KCON LA 2025 Ends with a Bang—Starring ZEROBASEONE
South Korean boy group ZEROBASEONE (ZB1) created a storm at KCON LA 2025, lighting up the Crypto.com Arena and LA Convention Center over three exhilarating days. This was their first U.S. appearance since entering the Billboard 200 at No. 28 with their 5th mini-album ‘BLUE PARADISE’—and the crowd showed up accordingly.
Three Days, Nine Stars, Endless Fan Moments
Throughout the festival, ZEROBASEONE delivered a whirlwind of special stages—solo, unit, and full-group—that had global fans screaming for more. Group leader Kim Seonghanbin, a familiar face as Mnet’s ‘M Countdown’ MC, took the main hosting reins at KCON. Fellow members Matthew, Ricky, and Zhang Hao co-hosted across the three days, keeping the energy alive and the transitions smooth.
Day 1: Blue Paradise Goes Live
The group kicked things off with a medley of hits like “BLUE,” “Feel the POP,” and crowd-favorite “Doctor! Doctor!”—blending shimmering visuals with synchronized choreography. A standout moment? Seonghanbin and rapper Lee Youngji teamed up for a gritty duet to Billie Eilish’s “you should see me in a crown,” fusing tutting dance with fierce vocals.
Day 2: Unexpected Collabs, Maximum Impact
Fans were treated to unpredictable collaborations. Zhang Hao turned up the heat performing Trouble Maker’s iconic “Now” with (G)I-DLE’s Yuqi. Then Kim Taerae tugged heartstrings with a soulful English cover of Coldplay’s “Everglow” alongside Roy Kim. Even more electric—Matthew and Park Gunwook dropped an English version of “Backpacker” from TVING’s ‘Study Group’ drama OST.
Day 3: Spoiler Alert—They’re Just Getting Started
The final day saw a reveal that sent fandoms buzzing: a spoiler film for their upcoming full-length album ‘NEVER SAY NEVER’, set to drop September 1. The video, styled like a surreal photo shoot, featured members teasing the impossible. “I swear I saw a dog driving,” joked one. “Some things just can’t be done,” mused another. Talk about cryptic promotion!
Performance-wise, ZB1 shut it down with unreleased tracks like “SLAM DUNK,” “Devil Game,” and “KILL THE ROMEO”—each showcasing fiercer choreography and bigger sound. This wasn’t just a concert; it was a next-level mission statement.
‘NEVER SAY NEVER’—A Comeback That Dares to Dream
This upcoming release marks ZEROBASEONE’s first full album, and expectations are sky-high. Touted by fans (aka ZEROSE) as a potential industry-shaker, the album builds on their streak of five consecutive million-seller releases. The message? As the title says, “Never say never.”
It’s clear ZB1 isn’t just riding the Hallyu wave—they’re surfing it with style, ambition, and a whole lot of charisma.
Image credit: KCON LA 2025 broadcast screengrab
