[Dispatch=Lee Ajin Reporter] "I wanted to turn crisis into opportunity." (Park Gunwook) ZEROBASEONE underwent reorganization into a five-member group in February. Seong Han-bin, Kim Jiung, Seok Matthew, Kim Tae-rae, and Park Gunwook continue the team. Zhang hao, Kim Gyubin, Han Yujin, and Ricky's activity period ended and they returned to their previous agency. In fact, their departure was predetermined. As a survival debut group, their activity period was set at 2 years and 8 months. Even through the finale concert, the weight of parting didn't feel that heavy. But when the empty spaces actually arrived, they were bigger than expected. Worries about whether they could manage day by day swept over them. Still, they couldn't give up the name 'ZEROBASEONE'. They wanted to preserve the trajectory of the dream they had built together and 'ZEROZS' (fandom name). So they decided to go back to the beginning. They etched the mindset from their trainee days. They immersed themselves in practice with the thought that they would receive strict public evaluation once again. Now, they have finished preparing for a new leap. "The team was divided, but each of us is walking our own path and supporting each other. I think this too is a beautiful narrative that only we have. Even now, we're exchanging support with the existing members without reservation. Receiving that strength, we'll work hard on our five-member activities too!" (Seok Matthew) Dispatch met ZEROBASEONE at a café in Gangnam-gu, Seoul on the 15th. ◆ Again, ZEROBASEONE The five members maintained the name ZEROBASEONE because of the fans and fellow members. Seong Han-bin revealed, "Most of all, we all had the desire to show ZEROZS more of the ZEROBASEONE team." Initially, fear of the empty spaces was significant. There were more parts to fill, and individual capabilities became more important. Members immersed themselves in practice with as much passion as during their trainee days to overcome this. "During trainee days, I took a provincial bus from Gyeonggi for about an hour and a half commute every day. I spent that entire bus ride monitoring monthly evaluation videos. This time, without realizing it, I returned to those days. Throughout schedules, I monitored choreography videos." (Park Gunwook) Seok Matthew said, "I felt like everyone's eyes would be evaluating us," and emphasized, "We made a resolve to show ourselves properly. For all aspects of album work—song, concept, choreography—I actively voiced opinions together with members." During that time, their bond deepened. Kim Tae-rae looked back, "Going through two world tours before this, both the members and I grew a lot. That was so fulfilling." He continued, "After going through something as big as team reorganization, my feelings toward the members became even more tender," and added, "I'm confident that the five of us can unite in purpose and pursue activities enjoyably." ◆ ASCEND- ZEROBASEONE writes a new narrative. The hyphen after the new album 'Ascend' signifies continuity. Park Gunwook explained, "If before we showed the process of going from 0 to 1, from now on we'll unfold the story after arriving at 1." This is a narrative already built since the finale concert. At that time, the concert ended with a screen showing numbers changing from 0 to 1. It announced that the meaning of the team name—'beginning from 0 and being born as 1'—had finally been completed. Simultaneously, it was also a preview of a new beginning. Changes were made to visuals and concept overall. 'Minimalism' was put forward as the keyword. If previous activities showcased the refreshing energy of youth, now they plan to depict a more mature image of youth. "We didn't want to lose our identity of 'youth.' So we naturally kept the existing freshness in the B-side tracks. On the other hand, in the title track, we emphasized a clean and refined image that best suits the current members." (Seong Han-bin) Members infused sincere emotions into the songs. While building their own narrative, they sought to convey sincere hearts to fans. They heightened authenticity by directly participating in all aspects of album work. Kim Jiung added, "We wanted to capture the matured appearance from experiencing all emotions from happiness to sadness," and explained, "Rather than exaggerated and contrived images, we wanted to show ourselves as we are now and get closer to fans." ◆ "Music Paradise" The title track is 'Top Five'. 2000s dance pop and contemporary R&B genres blend together. The members' deeper vocals and groove captivate the ear. Park Gunwook said, "We prepared for diverse interpretations," and pointed out, "The title 'Top Five' carries a double meaning—the five members' new beginning and being captivated by five charms. Visually, we tried to express the five senses." Members particularly showed confidence in their performance. Seong Han-bin hinted, "Before, we showed many powerful, energetic choreography. This time, we restrained the energy and brought out a sensual feel." Seok Matthew also said, "There are so many point choreography moves," and emphasized, "It was even difficult choosing which sections for challenges. Since there are many memorable parts when seeing the stage, there will be plenty to enjoy." B-side track quality was also praised. Tracks include 'Intro', 'V for Vision', 'Customize', 'Exotic', 'Changes', 'Zero to Hundred' and others. Seok Matthew gave a thumbs up, saying, "This album is a music paradise." Among them, the song members most recommended was 'Customize'. Park Gunwook participated in lyric writing and composition. He smiled with satisfaction, saying, "I wrote the song with the passion to dress members in perfectly fitting formal wear. I did recording directing myself, and members digested it very well." "I want to recommend 'Changes'. It's a tingling love song with jazz sound. When I first heard it, I was so moved I got goosebumps. The lyrics contain unchanged hearts toward ZEROZS—please focus on the lyrics!" (Kim Tae-rae) ◆ "May Our Sincerity Reach ZEROZS" As a new leap, members had diverse goals they wanted to achieve through this activity. Seok Matthew wished, "I want to show each member's charm more distinctly," and added, "So we prepared more content. Personally, I want to appear on entertainment shows too." Park Gunwook hoped for a challenge with senior artist V. "Since the title track reinterprets 2000s dance pop, we wanted to implement the senior's style," he conveyed. "It would be such an honor if we could perform not only 'Top Five' but also the senior's signature songs like 'Rainy' and 'Hip Song'." Seong Han-bin's goal was somewhat modest. "When walking around, I hope our songs play everywhere," and looked at his members, adding, "Another wish—I hope the members stay healthy and don't get hurt during activities." Their answers naturally turned toward gratitude for fans. Members said in unison, "Most of all, we hope our sincerity reaches ZEROZS." They laid bare their sincere hearts toward ZEROZS without reservation. Kim Tae-rae said, "We will continue to show determined appearances," and conveyed, "Going forward, we'll work hard to become artists you can be proud of." Park Gunwook said, "Just as ZEROZS first came to like us with that heart, we'll do our best so you can continue to like us. We promise to always show you only cool sides." "Our ZEROZS who became like starlight in an empty night sky. I want to convey just how much I cherish and love you." (Kim Jiung)