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ZEROBASEONE to Drop ‘Sweat’ Before 3rd Mini Album ‘You Had Me at HELLO’

The winners of Mnet’s survival show Boys PlanetZhang Hao, Sung Hanbin, Seok Matthew, Ricky, Park Gunwook, Kim Taerae, Kim Gyuvin, Kim Jiwoong, and Han Yujin, collectively known as ZEROBASEONE—are preparing for another comeback. 

This time around, their opening salvo is a pre-release track called “Sweat,” set for release at 6:00 PM on April 24. This marks the first time the nine-member group will do a pre-release promotion for an album track. As its title suggests, “Sweat” aims to capture the heat and passion of the summer season.

An extensive promotional strategy

To further engage with their audience, ZEROBASEONE has lined up a series of performances across major South Korean music shows. The group will debut “Sweat” on Mnet’s M! Countdown on April 25, followed by appearances on KBS2’s Music Bank on the 26th, MBC’s Show! Music Core on the 27th, and SBS’s Inkigayo on the 28th. These performances are part of an extensive promotional strategy to build momentum for their new material.

Excitement for ZEROBASEONE’s upcoming activities began building last month. They attended KCON 2024 at the AsiaWorld-Expo in Hong Kong, where they announced a new batch of tracks set to drop on May 13. The album, titled You Had Me at HELLO, is their third Korean EP following Boys Planet. They also shared a comeback poster on their official social media accounts on April 13.

ZEROBASEONE achieved remarkable success

Fans found the title of the group’s new mini album particularly intriguing. They’re eager to discover the stories and themes ZEROBASEONE will explore in this latest work. The group previously achieved remarkable success with their debut mini-album YOUTH IN THE SHADE and its follow-up, MELTING POINT. Both mini albums sold over two million copies. Their recent Japanese single “YURA YURA – Flower of Fate –” saw major success too, selling half a million copies shortly after its release.

With a track record of sold-out fan meetings in both Korea and Japan and a rookie grand slam under their belt, ZEROBASEONE has firmly established themselves as a leading fifth-generation group. Critics and fans alike are eager to see what else they have up their sleeves. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: Who’s excited for ‘Sweat’ and ‘You Had Me at HELLO’? Source: X/@ZB1_official.

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ZEROBASEONE Reportedly Preparing for May Comeback

ZEROBASEONE’s rumored May comeback is generating significant anticipation and excitement among fans as the ‘Boys Planet’ project group prepares to make their mark once again in the K-pop scene.

Is ZEROBASEONE Preparing for a May Comeback?

The news of their impending comeback was revealed by multiple music industry insiders on March 31, sparking a flurry of excitement and speculation among fans eager to see what the talented group has in store.

As preparations for their comeback are reportedly underway, fans are eagerly anticipating what ZEROBASEONE has in store for their next musical venture. With their previous releases showcasing their diverse talents and captivating performances, expectations are running high for their upcoming comeback. From powerful choreography to infectious melodies, fans are hopeful that ZEROBASEONE will deliver another hit album that will solidify their position as rising stars in the K-pop industry.

The ZB1 Success Story Continues

ZEROBASEONE’s popularity extends beyond the borders of South Korea, with the group also making waves in Japan. Their recent release in Japan, titled “Yura Yura – Unmei no Hana-,” achieved remarkable success by topping the prestigious Oricon weekly singles chart. The achievement is made even more impressive by the fact that ZEROBASEONE has become the first overseas artist to exceed 300,000 copies in first-week sales with their debut single, according to confirmation from Oricon.

The overwhelming success of “Yura Yura – Unmei no Hana-“ underscores ZEROBASEONE’s growing international appeal and solidifies their status as a global phenomenon. With their captivating music and electrifying performances, the group has captured the hearts of fans not only in Korea but also across borders, showcasing their ability to transcend language and cultural barriers with their music.

