Popular South Korean rapper and producer Zico has apologized to K-pop idols for popularizing TikTok dance challenges in the K-pop entertainment industry.
In an appearance on the MBC talk show “Point of Omniscient Interference,” Zico talked about the popularity of his 2020 single, “Any Song” and how he had used TikTok to promote the song, where he filmed a dance video with MAMAMOO’s Hwasa. Later on, the “Any Song Challenge” turned viral on TikTok, which in turn made his song gain traction globally.
Zico has since then been credited for introducing the idea of filming “dance challenges” with other K-pop groups and artists as a promotional strategy. Now, if you are also chronically on TikTok, you’d notice how many “(song title) Challenge” trends are seen on the platform.
And with that number, then you’d also come to notice how most K-Pop idols these days now film these videos whilst waiting backstage at music shows. This is where Zico comes in and apologizes for it.
“I’ve been getting some criticism lately,” he started. “It’s because [TikTok dance] challenges have become a mandatory part of promotional activities…Usually, singers rest or practice for their performance during the break. But nowadays, they have to meet up with their colleagues and film ‘challenge’ videos. They also have to know all the others’ choreography. I would like to take this opportunity to apologize for that.”
K-pop fans, on the other hand, are immediately forgiving of Zico for this, and started posting their favorite collabs from their faves.
dont apologize we wouldn’t have gotten this otherwise pic.twitter.com/yv5IC4QOrZ https://t.co/jyaDlAtR0L
— paula (@tyuntete) February 17, 2024
No complaints since we got this dance challenge with Sehun … pic.twitter.com/GV8Vbw66ve https://t.co/cW3lq0rGmi
— Jackie | 1ΞX0 | SeChan 🐥🍒 (@JackieExoSC) February 18, 2024
it’s okay you did what needed to be done pic.twitter.com/JcBiX5g2tu https://t.co/uPXIMd4KXx
— sheri 𐙚 FEARNADA (@sseraribts) February 17, 2024
The way he was the only one to successfully make Kyungsoo do a tiktok dance challenge pic.twitter.com/O5wyxPu32K https://t.co/mOXNHrqIfQ
— Mia 🍓💐 LonsdaleiteMNL_PCD (@candylove0605) February 18, 2024
it’s okay you did what needed to be done pic.twitter.com/d6CFdHg3G0 https://t.co/tlzi5lFlik
— ౨ৎ (@pinkkinjm) February 18, 2024
we should be thanking him actually bc we would have never gotten this pic.twitter.com/88Sk4zBKS8 https://t.co/25oDs9vFit
— jaymin archive ♡☆彡 (@jayminluvr) February 18, 2024
it’s ok, it gave us armycarats these <3 https://t.co/T3oTe5zqDg pic.twitter.com/kjfzknWkB8
— bree ⁷ (@ynkkchan) February 18, 2024
no but because of you we got this!! pic.twitter.com/d3l6q1ktwj https://t.co/eqp3Vti41d
— 🌙🐯 (@newoozidan) February 18, 2024
apologizes? for what? for this? pic.twitter.com/uWcIRHbyCp https://t.co/9bqHRvGWZe
— ori ☃︎🍉 | lf moots (@orichu_u) February 18, 2024
https://twitter.com/riizeandshiine7/status/1759109625708757015?s=20
it's okay cause i have thispic.twitter.com/WPzThJXK6Y https://t.co/bXojDQ2jnK
— 🗯️ (@nomwoong) February 18, 2024
don't apologize we are grateful BECAUSE… pic.twitter.com/GZSFWRjIOS https://t.co/CLHihsXRVM
— rara (@ilovjakez) February 18, 2024
don't apologize omg we're grateful pic.twitter.com/w4W6ZAjjcR https://t.co/gUfuuJLtVU
— yoo (@oaklald) February 17, 2024
u ate that one lil thing no need to apologize thank u for ur service pic.twitter.com/kSEBAakTRa https://t.co/no3s0znpRb
— ً (@rinsernn) February 18, 2024
All K-pop stans, let our response be: “Thank you, Zico!”
Other POP! stories that you might like:
DAY6 to make their first full-group comeback since 2021
K-fans react to Hanteo Awards attendee’s alleged ‘💩’ confession that caused a stir at venue
Sandara Park admits feeling upset about BIG BANG’s Daesung’s comment on 2NE1
GOT7’s Youngjae captivates Filipino fans in unforgettable ‘Inside Out Asia Tour’ concert
Doyoung confirmed to be the next member of NCT to debut solo