ZEROBASEONE, First Comeback as a Five-Member Group: "We Had Many Concerns.. We Support AND2BLE" [Interview ①]

*This content was translated by AI.

Group ZEROBASEONE (ZEROBASEONE, ZB1) shared their thoughts on their first comeback as a five-member lineup.

ZB1 (Sung Han-bin, Kim Ji-woong, Seok Matthew, Kim Tae-rae, Park Gun-wook) recently held an interview to commemorate the release of their sixth mini-album 'Ascend-' at a cafe in Gangnam-gu, Seoul.

On this day, Sung Han-bin said, "We have returned with 'Ascend.' While preparing for this album, we had many concerns about what kind of image we should present as five members. We are making this comeback after spending time getting to know each other more deeply, which feels fresh. We prepared with the thought that Zeros were waiting for us."

ZEROBASEONE, a project group born through Mnet's 'Boys Planet' in 2023, has established itself as a representative fifth-generation group and gained immense popularity. However, as the two-and-a-half-year contract period ended, four of the nine members returned to their original agencies, while the remaining five members have come together to continue their group activities.

At the same time, former members Zhang Hao, Ricky, Kim Kyu-bin, and Han Yu-jin are set to debut with a new group called AND2BLE. Kim Ji-woong stated, "At one point, we were in the same team, so I am cheering for my former colleagues. I really hope everything goes well for them. Since we are all running toward our dreams together, I hope we all succeed." Sung Han-bin also added, "We often contact each other and tell each other to work hard."

This album is particularly noteworthy as it is the first release after the group was reorganized as a five-member lineup. 'Ascend-' condenses the musical journey ZB1 has continued into a single narrative, depicting an unceasing leap forward on the foundation of a more distinct identity. It includes a total of seven tracks, including the title track 'TOP5.' 'TOP5' is a dance pop and contemporary R&B song that reinterprets 2000s dance pop in a modern way.

Seok Matthew said, "From the moment I first received the demo track, I was certain that this song would be the title track. The song title also coincidentally matched the fact that there are five of us, as if by fate." Park Gun-wook expressed his confidence, saying, "It is a song that reinterprets the sensibility of the 2000s in ZB1's unique pop style. I thought it would be a work that could show the feeling of that era in a new way."

As they are now active as a five-member group, they paid great attention to performance aspects. Park Gun-wook explained, "Since there are five of us, we aimed to create performances where the synchronized choreography would be more visible. We paid attention to making each individual look cool while ensuring the synchronized parts fit well together." He further added, "We wanted to show a restrained image. Rather than creating a stage for wild excitement, we wanted to create a stage that could be felt. We considered it important that the choreography naturally attached to the melody and beat. We incorporated classic moves frequently used in the 2000s to convey a familiar yet sexy charm."

In particular, Seok Matthew said, "I have always really loved second-generation music. When I heard about this concept, I thought, 'Finally, my time has come.' 2000s performances have a clean dance style and a cool feeling even without doing much. We wanted to show that kind of atmosphere as well."

Members also participated in the production of the album's B-sides. Park Gun-wook revealed his musical capabilities by writing the lyrics and composing the track 'Customize.' He stated, "I didn't really have any hobbies, but I started composing last year. Since we are preparing the album as five members, I thought it would be more meaningful if a song written by a member was included."

He continued, "The other members also liked the song, so it was included. The fact that it helped the team is the most pleasant part. Seeing my name in the credits, I feel that ZB1's new possibilities and colors have become deeper." He also expressed his satisfaction, saying, "I started because I'm not good at just resting, but I found the process of song production enjoyable. I felt a sense of accomplishment and pleasure as the work was completed. I want to show more works to the world in the future. I hope that next time, there will be a song where all members participate in the song production together."

Meanwhile, ZB1's sixth mini-album 'Ascend-' will be released on the 18th at 6 p.m. through various online music platforms.

<© STARNEWS. All rights reserved. No reproduction or redistribution allowed.>

*This content was translated by AI.