ZB1 Goes Full-Force with ‘ICONIK’ Comeback
The K-pop super-rookies of 2023, ZEROBASEONE (ZB1), aren’t wasting time. On July 1, they lit up the stage at the Blue Square SOL Travel Hall in Hannam-dong, Seoul, with a media showcase celebrating their highly anticipated studio album, NEVER SAY NEVER. And yes—things got ‘ICONIK’ real fast.
The Album That Shouts ‘NEVER SAY NEVER’
The new album is no ordinary comeback. ‘NEVER SAY NEVER’ marks ZB1’s official studio debut—a major milestone for a group that exploded onto the scene via the survival show BOYS PLANET. Over the past two years since their debut, they’ve built a devoted fanbase (shoutout to ZEROSE!) and now, they’re packaging all that energy, growth, and ambition into 10 tracks.
The album’s title is a declaration: If you refuse to give up, nothing is impossible. It’s a high-voltage message from the nine-member group, whose journey has been anything but predictable.
All Eyes on ‘ICONIK’: Why It Slaps
Let’s talk about ‘ICONIK,’ the title track—because it’s doing the absolute most (in the best way). Think Nu-disco meets punchy pop with addictive rhythms that practically demand a dance floor. The song was crafted to spotlight ZB1’s striking aura, and they delivered—shockwaves and all.
With slick choreography and glittering visuals at the showcase, the members transformed the stage into their empire. “We wanted ‘ICONIK’ to present who we are in the boldest way possible,” said a member during the showcase Q&A. Mission accomplished.
Tracklist Tease: 10 Songs, 10 Statements
In addition to the lead single, the album packs nine more tracks that explore vulnerability, self-growth, and infectious K-pop joy. While the full tracklist is still under wraps for some fans, teasers hint at genre-hopping experimentation—from synth-pop to emotional ballads.
- ‘ICONIK’: The powerhouse opener. If you liked SHINee’s disco era, you’ll love this.
- B-sides: Several members reportedly contributed lyrics, adding personal touches to the storytelling.
- Unity Themes: A notable number of tracks center around teamwork, resilience, and chosen family vibes.
This isn’t just an album—it’s ZB1’s thesis statement.
The Showcase Scene: Glitter, Cameras, and Fan Theories
At the media showcase, the boys pulled out all the stops: synchronized dance breaks, runway-ready outfits, and cameras flashing like it was the Met Gala. Lucky press attendees got a first glimpse of the full performance of ‘ICONIK’, and spoiler alert—it’s a visual feast.
Fans quickly took to Twitter and Instagram with hot takes and early theories. One trend? The outfits, which some see as a callback to their survival show roots—a subtle nod to how far they’ve come.
What This Means for ZB1 (And K-pop Rookie Game)
Debuting a full-length album this early in a group’s career is rare—especially one with this much polish. For ZB1, it signals that they’re here for icon status, not just rookie hype. With international fans already streaming the title track on repeat and hashtags trending globally, ZB1 may be redefining how fast a K-pop group can level up.
Whether you’re a seasoned fan or K-pop curious, ‘NEVER SAY NEVER’ is a must-listen. It’s aspirational, danceable, and utterly ZB1.
FAQs
What is ZB1’s new song ‘ICONIK’ about?
‘ICONIK’ is a bold, nu-disco inspired track that celebrates ZB1’s unique presence in the K-pop scene. It’s all about self-expression, ambition, and commanding the spotlight—perfectly aligned with the message of their debut studio album.
When was ZB1’s album ‘NEVER SAY NEVER’ released?
ZB1 released their first full-length album, ‘NEVER SAY NEVER,’ on July 1, with a media showcase held in Hannam-dong, Seoul, to celebrate the launch.
How many tracks are on ZB1’s ‘NEVER SAY NEVER’ album?
The album includes 10 tracks in total, with ‘ICONIK’ serving as the title track. The B-sides span various genres and touch on themes like resilience, youth, and collective dreams.