As ZEROBASEONE gears up for their highly anticipated comeback in May, fans are eagerly awaiting the unveiling of their new music and concept. With their track record of delivering top-notch performances and chart-topping hits, there is no doubt that ZEROBASEONE’s upcoming comeback will be met with enthusiasm and support from fans worldwide. As the countdown to their comeback begins, anticipation is reaching fever pitch, and fans are ready to embark on another exhilarating musical journey with ZEROBASEONE.

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ZEROBASEONE Drops Japanese Single ‘Yura Yura’ After ‘Immortal Songs 2’ Win

ZEROBASEONE recently made their highly anticipated debut in Japan with the music video for “YURA YURA – Flower of Fate -.” Released on March 7, the video features the boys performing what has been described as the perfect serenade for spring. This release precedes their first Japanese single album, set to be released on March 20, and follows their triumphant win on Immortal Songs 2, where they paid tribute to TVXQ.

ZEROBASEONE (제로베이스원) ‘YURA YURA’ MV

TVXQ has made a significant impact with their music in Japan, topping the Oricon charts and selling more CDs there than any other foreign act. Their 2013 Time Tour was a huge success, breaking attendance records for concerts by foreign singers in Japan until 2017. That year, TVXQ broke their own record with the Begin Again Tour. They were the first non-Japanese Asian artists to embark on a five-city dome tour in Japan. They were also the first international artists to headline a concert at Nissan Stadium. Their achievements have paved an inspirational path for ZEROBASEONE to follow.

The Immortal Songs 2 episode dedicated to TVXQ’s music achieved a nationwide viewership of 5.0%. It featured renditions of TVXQ’s hits by artists such as JD1, La Poem, Red Velvet’s Irene & Seulgi, KARDI, ONF, and ZEROBASEONE. The nine-member boy group performed “The Way U Are” with a sophisticated concept, showcasing cohesive dance routines and individual flair. Their performance earned praise from TVXQ’s Yunho, who said it reminded him of TVXQ’s early days.

ZEROBASEONE – The Way U Are [Immortal Songs 2]

ZEROBASEONE outperformed well-known artists

Having garnered more votes from the judging panel than JD1 and KARDI, ZEROBASEONE took home the win. TVXQ personally presented the trophy to ZEROBASEONE, who were visibly overjoyed and honored by the gesture.

Online, many fans congratulated the boys. Winning Immortal Songs 2 is a significant achievement, coveted by many artists. ZEROBASEONE, only eight months into their career, won the show on their first attempt. The fact that they outperformed several well-known artists made their victory even more remarkable.

With two albums selling over 2 million copies each and a rookie grand slam under their belt, ZEROBASEONE is quickly establishing itself as a leading fifth-generation K-pop group. Their recent success on Immortal Songs 2 enhances their growing reputation and sets the stage for a promising promotional period in Japan. Many hope this will mirror the illustrious career of TVXQ. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: If you haven’t listened to their new Japanese single or watched the video of their ‘Immortal Songs 2’ performance, you’re missing half your life. Source: X/@ZB1_jp.

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Korea Forensic Service Concludes Kim Jiwoong Didn’t Swear During Fan Call

Earlier this month, an anonymous netizen posted about their fan call with ZEROBASEONE‘s Kim Jiwoong. The netizen alleged that he cursed at the end of the call, a claim that put the idol’s reputation at risk. However, the Korea Forensic Service came to Jiwoong‘s rescue with a detailed breakdown of what really happened.

They meticulously analyzed audio culled from two sources: CCTV footage from WAKEONE Entertainment‘s premises and the video of the call uploaded by the fan. The analysis focused on formants—key peaks in sound that result from the unique way our vocal tract shapes sound waves. In other words, formants are the acoustic signatures of speech. Since these acoustic signatures can vary significantly from person to person, the authorities often use them as a kind of auditory fingerprint to distinguish between speakers.

Forensic phonetics often relies on formant analysis among other techniques to compare voice samples in criminal investigations or legal proceedings. The analysis can help determine if a voice in a recording matches a suspect or victim’s voice by comparing the specific patterns and characteristics of their speech sounds, including their formants.

