Originally consisting of 9 members – Kim Ji Woong, Zhang Hao, Sung Han Bin, Seok Matthew, Kim Tae Rae, Ricky, Kim Gyu Vin, Park Gun Wook and Han Yu Jin, ZEROBASEONE’s (ZB1) fate has now been repositioned into a quintet instead.
After months of pleas from the popular boy group’s fans to let the music act continue performing, the band’s agency, WAKEONE has officially announced what the future holds for its members.
Is ZEROBASEONE disbanding?
In simple words, no. However, that may not be the “good news” many fans were awaiting, as things will be significantly different moving forward.
WAKEONE issues statement on ZEROBASEONE’s future
As per the official statement released on February 12, the Korean entertainment label announced that ZEROBASEONE would continue future activities as a five-member K-pop group.
Members set to resume their official ZEROBASEONE schedules include leader Sung Han Bin, Kim Ji Woong, Seok Matthew, Kim Tae Rae and Park Gun Wook. This means that other beloved members Zhang Hao, Ricky, Kim Gyu Vin and Han Yu Jin will be parting ways with the group.
An extract from WAKEONE’s statement reads: “Based on strong trust, members SUNG HAN BIN, KIM JI WOONG, SEOK MATTHEW, KIM TAE RAE and PARK GUN WOOK have decided to embark on a new season together as ZEROBASEONE.
“This decision was reached through sincere and in-depth discussions between our artists SEOK MATTHEW, KIM TAE RAE and PARK GUN WOOK, along with SUNG HAN BIN, KIM JI WOONG, and their respective agencies, with all parties coming together in mutual understanding and agreement.”
As for the members leaving the group, it added, “With the conclusion of their project period, ZHANG HAO, RICKY, KIM GYU VIN and HAN YU JIN will be moving forward to new beginnings. Our company wishes for their bright future and kindly asks that you continue to send your constant love and encouragement to the members as they begin their new paths.”
ZEROBASEONE members’ contract details
It was previously revealed that Seok Matthew and Park Gun Wook had formally signed with WAKEONE recently, sealing their deal with the group’s continuity. Meanwhile, Kim Tae Rae was already signed under the agency.
On the other hand, Sung Han Bin and Kim Ji Woong will continue as ZEROBASEONE members despite remaining in their agencies THE L1VE and NEST Management, respectively.
On the contrary, now-ex-members Zhang Hao, Ricky, Kim Gyu Vin and Han Yu Jin are signed with YH Entertainment.
Despite the latest update on the group being reshuffled into a quintet, the 2026 ZEROBASEONE WORLD TOUR [HERE & NOW] ENCORE concert will still feature all nine members as promised.
About ZEROBASEONE
The group debuted in 2023 with 9 members, who came together as a “project” unit through Mnet’s reality competition series Boys Planet. ZB1 was unfortunately always expected to disband, owing to its identity as a “project” band.
Initially, the original nonet was only meant to stay together until January. However, the full group’s activities were extended by two months, with announcement roll-outs related to a live show planned for March.
Paving the way for its own record-breaking streaks, the group has rolled out six albums, all of which became million sellers. On top of that, the band held its proud stance in a severely competitive K-pop industry by sweeping the Rookie of the Year awards across several top domestic award ceremonies, including the MAMA Awards, Golden Disc Awards, Melon Music Awards and Seoul Music Awards.
But that’s not all, the group has even won multiple Daesangs or Grand Prizes at such South Korean shows in the recent past. Just yesterday, ZB1 scored the ‘D Awards Iconic’ Grand Prize at the 2nd edition of the ceremony. They snagged the Record of the Year trophy at last year’s inaugural D Awards event.