes. Artists like BTS and Blackpink have forged similar trails, with features by artists like Halsey and Selena Gomez. Hyunjin, who has already demonstrated strong international presence through fashion endorsements (Versace, Cartier, Givenchy Beauty) and solo performances, continues to build bridges between audiences.
On the other hand, d4vd has seen explosive growth following his viral breakout hits “Romantic Homicide” and “Here with Me,” now charting billions of streams and earning a debut studio album that debuted at No. 13 on the Billboard 200. With “Always Love,” he’s reaching deeper into global collaboration territory, leveraging one of K‑pop’s most charismatic idols.
Fan communities have responded with buzz and anticipation. A correspondent on Music Mundial shared that when d4vd playfully declared, “D4vd oppa,” on social media, it sent waves through fandom forums—signalling real chemistry and mutual appreciation. Similarly, the viral Soompi teaser video has encouraged listeners to expect a balancing act between indie introspection and K‑pop polish .
Given both artists’ emotional storytelling strengths, fans speculate the song might deliver a powerful ballad, weaving tender lyricism with layered instrumentation. With only a few days until the release, excitement is building across both TikTok and Twitter, where hashtags like #AlwaysLove, #d4vdxHyunjin, and #SkinshipCollab are trending.
“Always Love” arrives June 27 via major music streaming platforms, accompanied by plans for a music video and potentially joint promotional content. This release may offer a pivotal moment for Hyunjin, who, though highly visible within Stray Kids and the fashion world, is early in his individual musical ventures. For d4vd, it represents another bold step in solidifying his presence in global pop.
In the broader context, this collaboration underscores the genre-blurring collaborations shaping today’s music landscape—where borders are increasingly musical rather than geopolitical. It will be interesting to see how this new song performs on charts across Asia and the West, and whether it inspires future partnerships among artists from different musical ecosystems.