Zico

Zico
Name	Zico
Birth name	Woo Ji-ho
Birth date	14 September 1992
Birth place	Seoul
Occupation	Rapper; record producer; songwriter; record executive
Years active	2008–present
Associated acts	Block B; IU; Epik High; Paloalto (rapper); Crush (singer)
Labels	Seven Seasons (record label); KOZ Entertainment

Zico is a South Korean rapper, producer, and songwriter known for blending hip hop, pop, and electronic styles within the K-pop and K-hip hop scenes. Rising to prominence as leader of the boy group Block B, he later established a solo career that expanded into producing for major artists, founding a label, and appearing on television programs. His work has influenced contemporary South Korean popular music and crossed into international collaborations.

Early Life and Education

Born in Seoul and raised in the Gwangjin District, he attended Baekseok High School and later enrolled at Konkuk University where he studied film and theater before transferring to Seokyeong University to complete coursework related to music. During adolescence he was influenced by American and Korean hip hop scenes, listening to artists associated with Def Jam Recordings, Rhythm Nation, and Korean underground figures such as Drunken Tiger and Seo Taiji. Early participation in underground rap events and connections with producers from AOMG and Illionaire Records contributed to his formative network.

Music Career

He debuted with the group Block B under Seven Seasons (record label), contributing as main rapper and leader while collaborating with producers linked to Shin Hae-chul and Hongdae collectives. After breakout releases, he pursued solo releases including mixtapes and singles that charted on the Gaon Music Chart and Billboard K-Pop Hot 100. His solo discography features charting tracks that involved collaborators such as IU, Bobby (iKON), Dean (singer), and Jay Park, and his albums incorporated producers with credits from SM Entertainment and YG Entertainment artists. Tours and festival appearances included stages at events alongside acts promoted by CJ E&M and international lineups that featured artists from XL Recordings and Universal Music Group partners.

Production and Songwriting

As a producer and songwriter he has written and produced tracks for artists signed to Cube Entertainment, NHN Entertainment, and independent labels. His production style blends elements from producers affiliated with 2000s hip hop collectives and contemporary electronic producers from London and Los Angeles. He has co-written compositions with members of Epik High, Dynamic Duo, and Primary (record producer), and has credits on releases distributed through Loen Entertainment and YG Plus. He founded KOZ Entertainment to develop artists and control production pipelines, working with composers who have credits on releases for BTS, Blackpink, and TWICE influences, while maintaining collaborations with international songwriters registered with ASCAP and BMI.

Acting and Television Appearances

He has appeared on South Korean television programs including music competition shows like Show Me the Money as producer and judge, variety series produced by MBC, SBS, and tvN, and reality programs associated with JTBC. Guest appearances and cameos include music broadcasts on Music Bank, Inkigayo, and special programs tied to festivals such as Seoul Music Awards and MAMA Awards events. He has also participated in documentary-style projects and short film work connected to Korean Film Council initiatives and university film festivals showcasing crossover between music and film communities.

Personal Life and Philanthropy

He maintains ties to communities in Seoul and has engaged in charitable activities with organizations connected to relief efforts recognized by UNICEF and local foundations endorsed by figures from SM Entertainment philanthropic drives. Public statements and benefit performances have aligned him with campaigns for youth music education and disaster relief coordinated with municipal bodies in Gyeonggi Province and cultural NGOs supported by sponsors like Hyundai and Samsung. He has kept personal relationships private, occasionally discussed in interviews on outlets such as Naver and SBS News.

Awards and Recognition

His awards include honors from major South Korean institutions such as the Melon Music Awards, Mnet Asian Music Awards, and Golden Disc Awards for songwriting, production, and performance. Industry recognition has also come via songwriter registrations with KOMCA and chart achievements on Gaon Chart and international recognition reflected in placements on Billboard genre charts. He has been profiled by global media outlets and has received invitation performances at events associated with KCON and cross-cultural showcases backed by trade organizations such as KOTRA.

Category:South Korean rappers Category:South Korean record producers