The group ZEROBASEONE is expected to be the representative of ‘youth’. Through their new song ‘Blue’, they will sing of a romantic fate and stimulate fans‘ hearts with a differentiated concept of mystery and freshness.

On the 24th, ZEROBASEONE (Sung Hanbin, Kim Jiwoong, Jang Hao, Seok Matthew, Kim Taerae, Ricky, Kim Gyubin, Park Gunwook, Han Yujin) held a showcase to commemorate the release of their 5th mini-album [BLUE PARADISE].

Kim Gyubin said on this day, “We’ve returned with a new album after 6 months. We prepared hard and happily, so please support us”, and Kim Jiwoong said, “This is our first domestic album that will be released in 2025. “There‘s a pleasant thrill”, Seok Mathew said, “I think I’ll be able to show you a more mature side of me through this promotion”, Jang Hao said, “We were able to meet many fans while promoting around the world with our last album. I‘m happy that we can share our new music with you”, Sung Han Bin said, “We’ll show you how we‘ve grown both musically and performance-wise”, and Park Gun Wook said, “We’ll also have a unit song, so you‘ll be able to enjoy our various charms” about their comeback.

If Zero Base One presented a colorful narrative like a movie through their previous work [Cinema Paradise], they cover deeper emotions through [Blue Paradise]. The album contains the message, “Even sad (BLUE) moments are a part of life, and the way we try hard despite them is splendid and beautiful in itself.” The emotions such as sadness, anxiety, addiction, growing pains, obsession, and deviation that arise in the process of finding [Blue Paradise] are unraveled as a single narrative as if continuing a mystery game.

According to Seok Matthew, this album is significant as it is the first physical album to be released in the United States.

The title song ‘BLUE’ is the second collaboration between Zero Base One and hitmaker Kenzie. It utilizes the ambivalent meaning of the word ‘BLUE’ to sing about ‘a sad but prettier fateful love’, presenting a mysterious refreshing feeling.

Zhang Hao said, “I was excited to work with Kenzie for the second time. I am grateful that he told me that my vocal skills have improved a lot. The result came out well,” said Kim Tae-rae, sharing behind-the-scenes stories of the title song production, saying, “It matched well with Jebeone’s color, and I liked that he was meticulous when directing.”

Zerobaseone is also planning to have a friendly competition with G-Dragon (making a comeback on the 25th) by promoting at the same time. Regarding this, Kim Kyu-bin said, “I’ve always respected G-Dragon. It’s an honor to be promoting at the same time. I carried sneakers made by G-Dragon to every schedule during the last ‘MAMA‘, but unfortunately I haven’t received them yet. If you see this article, please sign them,” making everyone laugh by revealing his fandom instead of determination.

Since they are a project group, the contract period is set. Sung Han-bin said, “The team activity contract is for two and a half years, and the members have been talking a lot about what’s to come after that. He said, “We’re talking in a direction for the fans,” and Kim Tae-rae gave a hopeful answer, saying, “I’m happily doing Zero Base One activities. I want to be with Zeros (fans) forever,” raising expectations for their future activities.

The new album contains a total of six songs, including the title track, their first unit song, “Out of Love (Kim Ji-woong, Jang Ha-o, Kim Kyu-bin),” “Step Back (Ricky, Park Gun-wook, Han Yu-jin),” “Cruel (Sung Han-bin, Seok Matthew, Kim Tae-rae),” “Devil Game,” and the pre-released track, “Doctor! Doctor!”

Regarding the pre-released track, Seok Matthew said, “I usually like comics, so I was touched when Ito Junji said he would draw the digital cover. And as a viewer who enjoyed the drama ‘Hospital Playlist’, it was amazing to see actor Jung Kyung-ho appear in the music video,“ he said, expressing his gratitude to the artists who collaborated with him.

According to Park Gun-wook, the unit members were formed to highlight each member’s individual strengths so that they could feel their various charms. Kim Kyu-bin said, ”‘Out of Love’ is a song that talks about the regret and lingering feelings of a long-time relationship,“ Ricky said, ”‘Step Back’ has an impressive addictive chorus and unique ad-libs,“ and Seok Matthew briefly introduced the unit songs, saying, ”Through ‘Cruel’, we transformed into mischievous boys.“

Zerobaseone‘s 5th mini album [Blue Paradise] will be released today (the 24th) at 6 PM through various music sites.

Lastly, Kim Tae-rae said, ”We are grateful that you call us not only the Daesang but also the ‘5th generation icons’. We will not rest on the Daesang award, but we will grow as artists who show our presence with just the name Zerobaseone,“ Kim Kyu-bin said, ”This album has mystery and refreshing as its keywords. I hope we can earn the modifier ‘Blue Youth’,“ and Jang Hao said, ”There is a modifier called million seller, and I hope we can maintain that modifier,“ sharing their goals and determination for their activities.

Jeon Hyo-jin, Donga.com reporter jhj@donga.com

This article is automatically translated using Google AI. If you notice any inaccuracies, please let us know at allkstar@donga.com.