Artist and producer Zico (ZICO) exerted an incomparable presence this year in the areas of new song and album production.
Zico continued his musical challenges in 2025 and was active as a singer. In particular, his global expansion stood out. On the 19th, Zico released the single "DUET," a collaboration with popular Japanese singer Lilas (Yoasobi Ikura). The song entered Spotify Korea's "Daily Top Songs" at No. 16 on its release day and rose to No. 6 the day after his 2025 Melon Music Awards (2025 MMA) performance (on the 21st). Also, starting on the 21st it reached the top of YouTube Korea's "Trending music" and held that position until 7 a.m. on the 30th. As word spread about the performance, it entered YouTube Korea's latest weekly trending music video chart (reporting period: Dec. 19-25) at No. 2. In addition, it appeared on both YouTube Japan's latest weekly trending songs and weekly trending music videos, showcasing its global popularity.
In June he released a new song, "EKO EKO," with famous Japanese musician m-flo. Such cross-national and cross-genre collaborations that broaden his musical spectrum are notable. Riding on this, Zico is accelerating his global activities. On Feb. 7 next year he will hold a solo concert, "2026 ZICO LIVE: TOKYO DRIVE," at Keio Arena Tokyo in Tokyo, Japan.
It was also a year that reaffirmed his reputation as a "hit maker." He participated in composing and writing lyrics for Blackpink member Jennie's "like JENNIE," which gained popularity worldwide, and the group BOYNEXTDOOR, which he oversaw as executive producer, achieved dramatic success. BOYNEXTDOOR's "오늘만 I LOVE YOU," released earlier this year, is dominating various year-end charts. In addition, the mini fourth album released in May, "No Genre," and the mini fifth album released in October, "The Action," achieved three consecutive million-selling records following the mini third album "19.99." Recognized for his production capabilities, he won the "best producer" institutional sector award at the 2025 Melon Music Awards held on the 20th. He will continue his work as a producer in the new year. He is scheduled to appear as a producer on Mnet's hip-hop survival program "Show Me the Money 12," which premieres on Jan. 15 next year.
Through his agency KOZ Entertainment Co., Zico said, "Production activities give me good stimulation, but as a performer I want to show more weighty work. Since founding the label I've only released one full-length album, so now I want to work on album-scale projects," expressing heightened anticipation for his future activities.
[Photo] KOZ Entertainment Co.
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