Rapper Zico tests positive for Covid ahead of release of new EP

Rapper and producer Zico [KOZ ENTERTAINMENT]

Rapper and producer Zico tested positive for Covid-19, two days ahead of the release of his new EP "Grown Ass Kid."

"Zico tested positive through a self-test kit on the 25th and the results were confirmed through a rapid antigen test on the same day," his agency KOZ Entertainment said in a statement on Monday. "Zico is currently showing mild symptoms of sore throat and body aches. He is in self-isolation and is being treated at his home."

Though the release of his new EP will not be postponed, Zico will not be appearing on this week's local music shows "Mnet Countdown," "Music Bank" and "Inkigayo."

Zico, whose real name is Woo Ji-ho, debuted in 2011 as a member of boy band Block B. The septet saw commercial success with songs “NalinA” (2012), “Jackpot” (2014) and “HER” (2014).

Zico has seen popularity as both a K-pop and hip-hop artist. He is also part of the hip-hop crew Fanxy Child, which consists of artists Dean, Crush, Penomeco, millic and Stay Tuned.

He has produced songs for other K-pop acts, like Mino of boy band Winner, Kim Se-jeong, Penomeco and Wanna One.

Zico is also the CEO of his entertainment agency KOZ Entertainment.

BY LEE JIAN [lee.jian@joongang.co.kr]