The word remix doesn't always carry the greatest connotation. Why mess with a classic? The same goes with mash-up -- if the song was meant to be mashed with something, it would have been.

But that's being pretty closed off to a world of deejays, recording artists, amateur musicians, and mixologists that are taking K-pop hits and adding their own twists and sounds to them. The result isn't always perfect, but there's a lot of musical magic going on out there. We've collected some of the best remixes and mash-ups that celebrate the original and elevate it.

'Fiction,' BEAST: Duncam's Sweet Friction Remix

This is a club remix, so DJ Flako predicatably adds some big background beats and more swelling, dramatic build-ups. Yet somehow this version feels sweeping and ethereal -- it's a solid alternative to the BEAST hit.

'K-pop Mashup in 100 Seconds,' Danthology

This is a playful mash-up that combines some of the poppiest tunes that K-pop has to offer. It's also a great way to introduce friends to the genre.

'The Boys,' Girls Generation: Clinton Sparks and Disco Fries Remix ft. Snoop Dogg

This version gives the normally flirty Girls Generation a welcome edge and is a great example of what could happen if there were more collaboration between Korean and Western artists.

'Sugar Free,' T-ARA: DJ Flako Club Remix

This isn't a remix for a boring Tuesday afternoon. Put it on when you're ready to party, dance, seriously sweat, or all of the above.

'Tonight,' SPICA: Areia Remix

SPICA's original, upbeat version is a good one for (as the video suggests) a beach bonfire with friends. Areia's remix is a good one for when you take the party to the dance floor. The buildup that starts with some great acapella vocals around 2:40 is an especially good addtion to this mix.

'K-pop Culture,' TAK

This is another creative mash-up of some K-pop classics that would make a great addition to a playlist of Western hits if you're hanging out with non-K-pop fans.

'Hello,' SHINee: Glen Check Remix

This is one of the most inventive K-pop remixes out there. It takes a song with a modern pop feel and transforms it to a gritty jam that wouldn't feel out of place at the beginning of an 80s cop drama.

'I Am the Best,' 2NE1: Huglife Trap Remix

The original is already a dance hit that's crossed into nearly mainstream popularity in Western entertainment. Huglife Trap's version takes that great sound and gives it a lower tempo with more explosive bass for an all-around more powerful sound.

2014POINT1 SHIMMixes

This is a double whammy K-pop mash-up -- both the video and the music selection are pure K-pop fun.

Big Bang Live Mashup, Boy In a Band

We can't all be so lucky to experience Big Bang live in concert, but this energetic mash-up is a pretty good indicator that it would be fantastic.

'Break Away,' Big Mama: Su Jung Pae Cover

This is a breathtaking version of 'Break Away' that highlights the vocals that don't get all the credit they deserve in Big Mama's original version.

J-K Bass Vol. 4 Espio

It's a match made in music heaven: K-pop classics paired with drums and bass for a head-bopping, body-workin' good time.