ZICO and Lilas (YOASOBI's ikura) Unveil 'DUET': Where Two Languages Harmonize as One Rhythm

On December 19, 2025, ZICO officially launched his new digital single, “DUET,” a collaboration featuring Lilas Ikuta, known to many as ikura from YOASOBI. The release was swiftly followed by the debut of the official music video, cementing the project's immediate impact.

The track “DUET” is masterfully constructed as a dialogue between distinct vocal textures rather than a competition for dominance. ZICO’s characteristic rap delivery does not overshadow Lilas’s clear, transparent vocals; instead, it creates an essential framework, allowing her voice to function as the secondary rhythmic line. The lyrics fluidly integrate both Korean and Japanese, a choice that serves a genuine dramatic purpose rather than merely aiming for an international sound. This linguistic interplay drives the narrative forward, moving the song's meaning like a camera panning between two distinct focal points.

Perhaps the most compelling aspect of this release is the tangible manifestation of the core concept. Accompanying the music, ZICO introduced a merchandise concept centered around jewelry. These pieces are designed so that two separate components magnetically connect, physically embodying the “duet” as an act of coming together—a literal clasping of two entities. This is a notable instance where merchandise transcends simple branding to become an extension of the composition itself, utilizing different mediums to convey the song's theme.

For ZICO, this collaboration signifies a logical progression in his ongoing efforts to build bridges between the K-pop and Japanese music scenes. This follows previous significant international ventures, such as his track “SPOT! (feat. JENNIE)” and his participation in the m-flo loves ZICO, eill collaboration on “EKO EKO,” released on June 18, 2025. Once again, he transforms international appeal into a structural element of the music.

The single also aligns perfectly with Lilas’s current solo endeavors. Her second solo album, titled “Laugh,” was released digitally on December 10, 2025, with the physical CD version scheduled for a later date. This partnership adds a high-profile international dimension to her recent solo output.

The industry’s initial major acknowledgment of this pairing is tied to the upcoming Melon Music Awards 2025. The ceremony is slated for December 20, 2025, at the Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul. The weighting factors for the main categories reflect a market seeking equilibrium: 60% digital performance, 20% audience voting, and 20% expert panel review. This structure clearly indicates the market’s desire to balance mass appeal with influential artistic merit.

Adding another layer of intentionality, the music video for “DUET” was filmed entirely in Japan. This ensures that the geographical duality of the collaboration is not merely stated but visually experienced, serving as a perfect visual counterpart to the bilingual lyrics.

Looking ahead, ZICO is set to continue strengthening this cross-border connection through live performances early in 2026. He has a solo concert scheduled for February 7, 2026, at the Keio Arena Tokyo, marking his first solo show in that city in eight years.

Ultimately, while “internationality” in music can sometimes be purely a marketing strategy, “DUET” presents itself as an acoustic testament to genuine unity. It’s a case where two distinct languages do not clash but rather weave together to form a cohesive sonic tapestry on a single frequency. The track conveys a powerful message: though we are many voices, we coalesce into one unified piece of music.