First Full Album Condenses the Growth of All Nine Members, Released on the 1st
Title Track "Iconic"... Aiming for a Career High
On Contract Renewal: "We Will Make the Choice Fans Want"
ZeroBaseOne attended the showcase commemorating the release of their first full album "Never Say Never" held on the 1st at Blue Square in Yongsan-gu, Seoul. Photo by Yonhap News
"This first full-length album is even more meaningful because it marks our first step from being boys to becoming iconic artists."
On September 1, at a media showcase held at Blue Square on Itaewon-ro, Yongsan-gu, Seoul, ZeroBaseOne's Sung Hanbin shared his thoughts on the release of their first studio album, "Never Say Never." This is their first full album in two years since debut, and their first new release in six months since the mini fifth album "Blue Paradise" in February.
This album condenses the narrative of the past two years, following the "Youth Trilogy" and "Paradise Duology." ZeroBaseOne delivers the message "Never Say Never" to those who dream of something special even in ordinary reality. Sung Hanbin said, "We put our hopes into this album so that people can look at themselves confidently, like an icon," and added, "We want to convey positive energy and a spirit of challenge."
The first studio album contains a total of 10 tracks, including the title track "Iconic." Producers from Korea and abroad, including KENZIE, participated to enhance the album's quality. "Slam Dunk" captures the tension-filled moments of a basketball court in music, while "Lovesick Game" expresses love as a game and features choreography using chairs. "Goosebumps" portrays the dizzying feeling of being intoxicated by love, and "Dumb" carries a message of letting go of worries and enjoying freedom.
The album includes "Now or Never," a Korean reinterpretation of the title track from the Japanese EP "Prezent." The unit song "Extra," performed by Sung Hanbin, Seok Matthew, Kim Gyuvin, Park Gunwook, and Han Yujin, delivers an addictive spicy flavor, while "Long Way Back," sung by Kim Jiwoong, Zhang Hao, Kim Taerae, and Ricky, delicately expresses the emotional distance between hearts that have grown apart. In addition, the album features "Star Eyes," which encapsulates ZeroBaseOne's narrative, and the fan song "I Know U Know."
The title track "Iconic" is a pop track based on nu-disco, symbolizing ZeroBaseOne's artistic journey. The members' vocals layered over sophisticated grooves and rhythms complete the peak energy of the song. Kim Gyuvin said, "We were inspired by Michael Jackson's clean tension and reinterpreted it in our own style."
The members all agreed that they want to solidify their identity through this album. Kim Taerae said, "This album goes beyond simple growth and encapsulates the stories of all nine members." Zhang Hao added, "We want to share our music with people who have not encountered it yet, and we also want to achieve tangible results." Kim Gyuvin said, "I was proud when our fifth mini album entered the Billboard charts. This time, I want to reach a new career high with our full-length album."
Park Gunwook reflected, "Looking back on the past two years, the word 'youth' stands out the most. I hope our youth will be remembered as something meaningful to listeners." Sung Hanbin added, "The most iconic moment was performing on stage at a concert, singing together with our fans."
Group Zerobaseone is posing at the showcase commemorating the release of their first full-length album "Never Say Never" held on the 1st at Blue Square in Yongsan-gu, Seoul. Photo by Yonhap News
ZeroBaseOne was formed in April 2023 through Mnet's "Boys Planet" and signed an exclusive contract with WakeOne, a subsidiary of CJ ENM, in July of the same year. The contract period is two years and six months, and is set to expire in January next year. Whether or not they renew their contract will be a crucial turning point for their future activities.
Sung Hanbin said, "We are having many discussions and meetings to find the best direction. Nothing has been decided yet." Han Yujin also stated, "Within open possibilities, we will make the choice that fans and the public want." Park Gunwook emphasized, "All nine of us have a strong personal bond, and you will always see us smiling together."
ZeroBaseOne achieved remarkable results in the boy group market immediately upon debut. Their first mini album "Youth in the Shade" sold 1.82 million copies in its first week, setting the record for the highest first-week sales for a debut boy group album. Every album released since then has become a million-seller, with cumulative sales surpassing 6 million copies in just two years. Last year, they won rookie awards at events such as the Asia Artist Awards and the Golden Disc Awards, and have established a solid fandom overseas, including in Japan and Southeast Asia.
The members pledged to take another leap forward with this promotion. Sung Hanbin said, "We incorporated our intention to leave our first mark on the K-pop scene into our choreography. We want to showcase various sides of ourselves on our upcoming world tour." Kim Taerae added, "We want ZeroBaseOne to be remembered as a group whose name alone radiates energy."
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
