ZEROBASEONE aims for the Japanese market after reorganizing into a 5-member system

ZEROBASEONE Reaches a New Turning Point, Transitioning from 9 to 5 Members

ZEROBASEONE has opened a new chapter by reorganizing the team from a 9-member system to a 5-member group. After concluding their previous project activities with an encore concert last March, they revealed their transformed identity through their 6th mini-album, 'Ascend-'.

They faced the challenge of having to reinterpret existing songs and stage formations, which were optimized for a 9-member system, for 5 members. Based on deep mutual trust, the members focused on further highlighting their individual capabilities.

In an interview ahead of the album release, leader Sung Hanbin stated, "Just like the album title, which carries the meaning of 'ascending and moving forward,' it contains our ambition to continue ZEROBASEONE as five members." He added, "Through this promotion, we will show our fans who waited through that long tunnel what true, passionate love is."

They first stepped into the music industry on July 10, 2023, with their debut album 'YOUTH IN THE SHADE'. Based on the global fandom built through the Mnet audition program 'Boys Planet', they drew attention as the "team that opened the door to the 5th generation" immediately upon debut. The debut album recorded 1.82 million copies in first-week sales. This is the record for the highest first-week sales for a K-pop group's debut album ever, and the first record of becoming a 'million-seller' with a debut album.

This success led to awards ceremonies. They simultaneously won the Rookie Award and the Album Bonsang at the 38th Golden Disc Awards. They went on to clinch the Album Bonsang trophy for three consecutive years, including the 39th and 40th Golden Disc Awards.

From US Billboard to the Japanese Market, Unstoppable Global Expansion

ZEROBASEONE's stage is expanding worldwide. Having recently released their 6th mini-album 'Ascend-' in the United States, they climbed to 3rd place on Billboard's 'World Albums' chart and 3rd place on the 'Emerging Artists' chart. This album also successfully secured placement in major retailers such as Walmart and Target in the US.

The next destination is Japan. ZEROBASEONE will release their second Japanese EP, '回帰LOVE (Kaiki LOVE)', at midnight on August 19. The digital single for the title track 'イグジステンス (Existence)' will be released first at midnight on August 10.

The first individual concept photos, released through their official SNS channels on the 9th and 10th, foreshadowed the mood of the new album. Sung Hanbin, Kim Jiwoong, Seok Matthew, Kim Taerae, and Park Gunwook appeared enjoying a relaxed daily life under the clear and fresh early summer sunlight. They showcased visuals emphasizing their boyish charm, adding the warm colors unique to film photography and natural styling.

Individual Activities of Members and Diversified Paths

The members' individual activities are also active. Kim Taerae was selected as the MC for the music podcast 'Suseok Research Institute'. Seok Matthew recently launched his personal YouTube channel 'Haebwaet-tu'. Kim Jiwoong continues to communicate with fans through solo fan meetings. Sung Hanbin and Park Gunwook have appeared on various stages as MCs.

The specific schedule for conquering the Japanese market begins with the release of the title track 'イグジステンス (Existence)' at midnight on August 10, followed by the release of their 2nd Japanese EP '回帰LOVE (Kaiki LOVE)' through various online music sites at midnight on August 19.