@wonnieisminee

kim jiwoong zb1 “sibal” fancall#kimjiwoong#zb1#fancall#kpopjunghyun_juice🧃@keita’s bodyguard 🇯🇵

♬ nhạc nền – #1 junhyeon jungwon stan – #1 junhyeon jungwon stan

Two critical conclusions

That’s what the Korea Forensic Service did in Jiwoong’s case. By examining the formants, their analysts identified three distinct phrases in succession: “Thank you,” followed by a controversial phrase interpreted as “Ssibal” (a swear word in Korean), and finally, a term that sounded like “Strange” or “suspicious.”

Interestingly, they found no anomalies in the sound frequencies transitioning from one phrase to the next, indicating that the recordings were continuous without any signs of clipping or editing. However, a significant discovery was made regarding the wave patterns between the first phrase and the subsequent ones. The analysis suggested that some form of editing accentuated the latter two phrases, making their pronunciation clearer than the first.

The difference in wave patterns led to two critical conclusions: Jiwoong likely did not utter the controversial second phrase. While the third phrase was confirmed to be spoken by the same individual as the first, it remained unclear if the speaker of the second and third phrases was the same or different.

@isfullsun

Dispatch sayang jiung #kimjiwoong #jiwoong #zb1 #zerobaseone #dispatch #fy #fypシ

♬ suara asli – fullsun – fullsun

Kim Jiwoong didn’t utter any curse words

Adding to the evidence, a staff member identified only as ‘D’ talked to Dispatch on Jiwoong’s behalf. D was present during the fan call to monitor the idol. They said, “I don’t remember the fan call between Kim Jiwoong and the fan exactly. But I’m certain Kim Jiwoong didn’t utter any curse words.”

ZEROBASEONE’s agency, WAKEONE Entertainment, issued a statement after Dispatch’s story went live. The label confirmed that it had requested the forensic analysis through its legal team at Law Firm Sejong. It also said they would stand behind the findings, emphasizing its commitment to protecting its artists.

The Korea Forensic Service’s report not only clears Kim Jiwoong of the accusations but also highlights the importance of thorough investigation in resolving disputes. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: Forensic phonetics exonerated Jiwoong. Three cheers for forensic phonetics! Source: X/@fearl_ess.

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Sung Hanbin and Zhang Hao Showcase Their Chemistry on ‘M Countdown’

Sung Hanbin and Zhang Hao of ZEROBASEONE are the epitome of friendship goals in the K-pop scene. From their early days on Boys Planet, it was clear they shared a special connection.

Despite the competitive nature of the show, their bond stood out, especially when Hanbin fell to second place behind Hao in the finale. Despite the fact that many considered the South Korean trainee a shoo-in for the top spot, he graciously accepted the outcome. Hanbin even told Hao that the No. 1 seat suited the global trainee. This left a lasting impression on fans, who were charmed by the depth of their friendship.

ALL HAOBIN MOMENTS from 1st to last ep of BOYS PLANET

After Boys Planet, their chemistry was further showcased in a video where they shared fun facts about each other. This further endeared them to fans.

[팅글인터뷰] ASMR | 제로베이스원 장하오&성한빈 편 (ENG/JPN)

Hao and Hanbin have been flexing their friendship

This chemistry was on full display during a recent gathering of idols for M Countdown. When Hao arrived, he was met with a full couch. Instead of squeezing in next to one of the idols, he joked that he could simply sit in Hanbin’s lap. The M Countdown MC welcomed his friend by patting his leg and gesturing for Hao to have a seat, indicating that the Chinese idol could indeed sit in his lap.

@haoandbin

oh that’s the best seat Hao 😂#zerobaseone #zb1 #sunghanbin #zhanghao #haobin #hanbinzhanghao

♬ original sound – ivy🐬 – ivy🐬ྀི

A video clip of this moment went viral on social media, racking up over 150,000 views on TikTok alone. On X (formerly known as Twitter), viewers couldn’t stop talking about what Hao did. The reaction of CIX’s Bae Jinyoung also became a hot topic. One fan pointed out that Jinyoung looked like he was side-eyeing the ZEROBASEONE members. While that wasn’t exactly true, he did look somewhat bemused, which made the incident funnier.

