At a media showcase held Monday at Blue Square in Seoul’s Hannam neighborhood, the group premiered the title track “ICONIK” and B-side “Lovesick Game” from its studio set “NEVER SAY NEVER.”
Leader Sung Hanbin said, “Because it’s our first full-length, we want to sprint toward a new career high. We hope to leave a deeper imprint with our music and share every win with ZEROSE.” Zhang Hao added, “From the first listen, the energy was undeniable, and we knew it could supercharge our teamwork. With ‘ICONIK,’ we want to show our growth from boys into artists.”
The album condenses the group’s two-year “Youth” trilogy and “Paradise” duology into a chapter that captures the state of “TEAM ZEROBASEONE” right now. After an atmospheric intro, the act teased part of the “ICONIK” performance ― all thumping beats, big switch-ups and airtight formations ― signaling a full-fledged artistic jump.
“Lovesick Game” stands out with sleek chair choreography. Park Gunwook said, “Looking back on the past two years, the word that runs through us is ‘youth.’ The moments you captured on camera, and the scenes that stayed with the public ― we wanted those memories to land with listeners as one clear meaning. That symbolism lives in the album title.” Kim Jiwoong added, “Because it leans on props, the mood is distinct ― it shows a different color from the title track.”
ZEROBASEONE’s breakout was immediate: the debut EP “YOUTH IN THE SHADE” sold 1.24 million copies in a single day, making them the first K-pop act to notch a debut-day million. Every release since has cleared a million in first-week sales, giving the group five straight million-sellers. In February, their fifth mini album “BLUE PARADISE” made their first entry on the Billboard 200, debuting at No. 28.
Reflecting on their run, Park Gunwook said, “It feels odd to say it ourselves, but we’ve picked up a lot of rookie awards and received great press. We’ll keep trending upward, move as one, and keep our eyes on the top.”
Sung Hanbin named two moments that felt the most “iconic”: “When we landed on the Billboard 200 ― and when we sang with ZEROSE in the arena.”
As for the story they hope to leave behind after five straight million-selling releases in just two years, Kim Taerae said, “We want ‘ZEROBASEONE’ to be a name that instantly gives people energy. We want to leave a narrative and imagery that live on in K-pop history.”
Powered by a nu-disco groove, the title track “ICONIK” delivers a bright hook and powerhouse choreography, wrapping a bold message ― “We can be iconic on our own terms, no matter what anyone says.” The studio album “NEVER SAY NEVER” arrives on streaming platforms today at 6 p.m. KST.
Photo: Baik Seung-Chul
(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Kyung-youn)