ZO&FRIENDS By G-DRAGON & LINE FRIENDS
It looks like global superstar G-DRAGON is joining in on the LINE FRIENDS collaboration train to launch their new IP character, ‘ZO&FRIENDS.’
After two years in the making, LINE FRIENDS officially unveiled the new character this week in a partnership with G-DRAGON’s Galaxy Corporation. From character design and world building to storyline, product development, and pop-up concept, G-DRAGON personally worked closely to bring this to life.
‘ZO&FRIENDS’ reflects G-DRAGON’s emotional depth and creativity, inspired by his personal life and symbols. The main character, ZOA, is based on his pet cat, Princess Zoa. The other character, A&NE, is inspired by the daisy flower – his symbolic motif. The characters reflect G-DRAGON’s unique and eclectic style, and are brought to life through LINE FRIENDS’ storytelling expertise. Even the name, ZO&FRIENDS, plays on the Korean word “good friends,” symbolizing the relationship between ZOA and A&NE.
The backstory for ZOA is that she was born from the clouds and is always moving in slow motion. She is a cool yet warm-hearted cloud-cat with colorful paw prints given to her by mischievous color drops, AKI and ZAKI. Her best friend A&NE is a loveable fashionista Daisy. Together, they embody the artist’s intention to convey healing and comfort. These imperfect yet perfect friends embark on an enchanting journey filled with artistry.
ZO&FRIENDS By G-DRAGON & LINE FRIENDS
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G-DRAGON was heavily involved throughout the two years of development for the characters. The line has been a passion project for the fashion icon who has extended his brand beyond music, fashion, and design. To mark the launch, LINE FRIENDS will open a ZO&FRIENDS pop-up store this summer in Korea, with plans to roll out the line globally in phases.
ZO&FRIENDS will launch in the U.S. in September. Products will include plushies (large display style M-XL size), plush key rings, home goods (rugs, plates, etc), fashion goods, and more.
LINE FRIENDS and G-DRAGON had previously collaborated through LINE FRIENDS’ keyring brand MONAMHEE and G’DRAGON’s fashion label PEACEMINUSONE to create a keyring collection sold at the “PMO X MONAMHEE Pop-Up event at LINE FRIENDS SQUARE Myeongdong.
G-DRAGON is currently on his ÜBERMENSCH World Tour in Asia and is set to perform in North America and Europe starting next month.
LINE FRIENDS will release more information on ‘ZO&FRIENDS’ on site soon.