ZEROBASEONE Makes Their Debut With YOUTH IN THE SHADE
Photo Courtesy of WAKEONE Entertainment
South Korean K-Pop boy group ZEROBASEONE (ZB1 for short) made their highly-anticipated debut on July 10, 2023, with their mini-album YOUTH IN THE SHADE. The title track "In Bloom" is a synth-infused number sampling the 80s track “Take On Me” by A-ha. Establishing themselves with a fresh, youthful sound and concept, the track conveys the group's collective desire to blossom into refined artists.
Watch the music video for “In Bloom” here:
The nine-member group was formed through Mnet's survival competition show Boys Planet, where 98 participants from across the world went head-to-head in a musical battle that spanned over two months. After weeks of eliminations, the group's final lineup was announced during the season finale on April 20.
The lineup consisted of SUNG HAN BIN, KIM JI WOONG, ZHANG HAO, SEOK MATTHEW, KIM TAE RAE, RICKY, KIM GYU VIN, PARK GUN WOOK, and HAN YU JIN. Subsequently, the group's name was revealed to be "ZEROBASEONE," which is said to portray the "splendid beginning" of the nine members journeying from zero to finally coming together as one with the help of their fans — ZEROSE.
With less than a week leading up to the album's release, the 5th generation group was already seen setting records left and right. On July 4, 2023, music distributor Genie Music announced that the group had accumulated a record-breaking 1.08 million pre-orders in just 13 days becoming the first group in K-Pop history to surpass one million pre-orders for a debut album.
The album features a total of six tracks, including the title track and five others. Starting off on a dreamy note with “Back To ZEROBASE,” the song is an uptempo invitation to what listeners can expect throughout the mini album. The third track, "New Kidz on the Block," incorporates elements of U.K. garage and house-pop, creating a vibrant and infectious track that highlights the group's youthfulness and energy. Slowing down the pace with "And I" and "Our Season," these tracks offer listeners the perfect blend of nostalgic synths and snapping beats. The album ends with member Zhang Hao’s solo alternative R&B track "Always." This is an ode to their fans for their continuous support throughout the group's journey. The music video for the title track, "In Bloom," was released on the same day and showcases visuals of the members as they sing about the love interest being the source of strength that helps them endure hardships in life.
Photo Courtesy of WAKEONE Entertainment
With their energetic performances and hopeful messages, ZEROBASEONE is bound to become a successful 5th Generation K-Pop group. Overall, the members bring forth a colorful and cohesive piece of work–the perfect soundtrack for this summer.