Zico (rapper)
A South Korean rap prodigy who shaped the sound of a generation, moving from idol group leader to a respected solo powerhouse and producer.
Born 1992 (age 34)·South Korean rapper·Birthday: September 14·Millennials
Biography
Zico, born Woo Ji-ho, emerged as a central architect in the evolution of Korean hip-hop, blurring the lines between the idol industry and the underground. As the leader and main producer of the group Block B, he injected a rebellious, hip-hop-centric energy into the K-pop scene of the early 2010s with self-composed tracks. His true influence expanded with his solo work, where he showcased intricate wordplay and a genre-blending production style that could swing from hard-hitting rap anthems to smooth, chart-topping pop. Founding his own label, KOZ Entertainment, Zico solidified his role as a cultural curator and hitmaker, consistently releasing music that captured the Korean zeitgeist. His dual identity—as both a commercially dominant idol and a credible, producer-driven artist—made him a pivotal figure in legitimizing hip-hop within the mainstream Korean music ecosystem.
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.
Zico was born in 1992, 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 Zico Was Born
The biggest hits of 1992
#1 Movie
Aladdin
Best Picture
Unforgiven
#1 TV Show
60 Minutes
Zico's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1992Born
LA riots after Rodney King verdict
Gas: $1.13/galHome: $84,300Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"End of the Road" — Boyz II MenBest Picture: Unforgiven
1997Started school
Princess Diana dies in Paris car crash; Harry Potter published
Gas: $1.23/galHome: $104,100Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Candle in the Wind 1997" — Elton JohnBest Picture: Titanic
2005Became a teenager
Hurricane Katrina devastates New Orleans; YouTube launches
Gas: $2.30/galHome: $167,500Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"We Belong Together" — Mariah CareyBest Picture: Crash
2008Could drive
Barack Obama elected first Black US president; financial crisis
Gas: $3.27/galHome: $153,100Min wage: $6.55/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Low" — Flo RidaBest Picture: Slumdog Millionaire
2010Could vote
Deepwater Horizon oil spill; iPad launched
Gas: $2.79/galHome: $147,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Tik Tok" — KeshaBest Picture: The King's Speech
2013Turned 21
Edward Snowden reveals NSA surveillance programs
Gas: $3.53/galHome: $152,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Thrift Shop" — Macklemore & Ryan LewisBest Picture: 12 Years a Slave
2022Turned 30
Russia invades Ukraine; Queen Elizabeth II dies
Gas: $3.97/galHome: $348,700Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"As It Was" — Harry StylesBest Picture: Everything Everywhere All at Once
2026Age 34 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Founded and is the CEO of his own record label, KOZ Entertainment, an imprint under HYBE.
- Produced and performed the massive digital hit "Any Song," which dominated Korean charts and sparked a viral dance challenge in 2020.
- Led the group Block B as its leader and main producer, achieving major commercial success with self-produced songs.
Did You Know?
He spent part of his childhood studying in Canada, China, and Japan.
Zico was a member of the underground hip-hop crew D.O.P.E. before debuting in Block B.
He is known for his extensive sneaker collection and has cited it as a major personal interest.
“I think the moment I'm most happy is when I'm working in the studio.”
