Before signing with HYBE, this male idol was also pursued by YG Entertainment. Why is he receiving a lot of love calls from top-tier K-pop agencies?

HYBE's Stock Plummets After BTS Hiatus – Will THIS Male Idol Save Company?

ALSO READ: HYBE Clarifies BTS' Hiatus Announcement – Here's What Members Really Meant

Following the announcement of BTS break from group activities, HYBE recorded a significant decrease in its stock.

In response to the already happening "BTS gap," HYBE prepared an incredible lineup of comeback and releases by artists from its subsidiary labels. These include SEVENTEEN and fromis_9 (Pledis), TXT (Big Hit), ENHYPEN (Belift lab), and LE SSERAFIM (Source Music).

In 2020, it also acquired the label KOZ, but due to its owner's military enlistment, the company experienced difficulty operating normally.

HYBE waited for a year and a half investing in its artist's future value, but who is he and why is the company so interested in him?

On June 17, the Korean media outlet Onews.TV featured Block B Zico, who is already attracting attention from the music industry if he will be able to bring a new music wave amid BTS break and following his military discharge on April 29 this year.

K-Media Highlights Reasons Zico is HYBE's 'Hidden Card' Amid Crisis

In the article, the media outlet discussed why Zico is the "hidden ace" HYBE has been preparing to cover the "BTS gap."

In particular, Zico, the leader of Block B is known for his "all-rounder" abilities among K-pop idols. He is not only an idol but is a well-known producer-songwriter who is behind his group's various hits.

As a soloist, he also gained great popularity as a rapper following his appearance in "Show Me the Money."

YG Entertainment even attempted to scout him for a very long time to join its company, but Zico decided to pursue his solo career and establish his own label, KOZ.

But among top agencies hoping to recruit him following discord with his former company, HYBE and Bang Si Hyuk won the heart of the "Okey Dokey" singer by befriending him first through "I-Land" and later on succeeded to acquire his label with trust.

In April, Zico was finally discharged from the military and he was already in demand, proven by how many love calls he received from various large festivals for universities in May.

The media outlet stated:

"Although BTS will be hit hard by group activities, it is a fortunate situation for HYBE that KOZ's income has begun to be caught by Zico's event."

But what kind of wind will Zico give to HYBE?

Among artists, you can say that Zico is one of K-pop's best rappers. He could help in various areas such as collaborating with SEVENTEEN or BTS to create solo albums.

In addition to this, the expectation is also high for his upcoming male idol group set to debut in 2023. On June 15, Zico also announced an audition for idol rappers where he will be actively participating in the selection process.

READ MORE: What Happened to Block B? Here are the 'Dark Horse of K-pop' Current Activities & Military Status

For more K-Pop news and updates, keep your tabs open here at KpopStarz.

KpopStarz owns this article.

Written by Eunice Dawson