Block B’s rapper Zico is reportedly planning to leave the group and strike out on his own.

Amid the publicity surrounding his upcoming performance in North Korea, local media reported Tuesday that the singer has been considering leaving the group when his contract expires in November.
Zico has already discussed his plans with acquaintances, according to reports.

Zico’s agency, Seven Seasons, refused to comment, saying the matter was still under discussion.

Zico rose from the underground hip-hop scene and made his debut with Block B in April 2011, also producing the group’s first EP, “Welcome to the Block.” Since then he has established himself as a successful producer and hip-hop musician. He produced songs such as Kim Se-jung’s “Flower Road” and Wanna One’s “Kangaroo,” and released solo albums “Gallery” in 2015 and “Television” last year.

Zico is set to perform in Pyongyang during the inter-Korean summit, which runs Tuesday through Thursday, as part of a presidential entourage that also includes fellow artist Ailee and popular songwriter Kim Hyeong-seok.

(lotus@heraldcorp.com)