Teddy and ZICO are contributing to the globalization of K-pop in their own ways.
They are achieving new milestones through their ambitions and efforts as artists.
[TV Daily - Yoon Ji-hye Column] At the 2025 Melon Music Awards, BLACKPINK's Jennie captured significant attention with her performance. Her stage showcased her ambition as an artist through well-crafted song, visuals, and overall presentation, enhancing the pride of K-pop.
Jennie's captivating stage presence reflects the influence of key figures like Teddy and ZICO. As the core producer of BLACKPINK, Teddy has played a pivotal role in elevating K-pop sounds to a global audience, laying the groundwork for Jennie's current prominence.
Meanwhile, ZICO has significantly contributed to Jennie's solo album, most notably through the song 'Like Jennie,' which has boosted her global recognition. With his group BOYNEXTDOOR's award-winning debut at the 2025 MMA, ZICO solidifies his position as a leading artist. Both of these prominent figures are successfully conveying K-pop's fundamental charm through their achievements.
Jennie's performance exemplified a blend of technical perfection and emotional depth, reminding audiences of her unique charm. Her stage presence resonated deeply with viewers beyond just the music, showcasing an artist's ability to establish their identity, which is crucial for the ongoing evolution of K-pop.
Teddy stands as an icon in K-pop production, with his innovative approach leading to global success. His efforts go beyond mere music creation; he maximizes each artist's individuality, enabling them to achieve greater accomplishments. This is a key reason why K-pop maintains its competitive edge in the global market.
ZICO also continues to enhance his uniqueness through explorative musical endeavors. By assisting the rise of other artists’ recognition, he simultaneously strengthens his own artist image. This interaction fosters a rich tapestry of collaboration and competition among artists within the K-pop ecosystem, positively impacting the industry as a whole.
This article is KOSTAR’s reinterpretation of a story originally reported by TVDaily.
Photo: TVDaily
