"Let's Make Music for a Long Time" ZEROBASEONE Rewrites Its Second Act with Five Members [★FULL Interview]

*This content was translated by AI.

"Let's Stay Active for a Long Time, Let's Make Music for a Long Time"

Group ZEROBASEONE (ZEROBASEONE, ZB1) has returned to the starting line. Although nearly half of the members left the group after the conclusion of their activities, they decided to continue under the name ZB1. The reason was simple: they wanted to be together.

ZB1 opens the first page of its five-member lineup with its sixth mini-album 'ASCEND-'. Amidst significant changes, the members unanimously stated, "We feel the burden, but we intend to use that burden as a stepping stone to move forward."

Formed through Mnet's 'Boys Planet' in 2023, ZB1 established itself as a representative group of the fifth generation. From their debut album, they recorded six consecutive million-seller albums and surpassed cumulative sales of 9 million copies, proving their presence in the global K-pop market. However, as their two-and-a-half-year project contract ended, Zhang Hao, Ricky, Kim Gyu-bin, and Han Yu-jin returned to their original agencies to debut in a new group named AND2BLE, while the remaining five members agreed to continue the group's activities.

This process was not merely a period of adapting to personnel changes; it was also a moment to redefine the group's identity. Sung Han-bin said, "I think it was fate that members with similar hearts met. Although the final process was difficult, we concluded that we would stay together, and we made the decision while thinking of our fans."

In particular, Zhang Hao, Ricky, Kim Gyu-bin, and Han Yu-jin are about to debut with the new group AND2BLE. Regarding this, Kim Ji-woong said, "Since we were once in the same team, I am cheering for them," and added, "I hope everything goes well for them, and I think we are all running toward the same dream." Sung Han-bin also added, "We often contact each other and tell each other to work hard."

'ASCEND-' is the first work presented after being reorganized into a five-member lineup. It compresses ZB1's musical journey into a single narrative, capturing a clearer identity and a new leap forward. The album includes a total of seven tracks, including the title track 'TOP5', and is filled with songs of various genres that well showcase the members' abilities and individuality.

Sung Han-bin said, "While preparing for this album, I had many concerns about what kind of image we should show as five members. I wondered whether we should maintain the same style as before or show a new look, but as soon as we heard the title track, we unanimously agreed."

Seok Matthew also said, "From the moment we first received the demo track, I was certain that 'this is the title track'," and added, "The song title also fit perfectly with the fact that there are five of us, as if by fate." Park Gun-wook also expressed confidence, stating, "This is a song that reinterprets the sensibility of the 2000s in ZB1's unique pop style. I thought it was a work that could show the feeling of that era in a new way."

There were also significant concerns about changes in the group's musical color. Park Gun-wook explained, "If the existing ZB1 showed an image of youth, this time we wanted to capture a mature charm in a calmer and more stable atmosphere," and added, "I want to build our own image by carefully layering elements."

As they stand on a new starting line, the members' participation in this album has increased. Park Gun-wook demonstrated his musical capabilities by participating in the lyrics and composition of the track 'Customize'. He stated, "Since we are preparing the album as five members, I thought it would be more meaningful if a song created by a member was included," and added, "The members also liked the song, so it could be included. The fact that it helped the team is the most pleasant part." He further expressed his wish, "In the future, I hope there will be songs where all members participate in the songwriting process together."

Kim Tae-rae said, "This album contains such a variety of colors that it may feel like there are no commonalities," and added, "I hope fans can feel their own preferences while also feeling that 'ZB1 has worked this hard'."

As the group was reorganized into a five-member lineup, changes also occurred in the performance. Park Gun-wook explained, "Since there are five of us, we aimed to create performances where the group dance would be more visible," and added, "We paid attention to making each individual look cool while also bringing out the team's synergy." He also stated, "Rather than trying to excite the audience, we wanted to create a stage that could be felt naturally. We incorporated classic movements frequently used in the 2000s to capture a charm that is both classic and sexy."

Seok Matthew also said, "I have always really liked second-generation music. When I heard this concept, I thought, 'Finally, my time has come,'" and added, "I wanted to show the clean and natural coolness unique to performances from that era. I wanted to show the feeling of looking cool without doing anything."

The members also honestly revealed the background and burden of continuing activities as a five-member lineup. Seok Matthew said, "I liked being with the members. I never thought about performing alone," and added, "I wanted to stay active as ZB1 for as long as possible."

Park Gun-wook emphasized, "Since there are five of us, I think we have reached a moment where we must prove ourselves," and added, "Rather than feeling burdened, I want to use it as a stimulus and a stepping stone to move forward." He stated, "We are continuing ZB1's legacy, but since nine members and five members are different, we are preparing with the feeling of putting on new clothes musically and visually."

Kim Ji-woong said, "In the past, we had many concerns about the group's identity, but now we have a strong desire to bring out both the group's and individual identities," and added, "Each member is also making more effort."

They also left room for possibilities regarding future activity directions. Sung Han-bin said, "Although there was a set contract period, we are now operating with various possibilities open," and added, "With that, our sense of responsibility toward the team has also grown," and stated, "I have a strong desire to keep the house called ZB1 for as long as possible. I want to tell our fans not to worry. We will show as many sides of ourselves as possible."

Park Gun-wook also expressed his affection, saying, "Even among the members, we often talk about 'Let's stay active for a long time' and 'Let's make music for a long time'," and added, "I think we can stay together for a long time as long as we don't become estranged as people."

They also stated their goals for this activity. Park Gun-wook said, "Starting with this album, I want to further solidify ZB1's unique color and image," and Kim Tae-rae expressed his wish, "I hope the song will continue to play in cafes. I hope it will be loved not only in Korea but also overseas."

They also expressed their determination for the fierce May comeback in Daejeon. On the same day, BIGBANG member Taeyang and NCT's Taeyong will make solo comebacks, and the group (G)I-DLE will also return with a new album.

Sung Han-bin said, "I think it is rather an opportunity to promote ourselves more," and added, "I think my desire grows stronger because I feel that we must show ourselves better to be recognized." Kim Ji-woong also said, "The fact that our activity period overlaps with good artists is itself an honor," and added, "We are receiving good stimuli and positive influences by watching other stages, so we are always grateful."

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*This content was translated by AI.