Artist and producer Zico (ZICO) grabbed the "best producer" trophy. At the same time, he delivered an impressive performance that heated up the atmosphere on site.
Zico won the "best producer" category at The 17th Melon Music Awards, MMA2025 (2025 Melon Music Awards), held on the 20th at Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul. As the chief producer of KOZ Entertainment Co., he was highly praised for overseeing production for his agency artists BOYNEXTDOOR and achieving great success. BOYNEXTDOOR was present at the venue to share the joy.
Zico opened by saying, "I founded KOZ Entertainment Co. in 2018 and have continued production for nearly seven years, and I had pictured this moment in my mind, but now that the scene I dreamed of is unfolding, I'm very nervous." He expressed his feelings, saying, "I am thankful to BOYNEXTDOOR, who kept saying until their mouth wore out that they would make me the best producer." He added, "I will continue to work to be an artist and producer who sets an example for many with great music, great activities and a great image."
Zico was also active as a performer that day. Under the theme "COUNT IT!", he presented a total of three performances. In "Tough Cookie (Feat. Don Mills)" and "No you can't," his whirlwind rapping drew admiration from the audience. Following a performance that shone with overwhelming charisma, fans were also treated to a stage for his new song. Lilas (Yoasobi Ikura), a famous Japanese musician who worked on the song together, made a surprise appearance for the performance of the new single "DUET," released on the 19th, prompting a great cheer. Zico's and Lilas's tones blended in a bright, lively melody to create a pleasant harmony. The choreography of swinging both arms up and down amplified the song's addictiveness. The performance, with dozens of dancers coordinating their moves, enhanced the enjoyment of watching the stage.
After delivering a great performance, Zico said through KOZ Entertainment Co., "As a singer, I felt gratitude for the stage, and as a producer, I felt new motivation vividly; it was a precious moment. Please give a lot of support to my next moves." Lilas said, "It was an honor and a pleasure to debut the new song on such a great stage. I hope 'DUET' will be loved by more people."
Meanwhile, Zico is drawing intense attention from global music fans with "DUET." The song entered the iTunes "Top Songs" charts in six countries/regions — Japan, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Singapore, Thailand and Indonesia — through 6 a.m. on the 21st. It was also sailing smoothly, ranking No. 2 on Korea's YouTube trending music list at 1 a.m. on the 21st. The music video appeared on Japan Line Music's "real-time music video top 100" on the day of its release.
[Photo] KOZ Entertainment Co.
[OSEN]