K-pop artist SUNMI complained to ZICO of boy group Block B about making 'K-pop challenge' a trend in the industry.
Recently, one episode of JTBC's television show 'New Festa' aired last month became the talk of the Internet.
While the cast members were sitting around together for a talk, singer-songwriter Yoo Hee-yeol talked about 'K-pop challenge' being a thing these days.
He said, "ZICO, you made this 'K-pop challenge' with 'Any Song', didn't you? You were the very first one to start it."
ZICO awkwardly laughed and answered, "Yeah, I did. But I had no idea that this would become a trend. I didn't think that 'challenge' would be used for something more than purposes of a song promotion."
SUNMI commented, "Our lives have become much more difficult because of you, ZICO! After 'Any Song', all K-pop acts began 'K-pop challenge'. It's a must these days. Not just artists, but agency staff are also having a hard time because of this new trend."
ZICO responded, "Actually, I get this a lot. Whenever someone is to release a new song, they call me and say things like, 'You do know that everybody is having a tough time due to this challenge that you brought into the K-pop world, right?'"
He continued, "So, I've been apologizing to so many people ever since it became a thing. I would tell them I'm sorry every time they're scheduled to release a new album."
Right then, KyuHyun of boy group Super Junior laughingly revealed that trot singer Youngtak asked him if he could join his 'challenge' for his latest release earlier.
ZICO burst out laughing and said while looking at the camera, "Let me apologize to all K-pop artists and A&R teams at entertainment companies out there. I'm sorry!"
SUNMI said to ZICO, "But it means that you're a great trend setter. This really shows that."
(Credit= JTBC New Festa)