ZEROBASEONE
ZEROBASEONE is making history, but with the end of its project nearing, many are voicing the same concern: we can’t just let them go like this.
ZEROBASEONE (Sung Hanbin, Kim Jiwoong, Zhang Hao, Seok Matthew, Kim Taerae, Ricky, Kim Gyuvin, Park Gunwook, and Han Yujin) released its first full-length studio album, “NEVER SAY NEVER,” on September 1.
This album marks the group’s first complete studio release since its debut, capturing the brightest moment in the musical journey they’ve built with its fans, known as ZEROSE. Building on their earlier Youth Trilogy and Paradise Duology, the album condenses two years of storytelling into one iconic package, showcasing the full synergy of “TEAM ZB1.”
The group sends a powerful message through “NEVER SAY NEVER”: “Nothing is impossible if you don’t give up”, speaking directly to those who dare to dream of something greater in the middle of everyday life.
The title track, “ICONIK,” is a pop song rooted in nu-disco sounds, highlighting the group’s undeniable presence. Its polished grooves and tight rhythms build throughout the track, amplifying the vocal chemistry between the nine members with every verse.
As the saying goes, “The artist follows the song”, and with “Iconik”, ZEROBASEONE has truly stepped into their role as global K-pop icons. The album sold over 1.1 million copies on release day alone, immediately becoming a million-seller. In fact, all six of their releases since debut have reached million-seller status, a record-setting feat. In just under two years, they’ve become the fastest K-pop group to reach 9 million cumulative album sales.
And their success isn’t limited to South Korea. Internationally, “NEVER SAY NEVER” topped iTunes “Top Albums” charts in countries like Qatar, Russia, and the Czech Republic, and took the #1 spot on Japan’s Line Music Album Top 100.
Since debut, ZEROBASEONE’s rise has been steady and impressive. Naturally, this leads to one big question: how much further can they go? Unfortunately, the group’s time is limited. Formed through the survival show “Boys Planet“, ZEROBASEONE is a project group with a set contract of 2 years and 6 months, which is set to expire in January 2026.
With their world tour kicking off October 3–5 at the KSPO DOME in Seoul and running through December, there is very little time left to release and promote another album.
Unless the contract is extended under special circumstances, “NEVER SAY NEVER” could be their final album. But fans aren’t giving up, much like the album title suggests, and neither are the members. At the album’s pre-release showcase, SUNG HANBIN stated:
“We’re having a lot of conversations and meetings to figure out the best path forward,”
though he added cautiously: “Nothing has been confirmed yet.”
PARK GUNWOO also emphasized:
“There’s something deeply meaningful about ZEROBASEONE being made up of these nine members.”
Right now, the group’s focus is on promoting the album and completing their world tour, but the question of whether their journey will be extended is growing more urgent. The girl group Kep1er, also formed through a survival show (Girls Planet), recently became the first project group to successfully extend their contract.
So now, the spotlight turns to ZEROBASEONE: Will they follow in Kep1er’s footsteps and continue their story, or will this be the final chapter?
Journalist: Shawn
Translator: Shawn
Source: SNS ZEROBASEONE
