"ZEROBASEONE Solidifies Its Status as the Most Beloved 5th-Generation Group" — Interview with a Leading Italian Media Outlet


ZEROBASEONE (Sung Hanbin, Kim Jiwoong, Zhang Hao, Seok Matthew, Kim Taerae, Ricky, Kim Gyuvin, Park Gunwook, and Han Yujin), who recently announced their comeback in February, continues to capture global attention.


The group recently sat down for an interview with Italy’s prominent magazine PANORAMA, a publication known for its extensive coverage of Hallyu (the Korean Wave). This highlights ZEROBASEONE's immense popularity. 


PANORAMA described the group as follows: "Born from Boys Planet, ZEROBASEONE has established itself as the most beloved 5th-generation K-pop group. Their versatile charm, exceptional vocals, and dazzling performances have captured the hearts of millions of fans worldwide." The magazine also emphasized the group’s ability to break their own records with each comeback, solidifying their place as an elite presence in the global music scene.


In the interview, the members reflected on their "most memorable moment of 2024." They unanimously pointed to their first overseas tour. "The moment when the LED screen opened on the first day of our world tour, revealing a sea of cheering light sticks, is unforgettable," they shared. "The energy we received from ZEROSE (our fandom) during the tour has been a tremendous source of strength for us. This memory will keep motivating us in our future activities."


ZEROBASEONE, formed through global fan voting on Boys Planet, enjoys significant popularity not only in Europe but also in the United States. Their fame was further cemented when their video was displayed on the giant screens of New York’s Times Square during the iconic New Year’s Eve Ball Drop event on December 30–31, which attracts over 1 million attendees annually.


When asked about their upcoming album and what fans can expect, the group replied, "We are working hard to show an even more surprising side of ZEROBASEONE while staying true to our image. This album will be filled with the essence of our youth, and we hope fans will look forward to it."


The group has achieved remarkable results in the U.S., the world’s largest music market. Their third mini-album, You had me at HELLO, ranked high on Billboard's Best K-Pop Albums of 2024, while the title track of their fourth mini-album, CINEMA PARADISE, titled "GOOD SO BAD," was included in GRAMMY.com’s 10 Best K-Pop Songs of 2024. ZEROBASEONE also performed on the Global Spin Live stage at the GRAMMY Museum in July 2024, further solidifying their global reputation.


Meanwhile, ahead of their Japanese debut EP PREZENT, ZEROBASEONE will pre-release the track "Doctor! Doctor!" from their fifth mini-album on January 20 in Korea. The group is expected to captivate their global ZEROSE fandom once again with the deepened charm of their "dynamic freshness."


Written by Mun Wan Sik
Translated by Lee So Yun