In the fast-paced world of K-pop, where veteran superstars and rising rookies often occupy different circles, a recent behind-the-scenes video has delighted fans by bridging that gap.
On February 4, 2026, rising artist ZO ZAZZ uploaded a vlog to his YouTube channel titled
“What Happened at ZO ZAZZ’s First Golden Disc Awards.”
The video captured his journey to the 40th Golden Disc Awards, held on January 10 at the Taipei Dome.
While the awards themselves were a milestone—marking his first overseas ceremony and nominations for both Rookie of the Year and the Digital Song Award—the highlight for many viewers was the revelation of his close personal bond with BLACKPINK’s Jennie.
Behind the Scenes: Nerves and Anxiety Pills
The vlog offered a candid look at the pressure felt by rookie artists. Despite his growing popularity, ZO ZAZZ, who is currently in his second year since debut, admitted to feeling immense nervousness.
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Interestingly, his primary source of anxiety wasn’t his stage performance, but rather a specific backstage assignment: interviewing Jennie.
In a humorous moment that resonated with fans, he joked that he might need to “take four anxiety pills” to handle the task of talking to the global superstar.
This relatable admission set a humble tone before the big reveal of their actual relationship.
Natural Chemistry and Shared History
When the two finally met during rehearsals, any awkwardness suggested by ZO ZAZZ’s earlier comments vanished.
To the surprise of many fans, Jennie and ZO ZAZZ displayed a relaxed and natural chemistry that clearly indicated a long-standing friendship.
Jennie greeted him warmly, complimenting his outfit and style, while also showing her playful side by joking about her own skills as an interviewee.
The contrast between their industry seniority—Jennie being in her 11th year and ZO ZAZZ in his second—added a charming dynamic to the interaction, especially as Jennie remarked on how “new” it felt to see each other “all dressed up” in a professional setting.
Professionalism Meets Personal Bond
Despite their close personal ties, the two navigated the interview with a blend of professional respect and friendly teasing.
ZO ZAZZ explained to his audience that he chose to address Jennie formally during the interview because their friendship was not widely known to the public.
Jennie playfully went along with this, asking him to “continue being polite” for the cameras. However, once the official segment ended, the mask of formality dropped.
The two were seen exchanging genuine words of encouragement and posing for commemorative photos, leaving no doubt about the authenticity of their support for one another.
Also Read: TikTok Triumph: BLACKPINK’s Jennie Dominates 2025 with “Like JENNIE”
Impact on Fans and the Industry
This unexpected interaction has provided a refreshing glimpse into Jennie’s life away from the global spotlight, showcasing her as a supportive and grounded senior artist.
For ZO ZAZZ, the association with such a high-profile figure further solidifies his growing presence in the music industry.
Fans have been quick to celebrate this “cross-generational” friendship, noting that it’s rare to see such genuine connections publicized in a way that feels organic rather than curated.
As ZO ZAZZ continues his upward trajectory and Jennie maintains her status as a global icon, this moment at the 40th Golden Disc Awards stands as a testament to the enduring personal relationships that exist behind the glitz and glamour of the K-pop stage.
