ZEROBASEONE (ZB1) is a nine-member boy group that formed through MNET’s survival show programme, Boys Planet. Coined as the “Global Mega Rookies” and Fifth Generation “IT” boys, ZB1 has been dominating charts since their debut. They even held their first fan concert just a month after debuting at Gocheok Sky Dome, one of South Korea’s largest indoor concert venues.
ZB1’s music video (MV) and title track GOOD SO BAD was released on 26th August 2024, hitting 13.4 million views in just 24 hours, breaking the record for the most viewed MV by Fifth Generation boy groups on the first day.
Not just that, Naver, South Korea’s leading online platform, reported that after just a year and one month of their debut, ZB1 has officially become the fastest quadruple million sellers in South Korean history. This remarkable feat means all four of their albums have sold over a million copies on the first day of release, making them the first and only K-pop group to do so.
The Hype Around Cinema Paradise: A New Era
Apart from their hit GOOD SO BAD, the mini album features six other songs: KILL THE ROMEO, The Sea – ZB1 Remake, Insomnia, Road Movie, Eternity, and YURA YURA – Korean Version. Staying true to their concept of a “cinema paradise”, the album explores a variety of genres across its seven songs, with the boys confidently stating that “there’s a song for everyone.”
Each track boasts its own uniqueness and individuality, featuring beats and melodies so catchy you just cannot get them out of your head. With an incredible line-up of producers, such as hitmaker KENZIE — often referred to as Korea’s “national living treasure” for her long discography of hits — and the powerful, stunning vocals of the members, they definitely made an impact with this album.
Using the Mnet Plus Chat app, a platform where fans can interact with their favourite artistes, the members shared similar sentiments with ZEROSEs, often coming online after their schedules to talk about their experiences and how excited they are to be able to meet ZEROSEs on stage soon. They have expressed nothing but praise for their new songs, energising the fan community while counting down to D-DAY.
ZEROBASEONE’S Phenomenal Strength and Growth
It has never been easy for ZB1 to reach this level of success in such a competitive and saturated industry.
As with all MNET survival programmes, groups who debut from their shows are considered project groups and will have a contract lasting only two and a half years. This creates an extreme time crunch for the group, this is on top of the external challenges faced by emerging K-pop acts, forcing them to have tight, back-to-back schedules.
With the immense love they have for ZEROSEs and their deep passion for performing, ZB1 powers through every single era, working harder with every comeback to showcase the best versions of themselves.
Through the gruelling process of it all, their bond with one another helps them persevere. The term “FamilyBaseOne” is commonly seen in their community spaces, reflecting their genuine love and support for each other just like a real family. The one thing that sets ZB1 apart from others outside of their all-roundedness and talent, is the genuine love they have for one another. They have a bond like no other, seeking comfort and solace in each other, evident by how they are the happiest when they are together.
For many ZEROSEs, this familial bond offers a source of comfort. The love they have is so great that their warmth radiates and the world becomes a little brighter whenever they are together. ZEROBASEONE has spent the past year building each other up and will continue to stick together through whatever comes next.
This comeback presented something new for all ZEROSEs, whether they are long-time supporters since their pre-debut or even new fans who just joined. The comfort they bring to their fans, combined with their high-quality performances, are a few of the many reasons why they are one of the most beloved K-pop groups in history.
