He is expanding his musical spectrum through diverse collaborations.
Next year, he plans to work on a full-length album and serve as a producer on 'Show Me the Money 12.'
Artist and producer ZICO has achieved remarkable growth in music throughout 2025. His recent single 'DUET,' a collaboration with Japanese artist Lilas, has caught global attention. Following its release, the song started at 16th place on the Korean Spotify chart and climbed to 6th after the '2025 Melon Music Awards,' showcasing rapid popularity. As of December 30, it's reigning at the top of the Korean YouTube 'Trending Music' chart, also making appearances on the Japanese YouTube popularity lists. ZICO plans to hold a solo concert in Tokyo next year as he continues his aggressive global activities.
In the summer, he collaborated with the Japanese musician m-flo to release 'EKO EKO,' showcasing his ability to transcend genres. His involvement in the production of BLACKPINK Jennie's 'like JENNIE' further cements his position in the music industry. The success of the group Boynextdoor and their consecutive million-selling albums highlight his impact as a producer.
Through KOZ Entertainment, ZICO expressed that while producing fuels his creativity, he seeks to showcase more substantial work as a performer. He revealed his desire for a regular album project and anticipates his role as a producer in the upcoming show 'Show Me the Money 12.'
ZICO's accomplishments this year have not only been impressive but also highlight his capabilities as a producer, marking a significant turning point in the Korean music industry. His collaboration with Lilas represents a strategic move for his global outreach, further solidifying his position in the international music scene. This partnership aims to create a unique blend of varied sounds and styles, transcending what might be expected from a typical collaboration.
Moreover, ZICO's production skills are apparent in the positive impacts they have had on various artists and tracks. The success of emerging artists like Boynextdoor showcases his ability to nurture talent while expanding his musical horizons. This evolution reflects his efforts to broaden his musical spectrum while maintaining his identity and independence as an artist.
Finally, ZICO's acknowledgment of having released only one full-length album since establishing his label highlights a palpable thirst for more substantial album projects. His expressed desire to present more weighty works as a producer and artist indicates a passionate pursuit of deeper artistic endeavors beyond creating popular hits.
This article is KOSTAR’s reinterpretation of a story originally reported by TVDaily.
Photo: KOZ Entertainment