Adding to the amusement, Hao and Hanbin later posted a TikTok video together.

@zb1_official

‘I WANNA KNOW’ with HAN BIN 🐹 #ZEROBASEONE #ZB1 #제로베이스원 #SUNGHANBIN #ZHANGHAO #성한빈 #장하오 #I_WANNA_KNOW #환승연애3 #I_WANNA_KNOW_Challenge

♬ I WANNA KNOW – ZHANG HAO

Last year, fans accused WAKEONE Entertainment of homophobia, believing their agency had banned Hao and Hanbin from spending time together. It’s great to see that isn’t the case, as the two have been flexing their friendship whenever and wherever they can. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: Theirs is truly a beautiful friendship. Source: X/@kpopachillean.

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ZEROBASEONE’s Agency Addresses Kim Jiwoong Videocall Attitude Controversy

Kim Jiwoong of ZEROBASEONE has vehemently denied allegations of using inappropriate language during a fan call event. Since then, WAKEONE Entertainment has issued a statement about the incident.

WAKEONE Refutes Kim Jiwoong Cursing Allegations During ZEROBASEONE Fan Call Event

On February 2, an anonymous individual posted a video on social media, claiming that Kim Jiwoong cursed at the end of a video call with a fan.

In the posted video, which seemed to be a screen recording of the fan call, a voice can be heard using strong language after Kim Ji Woong bids farewell to the fan. The individual raised concerns about the artist’s behavior and sought opinions from fellow fans.

Following the accusation, WAKEONE Entertainment, Kim Ji Woong’s agency, swiftly responded to the claim. In an official statement, the agency clarified, “After checking with [Kim Ji Woong] himself, [the claim] is not true. We also checked with the employee and translator that were present at the scene.”

WAKEONE Entertainment expressed its commitment to uncovering the truth and ensuring objective accuracy in the matter. The agency announced its intention to utilize various methods, including digital media forensics, to ascertain the facts surrounding the alleged incident definitively. This proactive stance underscores the agency’s dedication to protecting its artist’s reputation and addressing the concerns raised by fans.

Allegations of inappropriate behavior during fan interactions can have a significant impact on an artist’s public image, making it essential for agencies to address such issues promptly and transparently. WAKEONE Entertainment’s pledge to conduct a thorough investigation using digital media forensics demonstrates its commitment to fair and accurate resolution.

As fans await the results of the investigation, the incident serves as a reminder of the challenges that come with managing the public image of K-pop idols in the era of digital communication and instant social media sharing. The agency’s commitment to objective accuracy is crucial in maintaining the trust of the fanbase and preserving the integrity of the artist’s reputation.

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WAKEONE Entertainment Announces Legal Action Against Violation Of ZEROBASEONE Members’ Rights

WAKEONE Entertainment has taken a firm stance to safeguard the rights and privacy of their artists ZEROBASEONE. On February 3, the agency released a statement outlining its legal response to various infringements on the group members’ rights.

WAKEONE Entertainment Takes Legal Action to Protect ZEROBASEONE Members’ Rights

The agency disclosed that it had filed criminal charges against individuals involved in trespassing on ZEROBASEONE’s dormitory premises. Additionally, legal action has been initiated against those who attempted to contact the group members by unlawfully acquiring their personal information. WAKEONE Entertainment’s proactive approach aims to address and penalize the infringement on the privacy and security of ZEROBASEONE.

Furthermore, the agency expressed its commitment to uncovering the truth behind recent incidents involving fake edits and posts about the members. Digital forensics will also be employed to ascertain the authenticity of the content circulating online, ensuring that accurate information prevails and false narratives are dispelled.

“Recently, fake edits about our artist have been spreading indiscriminately on online communities and social media.

“As we have stated in multiple previous announcements, we are currently responding with a zero-tolerance policy to crimes that threaten our artist’s safety or infringe on our artist’s rights or privacy.

“Through the law firm SHIN&KIM, we have filed a criminal complaint against the individual who came to our artist’s dorm on charges such as home invasion, and the case in question is currently being investigated.”

