ZEROBASEONE Targets Japan with Iconic New EP 'ICONIK'

ZEROBASEONE, known for their hiatus in domestic activities, is setting their sights on Japan with their iconic charm.

The group, consisting of members Sung Hanbin, Kim Jiwoong, Zhang Hao, Seok Matthew, Kim Taerae, Ricky, Kim Gyuvin, Park Gunwook, and Han Yujin, announced they are in discussions to extend their contract. Today, on the 24th, they released their Japanese special EP 'ICONIK' and its title track 'ICONIK (Japanese ver.)' on various music platforms.

'ICONIK (Japanese ver.)' is a song that represents ZEROBASEONE's journey as artists. It carries a powerful message that 'regardless of others' evaluations, we can become iconic on our own,' reflecting the nine members' bold aspirations to shine even brighter. The track embodies their confidence, not just as icons of the 5th generation, but as a brand that stands iconic on its own.

The special performance music video released alongside the track showcases ZEROBASEONE's intense and powerful choreography in various spaces within a building. The use of the building's structural dynamics adds excitement and enhances the performance's immersion.

The album includes three tracks sung in Japanese: the title track 'ICONIK,' 'SLAM DUNK,' and the title track 'BLUE' from their previous mini 5th album 'BLUE PARADISE.'

ZEROBASEONE has been making a significant impact in Japan, and their comeback is drawing considerable attention. Their first Japanese single 'Yurayura -Unmei no Hana-' achieved 'half-million seller' status within a week of its release, setting a record for the highest debut album sales by a foreign artist at the time.

Their first EP 'PREZENT,' released in January, topped both the Oricon Weekly Album Ranking and the Weekly Combined Album Ranking. It also ranked 4th in Billboard Japan's 2025 first-half 'Top Album Sales,' leading to a phenomenon-level popularity in Japan. Amidst enthusiastic fan reactions, ZEROBASEONE was named 'Best New Artist' in the Asia category at the 39th Japan Gold Disc Awards.

Their domestic full-length album 'NEVER SAY NEVER' also made waves, ranking 2nd in both the Oricon Weekly Album Ranking and the Weekly Combined Album Ranking even before its physical release in Japan, showcasing their global top-tier popularity. Expectations are high for the success of their Japanese special EP 'ICONIK.'

The physical album of ZEROBASEONE's Japanese special EP 'ICONIK' will be released at midnight on the 29th, following the pre-release of the title track 'ICONIK (Japanese ver.)' and the special performance music video at midnight today, the 24th.

Lee Sojung, TenAsia Reporter forusojung@tenasia.co.kr