ZEROBASEONE Lights Up ‘M Countdown’ with ‘ICONIK’ Comeback
They came, they danced, they conquered. ZEROBASEONE delivered back-to-back jaw-dropping performances on the August 4 broadcast of Mnet’s ‘M Countdown’, solidifying once again why they’re one of the most dominant rookies in K-pop history. The rookie boy group made their much-anticipated comeback with their first full-length album ‘NEVER SAY NEVER’, performing both their title track ‘ICONIK’ and B-side ‘Lovesick Game’—a double dose of stage charisma that had fans and first-time viewers alike glued to their screens.
Genre-Hopping with ‘Lovesick Game’
The boys kicked off their comeback stage with ‘Lovesick Game,’ a future bass track laced with R&B and hip-hop elements. The song paints a bittersweet picture of a love that’s as addictive as it is painful—a losing game you still can’t stop playing. From the moment ZEROBASEONE appeared in bold all-red suits, they radiated a magnetic intensity. Their performance channeled sultry restraint through groovy chair choreography and precise gestures that made fans swoon in real time.
‘ICONIK’: One Word, One Statement
Next came the main event: ‘ICONIK.’ The title track isn’t just a song, it’s a proclamation. Through its electrifying beats and dynamic visuals, ZEROBASEONE condensed their journey as rookies turned global headliners into a single stage. Every move, every beat pulsed with confidence, reaffirming their ability to master any concept thrown their way. Call them chameleons, call them idols—just don’t call them average. They’re here to define what it means to be iconic in K-pop’s fourth generation.
Sung Hanbin’s Farewell as MC
With the energy still high, member Sung Hanbin closed the night on an emotional note. After nearly two years as the charming and reliable MC of ‘M Countdown’, Hanbin bid viewers farewell with a special solo stage. Performing singer-songwriter Lee Mujin’s ‘Youth Comic’, the moment was dripping in nostalgia—his soft vocals and heartfelt expressions reflecting both the end of an era and a warm thank you to fans.
“Being the MC of ‘M Countdown’ was the brightest chapter of my youth,” Hanbin said during his send-off. “I’ve grown so much over these two years, and I want to thank everyone who supported me. I’ll keep doing my best and show you even better sides of myself.” Cue the virtual group hug from fans worldwide.
Zero to Hero: Chart Destruction Mode
Behind performance glitz is undeniable data. ‘NEVER SAY NEVER’ sold over 1.1 million copies on its release day alone, becoming their sixth consecutive million-selling album—a record that’s straight-up unheard of for a rookie K-pop group. Internationally, the album topped iTunes charts across countries like Qatar, Russia, and the Czech Republic, not to mention ranking No.1 on Japan’s Line Music ‘Album Top 100’.
The impact didn’t stop there. The title track ‘ICONIK’ climbed to the top of iTunes charts in Bahrain, Vietnam, Chile, Indonesia, and Argentina, while the epic music video surpassed 22 million views within just three days of its release. If that’s not icon behavior, what is?
The World Is Their Stage
ZEROBASEONE isn’t just making music—they’re shaping a global narrative starring themselves. With each comeback, their storytelling deepens, their artistry sharpens, and their brand of stardom becomes more defined. Whether it’s via choreography, cinematography, or raw stage presence, every move screams “top tier.”
And this is only the beginning. The group is currently scheduled to continue their promotional run across various music shows, giving fans even more opportunities to witness ‘ICONIK’ live and loud. Consider this your official heads-up: ZB1 season is in full effect.
- Members: Sung Hanbin, Kim Jiwoong, Zhang Hao, Seok Matthew, Kim Taerae, Ricky, Kim Gyuvin, Park Gunwook, Han Yujin
- Debut: July 2023
- Latest Album: NEVER SAY NEVER (August 2024)
- Title Track: ICONIK
FAQs
Who is ZEROBASEONE?
ZEROBASEONE, often shortened as ZB1, is a nine-member K-pop boy group formed through the Korean survival show ‘Boys Planet’ in 2023. With massive fan support even before debut, they quickly became global rookie sensations.
Why did Sung Hanbin leave as MC?
After serving as the host of ‘M Countdown’ since September 2023, Sung Hanbin stepped down to focus on group activities and personal growth. His final appearance included a heartfelt performance to mark the moment.
Where can I watch the ‘ICONIK’ performance?
ZEROBASEONE’s comeback stages, including ‘ICONIK’ and ‘Lovesick Game’, are available on Mnet K-Pop’s official YouTube channel and other Korean music broadcast platforms.
