Zelo
A towering presence in B.A.P, his explosive rap verses and powerful dance moves defined the group's intense, socially-charged sound.
Born 1996 (age 30)·South Korean rapper·Birthday: October 15·Millennials
Biography
Choi Jun-hong, known as Zelo, entered the K-pop scene with a bang as the youngest member of B.A.P, a group that quickly distinguished itself with a hard-hitting, concept-driven approach. Standing out for his remarkable height and even more remarkable speed in rap delivery, Zelo became the group's kinetic energy source. His technical skill was evident from the start, showcased in the sub-unit Bang&Zelo before B.A.P's explosive debut. He was not just a rapper but a performance anchor, executing complex choreography while delivering rapid-fire verses that tackled weighty themes. After the group's contentious hiatus and eventual disbandment, Zelo's departure from TS Entertainment marked the end of an era, leaving a legacy as one of the most dynamic performers of his generation, whose technical prowess helped push the boundaries of idol rap.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Zelo was born in 1996, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Zelo Was Born
The biggest hits of 1996
#1 Movie
Independence Day
Best Picture
The English Patient
#1 TV Show
ER
Zelo's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1996Born
Dolly the sheep cloned
Gas: $1.23/galHome: $99,700Min wage: $4.75/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Macarena" — Los del RioBest Picture: The English Patient
2001Started school
September 11 attacks transform the world
Gas: $1.46/galHome: $126,400Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Hanging by a Moment" — LifehouseBest Picture: A Beautiful Mind
2009Became a teenager
Michael Jackson dies; Bitcoin created
Gas: $2.35/galHome: $148,500Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Boom Boom Pow" — The Black Eyed PeasBest Picture: The Hurt Locker
2012Could drive
Curiosity rover lands on Mars; Sandy Hook shooting
Gas: $3.64/galHome: $143,200Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Somebody That I Used to Know" — GotyeBest Picture: Argo
2014Could vote
Russia annexes Crimea; Ebola outbreak in West Africa
Gas: $3.37/galHome: $160,700Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Happy" — Pharrell WilliamsBest Picture: Birdman
2017Turned 21
#MeToo movement; solar eclipse crosses the US
Gas: $2.42/galHome: $195,000Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"Shape of You" — Ed SheeranBest Picture: The Shape of Water
2026Turned 30
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Debuted as the main rapper and dancer of B.A.P, a group known for its strong musical identity and social commentary.
- Was part of the pre-debut sub-unit Bang&Zelo, releasing the single 'Never Give Up' in 2011.
- Performed as a key contributor to multiple chart-topping albums and EPs with B.A.P, including 'Warrior' and 'One Shot'.
- Recognized for his exceptionally fast rap delivery, a signature skill that set him apart in the industry.
Did You Know?
He is notably tall for a K-pop idol, standing at approximately 187 cm (6'2").
His stage name 'Zelo' is derived from the word 'zealot', reflecting his passionate performance style.
He was a trainee for a relatively short period before debuting with B.A.P.
“My speed is my signature, but the rhythm is what makes it breathe.”
