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ZELO Signs with VLACKSQUAD, Begins New Chapter After Military Discharge
Former B.A.P member ZELO has signed with newly launched music label VLACKSQUAD as its first artist, marking a new chapter following his military discharge in June 2025.
March 13, 2026
Former B.A.P member ZELO (젤로) is back. The rapper has officially signed with newly launched music label VLACKSQUAD as its first artist, marking a pivotal moment in his solo career following military discharge last year.
On March 10, VLACKSQUAD announced the signing via official social media channels, unveiling a striking set of black-and-white profile images. The visuals showcase ZELO's transformation: from sleek geek-chic styling to a more daring homme fatale concept, signaling a mature artistic direction for the 29-year-old.
From B.A.P to Solo Artist
ZELO (born Choi Jun-hong) first emerged in the K-pop scene in late 2011 as part of the sub-unit Bang & Zelo alongside Bang Yongguk. He officially joined B.A.P when the group debuted on January 26, 2012, under TS Entertainment, serving as the group's lead rapper and youngest member.
B.A.P quickly established themselves as one of K-pop's most powerful second-generation groups, known for hard-hitting tracks and socially conscious lyrics. However, tensions with their agency led to a high-profile lawsuit in 2014. While the parties settled in 2015, ZELO opted not to renew his contract when it expired in December 2018, effectively departing the group. The remaining members followed suit in February 2019, leading to B.A.P's dissolution.
A Winding Road to VLACKSQUAD
ZELO's post-B.A.P journey has been anything but straightforward. He signed with A Entertainment in January 2019 and released his debut solo mini album Distance that June. But the relationship soured quickly. ZELO sent a contract termination letter citing unpaid wages in August 2019, and the Seoul Central District Court eventually ruled in his favor a year later.
He continued releasing music independently, dropping the collaborative single "Shower" in January 2020 and his second mini album Day2Day in April. In August 2022, he signed with Uzurocks before enlisting for mandatory military service on December 12, 2023. He was discharged on June 11, 2025.
What VLACKSQUAD Represents
VLACKSQUAD positions itself as a hip-hop, R&B, and pop-focused label built around creative freedom. The company's mission centers on providing artists with space to express their musical identity without constraints. Having experienced the restrictive side of K-pop agency life firsthand, ZELO's choice to join a new label speaks volumes about his priorities moving forward.
