ZELO (젤로) is an artist whose career in music began long before his official debut. Through a series of early collaborations and projects, he steadily built his name in the industry for almost 15 years— notably with the 2011 unit single “Never Give Up” alongside Bang Yongguk. The following year, he stepped into the spotlight as the lead rapper and lead dancer of B.A.P, marking his official debut with the group. With powerful tracks like “WARRIOR,” “Crash,” “Stop It,” “ONE SHOT,” and “Feel So Good,” ZELO helped define the group’s intense, hard-hitting sound and rose to prominence as a key figure in the second generation of K-pop idols.
Now, returning from military service, he arrives at what feels like a genuine new beginning. His latest single, “Cola Comigo,” is the first release since 2023 and the clearest statement yet of evolving as an artist. The track embraces passionate Latin-inspired rhythms and refined global pop sensibilities. It’s a sound that dissolves genre and geography alike—confident, fluid, and unmistakably international. Set against rhythmic Latin beats, ZELO’s vocals reveal a new level of restraint and sophistication, prioritizing atmosphere over overt emotional display.
There is a quiet confidence in “Cola Comigo” that speaks of experience and to the further potential of ZELO. Rather than filling every moment with intensity, he leaves space within the song, allowing listeners to ease naturally into its mood. It’s the work of an artist strengthened by time spent carving his own path—unhurried, self-assured, and open to new creative directions. As we speak about his journey restarting music, one thing becomes clear: ZELO isn’t simply picking up where he left off — he’s stepping forward into something entirely his own.
This release marks your first return to music after
completing your military service. How does it feel to release music again?
This release marks my first new music after completing my
military service, so it feels like a fresh start. I feel both nervous and
excited at the same time. Moving forward, I don’t want to hold back—I want to
consistently show more of my own colors as an artist.
What does “Cola Comigo” mean to you personally? What
inspired the sound and concept?
As I’ve reached my thirties, this song represents a more
honest and unfiltered side of myself. I wrote it while imagining that
heart-racing moment when you lock eyes with someone. I’ve always loved Latin
rhythms since I was young, and now that these sounds are becoming more familiar
to listeners in Korea, I wanted to approach it in a way that feels both natural
and accessible to them.
What message or feeling did you want listeners to take
away from Cola Comigo?
In a way, the song reflects how much I miss my fans, but I
expressed that feeling through the idea of two people being drawn to each
other—so that more listeners can relate to it. I hope that message comes
through. I also wanted it to be an easy, enjoyable track that people can listen
to comfortably anywhere.
If “Cola Comigo” were the soundtrack to a movie scene,
what kind of scene would it be?
I’d want it to be part of a romantic scene. Rather than
something set in a club or a pub, I imagine a more emotional and romantic
moment.
Since your debut, fans have seen many sides of you as an
artist. How would you describe the current version of ZELO musically?
I’d like to be described as a “multidisciplinary artist.”
Maybe that sounds a bit long? (laughs)
Are there any genres you want to try in the future that
you haven’t explored yet?
I’d love to properly explore Brazilian funk, EDM, and house
music in the future.
What kind of artist do you hope to become in this new
chapter of your career?
I’m a performance-based artist, but I want to become someone
who shines even more when directly connecting with fans on stage. If I was able
to show that side of myself through “Cola Comigo,” I would be very satisfied.
What is something new you learned about yourself during
your time in the military?
During my military service, I realized that as an artist, I
need to continuously strengthen and refine my skills. At the same time, I also
learned that luck plays an important role in everything.
What goals have you set for yourself for the rest of this
year?
One of my main goals for the rest of the year is to perform
at the Waterbomb Festival. I hope to have more opportunities through various
festivals to introduce myself to a wider audience.
Finally, please share a message for your fans who always
support you.
Everyone, I’m finally back.
Thank you so much to all the fans who waited for me. From
now on, I hope we can create only happy memories together.
I’m working hard so I can come see you soon. I love you.
—
ZELO is set to meet his fans face to face for the first time in his new chapter. 2026 ZELO FANCONCERT [COMIGO: NEXT CHAPTER] will be held at Ilji Art Hall in Seoul on April 12, 2026, with two “episodes” running back to back — Episode 1 at 14:00 KST and Episode 2 at 17:00 KST.
An intimate setting for an artist who has said he wants to shine most when connecting directly with fans on stage, COMIGO: NEXT CHAPTER promises to be exactly that: a first meeting, and a new beginning. Tickets are available here.
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