ZEROBASEONE Drops First Full Album ‘NEVER SAY NEVER’
K-pop rookie kings ZEROBASEONE are back—and they’ve just turned their coming-of-age moment into a blockbuster.
On July 1 at 6 p.m. KST, ZEROBASEONE (ZB1) released their highly anticipated first full-length album titled NEVER SAY NEVER. This marks a massive milestone for the group, as it distills their two-year journey from survival show rookies to one of the most promising 5th-gen acts into one 10-song project. And yes, ZB1 Nation, it’s every bit as ‘iconik’ as it sounds.
A Glowing Milestone in Their Rise
NEVER SAY NEVER isn’t just another comeback. It’s ZB1’s era-defining pivot point. The album serves as a musical time capsule of their story so far—from the dreamy tones of their ‘Youth Trilogy’ to the euphoric aura of ‘Paradise Duology’. It captures the full spectrum of their journey—and packages it with the synergy only ‘TEAM ZB1’ can bring.
It also hits different emotionally. The group channels the vulnerability and drive of a generation fighting to be seen, offering a bold message: “There’s no such thing as impossible if you keep going.” A powerful nod to their restless artistry—and to the fans who’ve lifted them here.
10 Tracks, Infinite Growth
The album features ten tracks spanning pop, R&B, and dance, showcasing ZEROBASEONE’s evolving sound and confidence. Leading the charge is the addictive title track ‘ICONIK’, backed by A-list K-pop producer KENZIE and a global team of hitmakers.
Each track reflects a different facet of ZB1’s musical DNA:
- ‘SLAM DUNK’: A high-energy anthem as dynamic as a live sports finale.
- ‘Lovesick Game’: Love as a chaotic, no-rules match you can’t stop playing.
- ‘Goosebumps’: Dripping in intoxicated emotion.
- ‘Dumb’: Let-your-hair-down kind of pop with a feel-good message to ditch worries and dance.
- ‘NOW OR NEVER (Korean Ver.)’: A localized remake of their first Japanese EP’s title track.
- ‘EXTRA’: Unit song (Sung Hanbin, Seok Matthew, Kim Gyuvin, Park Gunwook, Han Yujin) with spicy, addictive flavor and attitude to spare.
- ‘Long Way Back’: A smooth, sentimental track from Jiwoong, Hao, Taerae, and Ricky, balancing ZB1’s tender side.
- ‘Star Eyes’: A shining tribute to their journey as “sparkling boys” destined for the spotlight.
- ‘I Know U Know’: The ultimate fan song, woven with sincerity for their fandom, ZEROSE.
From unit splits to sonic risks, the album is proof that ZB1 is not just growing—they’re maturing into one of the most versatile acts on the scene.
ICONIK: The Sound of Stardom
Title track ‘ICONIK’ is where the album comes alive, both in sound and symbolism. Anchored in sleek nu-disco rhythms, the track channels everything from Daft Punk-inspired grooves to razor-sharp modern K-pop sensibilities. Ever heard nine idols sing together and still sound tight? ZB1 makes it look dangerously easy.
Beyond just vibes, though, ‘ICONIK’ sets the tone for the group’s overall ambition. The message? You define your own greatness. Not by awards, sales, or comparisons, but by standing proud in your identity. That alone might just make ZB1 the new blueprint for 5th-gen K-pop.
From Survival Show Stars to K-pop Architects
ZEROBASEONE’s story began when they were handpicked by millions through Boys Planet, but they’ve since become creative architects of their own brand. With NEVER SAY NEVER, they’re not chasing trends—they’re building a legacy.
The album’s tight tracklist and confident themes make one thing clear: ZB1 doesn’t want to be defined by fleeting highs of virality. They want to craft something lasting. Something iconik.
Fan-Powered, Future-Focused
This isn’t just ZB1’s album—it belongs to ZEROSE too. That connection is stamped into cuts like ‘I Know U Know,’ a heartfelt thank-you note in musical form. And it’s loud across social as fans flood X (formerly Twitter) and TikTok with edits, dance covers, and theories about the album’s concept arc.
One fan posted, “This isn’t just an album, it’s a graduation ceremony. We saw them go from trainees to icons, and this is their cap and gown moment.” We couldn’t agree more.
FAQs
What is ZEROBASEONE’s new album ‘NEVER SAY NEVER’ about?
‘NEVER SAY NEVER’ is ZEROBASEONE’s debut full-length album that reflects their growth over the past two years. It includes 10 tracks across different genres, all carrying a message of determination, identity, and musical maturity.
Who produced ZEROBASEONE’s album?
The album is led by renowned K-pop producer KENZIE, along with a roster of top-tier domestic and global producers who contributed to its polished sound.
What is the meaning of ZEROBASEONE’s title track ‘ICONIK’?
‘ICONIK’ is a nu-disco influenced pop song that highlights ZB1’s bold identity. The message is about self-worth and embracing one’s uniqueness, regardless of others’ opinions. It’s a statement that ZB1 aims to become an iconic brand in K-pop history.