ZELO: Reinvention Without Limits

AUTHOR: VERA VON MONIKA

ZELO has spent more than a decade evolving in front of a global audience. From his debut as the youngest member of B.A.P to his continued journey as a solo artist, he has consistently embraced growth, artistic exploration, and self-expression beyond expectations.

With his latest single, “Cola Comigo,” ZELO expands his creative world through Latin-pop influences, multilingual storytelling, and a renewed sense of artistic freedom. As he enters a new chapter with VLACKSQUAD, his focus is not only on music, but on building a creative identity that reflects who he is today.

Photo Courtesy of VLACKSQUAD

In this interview, ZELO discusses artistic independence, the inspiration behind “Cola Comigo,”connecting with Portuguese-speaking audiences, visual storytelling, personal growth, and the legacy he hopes to create as a global artist.

Signing with VLACKSQUAD marks a new chapter in your career and a greater sense of artistic independence. How would you describe the creative freedom you have today compared to earlier stages of your career?

My creative freedom has always been there to a certain extent. I've always tried to turn my thoughts and emotions into music in the most honest way possible. The biggest difference now is that I have a team around me that I can truly collaborate with—people I can brainstorm with, exchange ideas with, and build projects alongside.

As an independent artist, there were many musical directions I wanted to explore. Now, with the support of the company and my team, I feel I can bring those ideas to life in a bolder and more complete way. What I appreciate most is being in an environment where my opinions are respected—not only in music, but also in visuals, performances, and content. I think that's possible because I've found people who share similar values and a similar vision.

Your latest single, "Cola Comigo," deepens your relationship with Latin-pop, a sound you've explored before. What drew you back to this direction for this release, and how did you approach blending Portuguese and English lyrics into the track?

Latin music has always been one of my favorite genres. I feel it's the style that naturally allows me to express my energy, as well as the rougher and wilder side of my personality. "Cola Comigo" is a result of taking that influence and developing it into something more refined and contemporary than my previous work. Working with both Portuguese and English was incredibly fun, and it was exciting for me because this song became the starting point of my comeback journey.
More than anything, I can't wait to meet my fans in Portugal, Europe, and Latin America again as soon as possible.

Portuguese is not a language many Korean artists choose to incorporate into their music. What surprised you most while working with the language, and are there Portuguese-speaking audiences you are hoping to connect with through this release?

To be honest, Portuguese was a very unfamiliar language to me at first. But that's actually what made it so fascinating. While writing melodies and fitting the lyrics into the song, I was surprised by how naturally it flowed. Even the same sentence can sound incredibly smooth and rhythmic when sung in Portuguese.
To all the Portuguese-speaking fans, especially those in Portugal, Brazil, and across the globe, I hope my sincerity comes across beyond the language itself. I hope you enjoy the song and have fun listening to it.

As a performer known for your intense, high-energy stage presence, "Cola Comigo" shows a very sophisticated level of vocal and physical restraint. How did your approach to choreography and delivery change for this track?

During my group activities in the past, I focused heavily on intensity and powerful performances. These days, however, I find myself paying much more attention to vocal details and emotional expression.
With the choreography, I wasn't trying to show technical difficulty or complexity. Instead, I wanted to focus on expressing the mood and emotions of the music itself. I wanted to present a more natural and relaxed side of who I am.

In fact, this is a direction I've wanted to pursue for a long time. Rather than feeling pressured to constantly prove something every time I release an album, I've come to see performance as a tool that enhances the music rather than competing with it.
Most importantly, if there are people who grew up watching me and dreaming alongside me, I want them to know that being powerful and flashy isn't the only way to succeed. Growing at your own pace and in your own way can be just as meaningful and beautiful.

Photo Courtesy of VLACKSQUAD

The visual identity of “Cola Comigo” feels carefully considered, from styling to overall presentation. How involved are you in shaping the visual side of your releases?

I'm actually much more involved than people might expect. I actively participate in discussions about styling, album artwork, and even the mood, colors, and atmosphere of my music videos.
For me, music and visuals are ultimately part of the same story. That's why I always try to create a consistent message across everything I do.

You debuted with B.A.P at just 15 years old, growing up almost entirely in the public eye — and then military service gave you nearly two years away from all of that. How has that full arc, from teenager on stage to that period of stillness and back again, shaped who you are now as a solo artist?

I experienced so much from a very young age, but at the same time, I don't think I had enough opportunities to truly reflect on myself.

The period away from the spotlight was difficult at times, but it also allowed me to understand myself on a much deeper level. Today, rather than trying to become the person others expect me to be, I want to be an artist who tells the stories that genuinely come from within.

Your personal style has evolved significantly throughout your career. How important is visual self-expression—whether through fashion, styling, or body art—to your identity as an artist?

It's extremely important to me. If music is a language expressed through sound, then style is a language expressed visually.
Fashion, styling, and even tattoos aren't just decorations to me—they're records of who I am at a particular moment in my life.
I also believe that music and visuals are ultimately part of the same narrative. That's why I want there to be a natural consistency between the music I create and the image I present. The way I dress, the visuals I choose, and the art I create should all reflect what I'm thinking and feeling as an artist.

Your fans are eagerly hoping for more music from you soon. Can you give us a small hint about the sonic direction, mood, or concepts you are currently exploring for your next releases?

I can't reveal too much yet, but I think you'll see a version of me that's even more evolved than what I showed through "Cola Comigo."

Right now, I'm in a stage where I'm reintroducing myself to the public as an artist after some time away. Rather than experimenting with too many different genres at once, I'm focusing on building a stronger foundation for the future.
Of course, I'm still exploring new sounds and ideas. But if you're asking when people will be able to see the full range of colors that make up ZELO as an artist, I think that will come naturally after a period of even more active promotions and creative growth.

Whether performing in Seoul, Taipei, or elsewhere, what have international fans taught you about yourself as an artist?

One thing I've learned over and over again is that music can connect people regardless of language or culture.
I've also realized that fans connect with my music and my story much more deeply than I sometimes expect. That support has given me strength and helped me develop a much broader perspective—not only as an artist, but as a person.

You have had an incredible, decade-long journey in the music industry. As an artist navigating your late twenties, what kind of legacy do you want to build for yourself as a multidisciplinary solo creator?

Rather than simply being remembered as someone who made music for a living, I hope to be remembered as an artist who represented Korea and became a cultural icon in my own way. It's a big dream, isn't it? (Laughs)

I want my music to offer not only enjoyment, but also ideas, inspiration, and meaningful messages. More than anything, I hope I can have a positive impact on someone's life.
If one day someone tells me that my music helped them dream bigger, gave them courage, or helped them find their own path, I don't think there could be a more meaningful legacy than that.

Photo Courtesy of VLACKSQUAD