Artist and producer ZICO reaffirmed his status as a top-tier global player in 2025 by demonstrating wide-ranging influence both as a performer and as a hit-making producer.
According to KOZ Entertainment on December 30, ZICO’s activities this year focused on two parallel tracks: expanding his artistic reach through global collaborations and solidifying his position as a successful idol producer.
ZICO’s work as an artist was marked by notable international momentum. His collaborative single “DUET” with Japanese singer Lilas, released on December 19, debuted at No. 16 on Spotify Korea’s Daily Top Songs chart before climbing to No. 6 following heightened attention from the 2025 Melon Music Awards stage. The track also ranked No. 1 on YouTube Korea’s Trending Music chart and placed No. 2 on the weekly popular music video chart, demonstrating strong cross-border impact in both streaming and video performance.
Earlier in June, ZICO further showcased his expanded musical spectrum through “EKO EKO,” a collaboration with Japanese group m-flo, reinforcing his reputation for genre-fluid experimentation.
His presence as a producer proved equally formidable. The boy group BOYNEXTDOOR, for which ZICO serves as executive producer, achieved three consecutive million-selling albums this year, underscoring rapid growth and commercial stability. ZICO also participated in writing and composing BLACKPINK Jennie’s “like JENNIE,” further highlighting his hitmaker credentials. These achievements culminated in his receipt of the Best Producer award at the 2025 Melon Music Awards on December 20.
ZICO’s momentum is set to continue into 2026. He will appear as a producer on Mnet’s “Show Me the Money 12,” premiering January 15, and will meet Japanese fans through his solo concert “2026 ZICO LIVE : TOKYO DRIVE” on February 7 at Keio Arena in Tokyo.
Looking ahead, ZICO shared through his agency, “While production work gives me strong creative stimulation, I now want to present more substantial, album-driven projects as a player.”
Reported by News Culture M.J._mj94070777@nc.press
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