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.

Pak

March 13, 2026

#K-Pop#K-Pop Comeback#Solo Artist#ZELO#B.A.P#VLACKSQUAD

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.

ZELO (젤로) ‘She and Malibu’ official MV, title track from his second solo mini album Day2Day (2020). Video: ZELO

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.

Fans Also Ask

What label is ZELO signed to now?

ZELO signed with VLACKSQUAD on March 10, 2026, becoming the new hip-hop, R&B, and pop label's first artist. VLACKSQUAD is built around creative freedom and artistic autonomy. Before signing, ZELO worked with TS Entertainment as part of B.A.P, then A Entertainment, and later Uzurocks before his military enlistment in 2023.

When did ZELO finish military service?

ZELO completed mandatory military service and was officially discharged on June 11, 2025. He enlisted on December 12, 2023, serving approximately 18 months. His discharge opened the door to his VLACKSQUAD signing and his first fan concert, COMIGO: NEXT CHAPTER, confirmed for April 12, 2026.

Is ZELO still part of B.A.P?

No. ZELO left B.A.P in December 2018 after choosing not to renew his contract with TS Entertainment, following a high-profile legal dispute in 2014. The remaining members departed in February 2019, leading to B.A.P's dissolution. Since 2019, ZELO has been active as a solo artist, releasing two mini albums before his military enlistment.

What is ZELO's real name?

ZELO's birth name is Choi Jun-hong (최준홍), born on October 15, 1996, in Mokpo, South Korea. He took the stage name ZELO when B.A.P debuted on January 26, 2012, under TS Entertainment, where he served as the group's lead rapper and youngest member.

When is ZELO's next concert?

ZELO's first fan concert under VLACKSQUAD is titled COMIGO: NEXT CHAPTER and is scheduled for April 12, 2026. It marks his first solo fan concert since returning from mandatory military service in June 2025. VLACKSQUAD has also confirmed new music is in development, with announcements expected on their official social media channels.