WAKEONE Entertainment’s decision to pursue legal avenues underscores its dedication to maintaining a secure and respectful environment for ZEROBASEONE. By taking action against those who breach the boundaries of personal space and privacy, the agency also seeks to set a precedent for the protection of artists within the K-pop industry.

The statement also serves as a public declaration of WAKEONE Entertainment’s commitment to the well-being and rights of ZEROBASEONE. It sends a clear message that any infringement on the group’s privacy will not be tolerated. As the agency employs digital forensics to unravel the truth, it also reinforces the importance of responsible online behavior and accountability in the age of digital information.

Fans of ZEROBASEONE can also find reassurance in the agency’s proactive measures to address these issues. WAKEONE intends on fostering an environment where artists can focus on their creative endeavors without compromising their personal safety and privacy.

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ZEROBASEONE Announces First Japanese Fan Concert

ZEROBASEONE, the rising K-pop sensation, is gearing up for their debut in Japan with the release of their first single, ‘ゆらゆら -運命の花-‘ (Yurayura -Unmei no Hana-) on March 20. In addition to that, the group is gearing up for their first Japanese fan concert!

ZEROBASEONE Confirms First Japanese Fan Concert

In tandem with their debut in Japan, ZEROBASEONE is also set to hold a solo fan concert, titled ‘2024 ZEROBASEONE FAN-CON IN JAPAN.’ The concert is scheduled to take place at K-Arena Yokohama on March 23-24, providing an exciting opportunity for Japanese fans to experience the group’s electrifying performances and connect with their music on a more intimate level.

ZEROBASEONE has also been making waves in the K-pop scene, achieving remarkable milestones and earning recognition for their exceptional talent. Notably, the group has set a historic record by becoming the first boy group in four years to attain a “Rookie Grand Slam.”

This prestigious accomplishment involves winning awards across five major award shows: MAMA Awards (Mnet Asian Music Awards), Melon Music Awards, Golden Disc Awards, Seoul Music Awards, and Circle Chart Music Awards. The Rookie Grand Slam is also a testament to ZEROBASEONE’s multifaceted success, encompassing digital and physical sales, as well as the support of their dedicated fanbase.

The group’s popularity in Japan is already evident, as reflected in their high rankings on Japan’s Oricon weekly album chart. With their debut single and fan concert on the horizon, ZEROBASEONE is also poised to further solidify their presence in the Japanese music industry.

Having achieved “double million seller” status with their debut albums ‘YOUTH IN THE SHADE’ and ‘MELTING POINT,’ ZEROBASEONE continues to captivate audiences with their unique musical style and captivating performances. As the anticipation builds for their Japanese debut and fan concert, fans also eagerly await the next chapter in ZEROBASEONE’s remarkable journey.

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ZEROBASEONE’s Zhang Hao Releases First OST Since Debut

Zhang Hao of the rookie group ZEROBASEONE recently ventured into the world of original soundtracks. His first OST, titled “I WANNA KNOW,” was featured in the third season of the TVING series Transit Love, also known as EXchange. This song dropped at 6:00 PM KST on January 19, marking a significant step in Zhang Hao’s musical journey.

Set to a mid-tempo melody, “I WANNA KNOW” beautifully captures the thrill of falling for someone and the desire to learn every little detail about them. The gentle strumming of an acoustic guitar, along with the delicate tinkling of a piano, creates a vibrant and refreshing background for Zhang Hao’s first OST. His vocals are soothing yet powerful, injecting just the right amount of emotion into the song. In the music video, the Chinese K-pop idol performs the track inside a recording studio, interspersed with scenes from the show.

[환승연애3 OST Part 4] 장하오 (ZEROBASEONE) – I WANNA KNOW MV

About ‘Transit Love’

Transit Love is a Korean reality show that began airing in 2021. It features exes who live under the same roof. Together, they explore their past relationships and the possibility of forming new ones. The show is known for its realistic portrayal of the interactions between former partners. It includes people from various backgrounds, including some from the entertainment industry, which adds to its diversity and appeal. The show’s format, involving group activities and discussions, helps the participants talk about matters of the heart openly.

