Blackpink’s Jisoo Teases Mystery Duet — and Fans Think It’s With One Direction’s Zayn Malik

A major new musical collaboration appears imminent, as BLACKPINK's Jisoo is reportedly set to release a duet with international superstar Zayn Malik. The Korea Herald broke the news, suggesting the track is a ballad titled "Eyes Closed," an idea first hinted at by a cryptic social media post using the caption, "Two voices, one orbit. Coming soon." A release is anticipated before the end of the month.

Visual evidence strongly supports the collaboration. Teaser images on Instagram depict Jisoo in the foreground, while a male figure with his back to the camera possesses a silhouette and a distinctive head tattoo that are unmistakably Malik's. Zayn Malik, who rose to global fame as a member of the phenomenally successful boy band One Direction, later forged a successful solo path with his R&B-influenced debut single "Pillowtalk," which debuted at number one on the Billboard Hot 100.

Rumors of a partnership have been circulating since July, when Malik was photographed with his daughter, Khai, attending BLACKPINK’s concert at New York's MetLife Stadium. He subsequently posted a public thank-you to the group on Instagram, reinforcing the connection. Industry analyst Lee Min-ji commented on the strategy, noting, "These cross-cultural collaborations are meticulously planned to merge distinct fan bases, a move that consistently drives massive streaming numbers and expands an artist's international footprint."

The timing for Jisoo’s solo endeavor is opportune, as she is currently on a break from BLACKPINK’s demanding "Deadline" world tour. The tour's European leg recently concluded with two capacity crowds at London’s O2 Arena—a venue famous for hosting landmark performances by artists like Beyoncé and Adele—and will recommence in Kaohsiung, Taiwan, in October. If released, this duet will mark her first new music since her solo EP "Amortage" arrived in February, featuring the tracks "Earthquake," "Your Love," "Tears," and "Hugs & Kisses."

Since his departure from One Direction in 2015, Zayn Malik has intentionally cultivated a more mature, R&B-oriented sound, a stark contrast to the group's pop-rock roots. While official confirmation from YG Entertainment—the powerhouse label behind BLACKPINK and other K-pop giants like BIGBANG—and Malik's representatives is still pending, the potential fusion of K-pop's precision with Malik's soulful vocals has already generated immense excitement online, promising a powerful chart contender.