Zico

20 Feb:

Recently, we reported about Block B‘s controversial interview in Thailand and their individual apologies. Block B’s leader Zico is taking further action to show the group’s remorse.

Earlier on Block B’s official site, Block B left a note of apology that read:

“We are sorry for stirring public criticism. We think that there is no excuse by which we can be forgiven. We are so embarassed for not considering the hearts of the flood victims of this national disaster. We will sincerely self-discipline and fix our wrongdoings which have lowered our country’s image. From now on, we will act while taking on the responsibility of a representative Korean celebrity. We will strive to show a more mature image.“

Leader Zico has taken on the responsibility of this incident and has shaved his head as a symbol of his remorse. He also withdrew from his scheduled appearances on MBC FM4U‘s “Yoonha’s Starry Night“.

Members Jaehyo and Park Kyung, who were resident guests on the show will continue to make their appearances as scheduled. A Brand New Stardom representative said, “The group is making this incident as an opportunity to become more mature.”

Source: Sports Chosun via Nate - allkpop

2 February:

As previously reported, Block B held an exciting comeback showcase for their new mini-album, “Welcome to the Block“. The showcase was comprised of performances and interviews, and it was during a Q&A session that member Zico addressed the issue of their banned songs.

To recap, the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family (MOGEF) had banned several songs from their debut digital album. Additionally, two songs from their comeback album, “LOL” and “Did You or Did You Not“, were also banned by both the MOGEF and KBS.

Leader Zico, who produced the album, explained, “It’s not that we don’t consider the regulations when we’re producing the songs, but I did often think that our freedom of expression was being interrupted. Still, I do acknowledge that as as a producer that creates songs meant for the public, it was a shortcoming of mine to not have paid more attention to the regulations.”

He continued, “There still is that feeling of disappointment, but I’m not going to remain stubborn blindly. I’ll still try to protect Block B’s color; it’s just that since our music is meant for the public, I will try to consider aspects to their tastes.”

Check out Block B’s comeback album and MV if you haven’t already! The boys are currently ranked in the ‘Top 3′ on album sales charts.

Source: CBS via Naver - allkpop
9 September:

On September 9th, Block B’s Zico guested on an interesting MBC program titled ‘101 Secrets to Awakening My Child’s Brain‘, where they had him test the correlation between concentration and reciting text.

Zico was specially chosen for his rapid fire rapping abilities, and viewers got an inside look in his production studio back at Brand New Stardom.  Producers surprised him with an impromptu mission, presenting him with a list of scientific brain terminology to memorize and make a rap out of in 10 minutes.  Although he seemed hesitant at first, he stunned producers and his staff alike by managing to pull it off flawlessly.

This is what they call me~ the homunculus
The motor cortex~ the sensory cortex~
Penfield proved it! With his smart brain…
Should we get to the main chase~ To the world of the cortex~
The motor cortex represents the fingers, mouth, lips, tongue, eyes
While the sensory cortex represents the hands, tongue, and back
If you’re interested look it up~ the homunculus
Get together~ Get together~ Everyone get together

He was then put through two tests that took a look at his brainwave activities before he recited text and after he recited text for 20 minutes.  Results showed that his brain was more active and showed a higher level of concentration when studying after he had recited text, providing helpful information to students and parents.

Check out the subbed cut below!

2 September:

On September 1st, Block B’s leader Zico teased his fans with a cute and chic selca picture that was taken while on his flight back home from the Philippines.

With a short caption that read, “Kuhanghang“, the picture shows Zico sitting down at his seat in the airplane while wearing a ivory-colored cardigan over a plain V-neck T-shirt, completed with a dark brown beaded necklace. Member U-Kwon can also be seen peaking out in the isle behind Zico as he dons his recently dyed red hair style.

Fans left comments saying, “You’re so handsome”, “Your hair is awesome, but I want you to get your dreadlocks back”, “Please come back to the Philippines“, and “I miss your crazy hairstyles.”

Meanwhile, Block B headed overseas for the first time as a group to represent Korea at the Mall of Asia in the Philippines. Hosted by “The Crossover: Miso & KPOP”, the event was held in celebration of this year’s “Visit Korea Year”.

Block B has lined up numerous other overseas promotions in the coming months, including a sold out Japanese showcase tour and performances in Thailand and China.

Source: Zico’s Twitter - allkpop

7 August:

Block B’s leader Zico made a special appearance at Swings‘ concert yesterday entitled, ‘It’s My Year II.’ Many other rappers were in attendance as well, including Vasco, Beenzino, and Crybaby.

Fancams of Zico’s performance have finally been shared online, which included “I’m Still Fly” from his pre-debut mixtape ‘Zico On the Block‘ and a completely new track entitled “Cocks.”

The young rapper (who has an extensive underground experience prior to his debut) looks to be in his element, dressed casually and spitting passionately into his mic. He opened his segment with the comment that he would “Put the fake-idol image aside and just rap” and follows through with that promise, impressing fans and rap enthusiasts alike with his talent.

Check out his performances below!

17 April:

Having made a successful debut on yesterday’s episode of “Music Bank“, Block B’s Zico is quickly starting to stand out as one of the most hotly discussed celebrities on Korea’s online community boards.
A fancam from Block B’s “Lotte” showcase earlier this month reveals Zico’s stunning freestyle ability, which was supported by maknae P.O.’s beatboxing and Kyung. Many K-pop fans already knew that back in the day, he had promoted underground with other big names from the scene, but this latest video truly shines a light on Zico’s abilities.
When asked about his swag on his personal Twitter, Zico replied, “‘Freeze‘ is idol style so it’s a bit of a reach! But for ‘Wanna B‘!!!”
Zico also responded to a photo uploaded by U-Kwon of the group’s fanmade debut cake. He wrote, “End of first broadcast…!!! Thank you for the cake. A lot of people seem to be misunderstanding me to be mad because of my facial expressions… but my expressions are always usually like that TT I request your understanding.”

Be sure to check out his pre-debut mixtapes as well, like his “Billionaire” cover.
Source + Photos: Korea Economy, @zico92, @u_kwon via allkpop