G-Dragon, Watch Out—This Breakout Star Already Dethroned Jennie, and You’re Next

From underdog to chart-topper, ZO ZAZZ has nearly overtaken G-Dragon with his debut hit. Singer ZO ZAZZ, with his soulful remake of “Do You Not Know?”, is taking the Korean music scene by storm.

Who Is ZO ZAZZ?

Born Jo Hong-jun, ZO ZAZZ made his official debut at age 40, a rarity in the K-pop industry. Though he once appeared on Mr. Trot 2 in 2022–2023 under the name Wang Jun, the name JoJazz was virtually unknown—until now.

His debut digital single “Do You Not Know?”, released on January 7, flipped his life upside down. The track is a remake of Davichi’s 2013 ballad, re-produced by the original composers Rocoberry, and it has captivated a whole new audience.

The Viral Rise of ‘Do You Not Know?’

Within a week of release, the music video had amassed nearly 1 million combined views across YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram Reels—a sign of the viral momentum to come.

The song has since skyrocketed up the charts, most recently hitting No. 2 on the Melon Daily Chart and holding that spot for the weekly chart ending April 6. It sits just behind G-Dragon’s "TOO BAD" and ahead of BLACKPINK’s Jennie with “Like Jennie.”

The success of ZO ZAZZ's “Do You Not Know?” isn’t just limited to audio streams—the music video has taken YouTube by storm, crossing 13 million views in just 3 months since its release on January 7, 2024.

The video, set against a hazy, nostalgic backdrop, spotlights ZO ZAZZ’s emotional delivery and vintage-inspired aesthetic. His expressive performance, paired with subtle cinematic touches, has struck a chord with audiences across generations. Comments pour in daily, praising not only his vocals but the way the visuals feel “timeless” and “healing.”

TV Exposure & Performance Power

ZO ZAZZ’s appearance on KBS 2TV’s 'Immortal Songs' further solidified his status. On the March 22 episode dedicated to songwriter Yoon Myung-sun, he performed Lee Seung-chul’s “Western Sky” and won first place on his first outing—wowing viewers with his powerful vocals and emotional depth.

Thanks to his live performance chops and undeniable talent, the buzz around “Do You Not Know?” only grew louder. He was no longer the anonymous trot contestant—he became a nationally recognized vocalist.

Chart Controversy and Response

With his sudden chart ascent, whispers of sajaegi (chart manipulation) surfaced. However, ZO ZAZZ’s agency Brotherhood Entertainment quickly issued a firm statement on April 3:

“Let us be clear—chart manipulation is illegal and a crime. Our company has never and will never engage in such behavior.”

Despite the speculation, ZO ZAZZ’s popularity hasn’t waned. On April 5 at 10 a.m., “Do You Not Know?” briefly claimed the No. 1 spot on Melon’s Top 100, edging out even G-Dragon before slipping back to No. 2—a testament to its staying power.

What’s Next for ZO ZAZZ?

With just one debut song, ZO ZAZZ has gone from being an unknown to a breakout sensation, earning comparisons to some of Korea’s biggest names. Fans and critics alike are now watching closely: What will ZO ZAZZ do next?

Whether he follows up with another ballad, an original track, or a surprise collaboration, one thing’s certain—everyone knows who ZO ZAZZ is now.

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