The first season of Transit Love, directed by Lee Jin Joo, aired from June to October 2021. The latest installment of the series premiered on December 29, 2023, under the direction of Kim In-Ha. It’s exclusively available on the streaming platform TVING. Zhang Hao’s involvement in the OST has stirred excitement among fans in Korea and elsewhere. His contribution will significantly enhance the viewing experience of the series.

[EN/CN] [🌹발매 인사 영상] 장하오 (ZEROBASEONE) – I WANNA KNOW

What else Zhang Hao is up to

In related news, ZEROBASEONE is set to release its first Japanese single “yurayura-unmei no hana-” on March 20. This release will include Japanese versions of their earlier tracks “In Bloom” and “Crush.” The group also plans to hold a fan meet and greet following their Japanese debut. Their previous EPs have achieved notable success on Japan’s Oricon Albums chart.

Zhang Hao rose to prominence as the center of ZEROBASEONE after winning first place in the survival show Boys Planet, which led to the formation of the group. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: Viewers can fall in love with Zhang Hao’s voice while watching the ‘Transit Love’ cast navigate their relationships. Source: YouTube/@stonemusicent.

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ZEROBASEONE Achieves Rookie Grand Slam

ZEROBASEONE made K-pop history yet again by becoming the first boy group in four years to achieve a “Rookie Grand Slam.” This remarkable achievement makes them the seventh group ever to reach this milestone. 

In the K-pop scene, a Rookie Grand Slam is defined by winning the Rookie of the Year award at each of the five major South Korean music award shows. This award demonstrates commercial success and widespread recognition for a new artist or group. Highly coveted, it represents a unique honor in an artist’s career, awarded only once to emerging talents.

@haoareyou

UNSTOPPABLE ROOKIESSS #zb1 #zerobaseone #fyp

♬ original sound – yan – yan

The five major award shows one must win to achieve a Rookie Grand Slam are the MAMA Awards (formerly known as the Mnet Asian Music Awards), Melon Music Awards, Golden Disc Awards, Seoul Music Awards, and Circle Chart Music Awards. Each award has its own criteria, encompassing various aspects of the industry such as digital sales, physical sales, and voting. 

Winning the Rookie of the Year award at all these ceremonies is not only rare but often signals a successful career ahead in K-pop. Aside from ZEROBASEONE, only six other groups have achieved a “Rookie Grand Slam.” They are SHINee (2008), iKON (2015), WANNA ONE (2017), ITZY (2019), TXT (2019), and aespa (2022).

@sheng_xy

Congratulations again jebewon #zb1 #zerobaseone #rookiegrandslam #kpopfyp

♬ paper rings by taylor swift – jacob

ZEROBASEONE is on a path of continued success

ZEROBASEONE took their first step on the road to the Rookie Grand Slam at the 2023 MAMA Awards. This award show took place at the Tokyo Dome in Japan on November 28 and 29, 2023. They won Worldwide Fans’ Choice, Favorite New Artist, and Best Male Artist. In their speech, the group said, “We’re thrilled to receive the Best New Male Artist award, a recognition that comes only once in a lifetime. We want to express our gratitude to all the ZEROSE for their support. We’re thankful to our agency for their active belief and support. We appreciate the staff who always illuminate our path. To our fellow members, we love you, and to our parents, we want to convey our gratitude and love.”

On January 10, ZEROBASEONE was named Rookie of the Year at the Circle Chart Music Awards, completing the Rookie Grand Slam. The group’s center, Zhang Hao, won the VIAJE Global Popularity Award. He’s the first foreign idol and third individual idol to receive this award, following EXO’s Sehun in 2016 and Girls’ Generation’s Taeyeon in 2017.

This achievement sets ZEROBASEONE on a path of continued success and influence in K-pop. Great work, boys! – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: Not many artists can say they’ve achieved what ZEROBASEONE has. Source: X/@ZB1Vibes.

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