Plus Magazine

Ahead of the release of their mini 3rd album  [You had me at HELLO], the nine boys are back with their single 'SWEAT,' charming like cool soda. Wait, did you know that if you piece together all the covers released so far, the title of this album is completed like a puzzle? Looking back on the year that ZEROBASEONE has worked tirelessly to create this sentence, we can't think of a more precious gift. M Countdown Magazine caught up with the boys as they continue to grow from strength to strength.
 

Hello, ZEROBASEONE! After wrapping up ‘YURA YURA’ 🌸 activities in Japan, you’re back in Korea after 5 months. How are you feeling?

We’re really excited! We’re also working hard on preparing our mini 3rd album based on the love we’ve received from our fans, so stay tuned.

You’ve visited not only Japan, but also Thailand, Taiwan… and recently Belgium. 🛫 I’m sure you’ve had some interesting stories along the way. Do you happen to have any memorable places or memories?

I remember creating a wonderful stage with Sohee from RIIZE and actor Park Bogum in Belgium.

How did you prepare for this album and how did you spend your break with the members?

There was no rest! We worked hard on image training to showcase various concepts.

ZEROBASEONE has finally turned one year old! 🎉 In a special video recently uploaded, you gathered on the lawn to reminisce about the days of ＜BOYS PLANET＞ and wrote letters filled with reflections. Looking back on the past year and now, how do you think you’ve grown?

It seems like we’ve grown a little in every aspect. Especially, it feels like we’ve all found our own  go-to facial expressions and natural gestures.

Among the activities in Japan, the flawless performance of ‘In Bloom’ on the Youtube channel ‘THE FIRST TAKE’ got much attention. There were many comments praising the members’ excellent Japanese pronunciation, do you have any secrets to it?

We listened to it a lot and simulated many Japanese conversations with other members. Most importantly, consistent effort is crucial.

Many K-pop fans including ZEROSE are looking forward to your upcoming mini album, [You had me at HELLO]. To help ease the wait, you’ve released the pre-release single ‘SWEAT’. Could you give us a little insight into what the song is about? 🎵

Just like the lyrics, ‘Even when the sun sets forever I'll dance with you,’ it’s a house genre song with both bright freshness and hot vibes.

I think 'SWEAT' showcases the essence of 'ZEROBASEONE' refreshment with its fast-paced development and bubbly synths. For me, the first thing that came to mind was the image of splashing around on the beach. How about the other members? What was the first thing that came to mind when you heard the song?

Hmm… soap bubbles popping, and people relaxing on the beach under parasols?

And of course, ZEROBASEONE is not complete without the challenges. Could you please explain the key choreography for the challenge?

It involves making a trumpet motion with both hands open, followed by two waving motions. If you're interested in learning more, be sure to check out our video!

The retro-inspired trailer film was quite impressive. 🎥 The direction, with the film camera rolling and reminiscing about past memories, was memorable. Could you give us a brief hint about the upcoming mini 3rd album?

We’ll show you more than we tell you! You can expect a different ZEROBASEONE from what you’ve seen before.

The idea of connecting album covers to form a single sentence has received a lot of positive feedback for its freshness. So, here's a mission! Explain the appeal of ZEROBASEONE in a single sentence by connecting words together, like the title ‘you had me at hello.’ 🤗

‘A strong relationship with the members that will last a lifetime.’ It means to maintain a lifelong close relationship with the members that will last for a long time!

It feels like just yesterday that Sung Hanbin started as an M COUNTDOWN MC, but it’s already been seven months! Do you have any memorable or favorite moments of M COUNTDOWN? 🎤

When we made our comeback with our mini 2nd album [Melting Point], members gave me strength, and I remember the day we went on stage in our MC costumes for the live broadcast. Also, on my first day as MC, Gyubin came to M COUNTDOWN to cheer me on even though he didn't have a schedule, and I was so grateful.

Furthermore, since Myung Jaehyun of BOYNEXTDOOR and Sohee of RIIZE joined, you have been showing chemistry for over 100 days. What kind of synergy do you have when you three are together? ✨🐶🦆🐱

It might feel like you’re watching mischievous schoolboys. Many seem to enjoy the smooth flow even though it’s carried out in a light-hearted manner.

What do you hope to accomplish with this ‘SWEAT’ and [You had me at HELLO] activity?

We hope that our sincere desire to always be happy from the moment we became one can be truly felt in the hearts, not just superficially. Our goal is to always give our best and love to our ZEROSE!

Last but not least, please say a word to ZEROSE who are always supportive!🧡💙

We would like to thank ZEROSE around the world for their support. We have a lot more prepared for this mini 3rd album, so please stay tuned. We love you!