New K-pop boy group ZB1 smash record for debut album pre-orders, want to ‘continue our record-breaking journey’

By Dong Sun-hwa

ZeroBaseOne (ZB1), a project boy group made up of the top nine contestants from the 2023 South Korean audition programme Boys Planet, are one of this year’s most anticipated K-pop acts.

They gained 1 million followers on Instagram in the first six days of their official account being up, and have racked up more than 1 million pre-orders for their debut album, Youth in the Shade, in just 13 days.

This is the highest-ever number of pre-orders for any K-pop debut album.

ZB1’s members – Kim Ji-woong, Zhang Hao, Sung Han-bin, Seok Matthew, Kim Tae-rae, Ricky, Kim Gyu-vin, Park Gun-wook and Han Yu-jin – are well aware that these achievements would have been impossible without their fans, who have been supporting them since the launch of Boys Planet.

This week, the group promised they would repay the love they have received.

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“We have been setting records thanks to our fans,” said Chinese group member Zhang, who ranked first on Boys Planet, in Korean. “We want to continue our record-breaking journey and make history in the K-pop world.

“We will showcase the things that only ZB1 [have] and work hard to become a new brand or a genre.”

Sung, ZB1’s frontman, who came second on Boys Planet, said: “It feels surreal to hear the news about our records. We are so thrilled and thankful. We will not only try to learn from other senior K-pop groups, but also strive to develop something of our own.”

Canada-born member Seok Matthew said: “I hope we can always show our musical growth and become a team that exceeds people’s expectations.”

Youth in the Shade explores the bright and dark sides of youth.

“I think our youth shines brighter if it has a shadow behind it,” Sung said. “Our mini-album features these sincere stories that only ZB1 can unfold.”

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Kim Ji-woong, the oldest in the group, said the EP’s lead single “In Bloom” is a breezy drum and bass song that captures the musical identity of ZB1.

“Flowers do not bloom without obstacles and that’s the same for us,” he explained. “‘In Bloom’ portrays how ZB1 members, who feel insecure about ourselves, still get on with things.”

Park added: “It also samples the main riff of [1985 hit] ‘Take On Me’ by [Norwegian] band A-ha.”

ZB1’s members also talked about their goals and ambitions.

“I hope we can clinch the rookie of the year award – the prize that we can only win once in our life,” Chinese member Ricky said.

Kim Gyu-vin added: “It will be so rewarding if our songs grab the top spots on music charts.”

Sung said: “I also hope we can bring positive energy and happiness to people with our music.”