KOZ Entertainment, the label founded and led by hitmaker ZICO, has officially kicked off its search for the next generation of K-pop talent. With the announcement of the KOZ 2026 Audition Tour – Korea, the company signals a renewed commitment to discovering fresh faces who could follow in the footsteps of artists like BOYNEXTDOOR.
On January 2, KOZ revealed details of the upcoming audition tour through its official SNS channels, drawing immediate attention from aspiring trainees across the country. Notably, this marks KOZ’s first large scale domestic audition in nearly three years, following its nationwide tour held in late 2022.
A Nationwide Search for the Next KOZ Artist
The 2026 audition tour will span five major cities across South Korea Seoul, Daejeon, Gwangju, Busan, and Jeju making it accessible to a wide range of applicants. KOZ is opening its doors to boys and girls born between 2008 and 2016, with no restrictions on nationality or gender, reinforcing its focus on raw talent and potential above all else.
Applicants may audition in vocals, rap, or dance, selecting one category to showcase their strongest skill. Each performance must be prepared within a one minute limit, allowing evaluators to focus on individuality, stage presence, and artistic color.
Online and On-Site Applications Available
KOZ has designed the audition process to be flexible and inclusive. Online pre registration is available via the official KOZ audition website from January 2 through February 5, enabling candidates to secure a spot ahead of time. In addition, on site registration will be accepted at each audition location on the day of the event. The tour officially begins on January 24 at the Daejeon Youth WeCan Center, before moving sequentially through the remaining cities over the following two weeks.
Following ZICO and BOYNEXTDOOR’s Path
Since its establishment, KOZ Entertainment has built a reputation for prioritizing artist identity, musical authenticity, and performance driven growth. ZICO’s hands on approach and BOYNEXTDOOR’s rapid rise have positioned the label as one of the most closely watched creative hubs in the industry. With this new audition tour, expectations are high. Fans and industry insiders alike are already asking the same question: Who will be next?
KOZ Entertainment emphasized that detailed schedules, venue information, and application guidelines can be found through its official audition website and social media platforms.
As the countdown begins, the 2026 KOZ Audition Tour stands as an open invitation to young dreamers nationwide a chance to step onto the path toward becoming the next name to define KOZ’s future.
Editor’s Insight
The launch of the KOZ 2026 Korea Audition Tour marks a critical expansion phase for the Zico-led label under the HYBE umbrella. After a three-year hiatus from large-scale domestic scouting, KOZ is moving to capitalize on the “Creative Credibility” established by BOYNEXTDOOR. By targeting a specific age demographic (born 2008–2016) across five major hubs, including Jeju, KOZ is casting a wide net to find “Raw Polymaths”—trainees who fit Zico’s signature style of high-energy, self-produced, and performance-heavy artistry.
From a strategic perspective, the “One-Minute Limit” rule for auditions is a deliberate filter for Topical Authority. In the era of short-form content (TikTok/Reels), KOZ is looking for trainees who can command attention and establish a “Vibe” instantly. This reflects Zico’s own philosophy as a producer: the ability to deliver a high-impact hook and a distinct “Artistic Color” within seconds is the most valuable currency in the 2026 music market.
As the tour kicks off on January 24 in Daejeon, the industry is watching to see if KOZ is preparing to debut a sister group or a second boy group to diversify its roster. By offering both online and on-site registration, the label is maximizing its Talent Acquisition Funnel, ensuring that no “undiscovered gem” is missed. For aspiring idols, a KOZ audition isn’t just a chance at a contract; it’s an invitation into one of the industry’s most influential “Creative Hubs,” where the path from trainee to “Artist-Producer” is more clearly defined than anywhere else in K-pop.