Mnet's "Boys Planet" Success Yields Extraordinary Pre-debut Achievements for ZeroBaseOne

WAKEONE

In an extraordinary feat for the K-pop industry, the highly anticipated debut of ZeroBaseOne, also known as ZB1, has taken the music world by storm. Comprised of the top nine finalists from Mnet's popular audition show "Boys Planet," which concluded in April, ZeroBaseOne began making headlines even before their official debut. Their official Instagram page amassed an impressive 1 million followers within a mere six days, while their debut EP, "Youth in the Shade," shattered records by selling over a million copies in pre-orders alone. This achievement establishes ZeroBaseOne as the first K-pop act to achieve million-seller status with their debut release.

During the debut press showcase held at the Yes24 Live Hall in Gwangjin District, eastern Seoul, ZeroBaseOne's leader, Sung Han-bin, shared the concept behind their debut EP. Titled "Youth in the Shade," the album explores the duality of youth, capturing both its beauty and the shadows that accompany it. Han-bin emphasized that the sparkling moments of youth exist precisely because of these contrasting shadows, making the EP a candid portrayal of their own youthful experiences.

Joined by their fellow members Kim Ji-woong, Zhang Hao, Seok Matthew, Kim Tae-rae, Ricky, Kim Gyu-vin, Park Gun-wook, and Han Yu-jin, the ZeroBaseOne members expressed their gratitude and excitement surrounding their highly anticipated debut. The group is hailed as the latest addition to Mnet's legacy of successful K-pop groups formed through their hit audition shows, which include the iconic "Produce 101" series, "Produce 48," "Produce X 101," and "Girls Planet 999."

Kim Ji-woong, the eldest member of ZeroBaseOne at 24 years old, reflected on the significance of this debut, particularly considering his journey in the industry. Having previously debuted as part of boy band INX in 2016, Ji-woong faced challenges and setbacks before seizing the opportunity presented by "Boys Planet," inspiring viewers with his determination and resilience.

Each member of ZeroBaseOne was previously under different K-pop agencies before appearing on the show. As a temporary project group, ZeroBaseOne will be managed by WakeOne until January 2026, after which the members will return to their respective management companies.

While ZeroBaseOne has already showcased their talent through performances at KCON Japan 2023 and their reality show "Camp ZeroBaseOne" on Mnet, their official debut marks a significant milestone in their collective journey. The members expressed their eagerness to meet their devoted fanbase, known as Ze_Rose, as they continue to establish themselves in the K-pop scene.

Describing themselves as a "fifth-generation" boy band, ZeroBaseOne distinguishes their unique identity amidst the highly competitive landscape of fourth-generation idol groups. With unprecedented achievements already under their belt, the group aims to continue making K-pop history.

Looking ahead, ZeroBaseOne has set their sights on further goals for the year. Ricky expressed their desire to win the prestigious New Artist award, a precious accolade that can only be achieved once in a group's career. Gyu-win added that they aspire to claim the top spot on a TV music show with their new release, promising an exciting encore performance as a heartfelt gesture of gratitude to their fans, Ze_Rose.

As ZeroBaseOne paves their path in the K-pop industry, their exceptional debut accomplishments and unwavering determination have positioned them as a group to watch. With their groundbreaking records and fervent fan support, ZeroBaseOne embarks on an exciting journey to make their mark on the global music stage.

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