[Dispatch=Lee Ajin Reporter] "I will show you a new side that no one expected." (Han Bin Seong)

ZEROBASEONE's Han Bin Seong took his first step as a solo artist. While the team has depicted youth so far, this time he presents a dark and decadent concept. He made a choice that differentiates himself from group activities while maximizing his strength in performance.

Above all, he put in effort to find his own color. He came up with ideas directly and incorporated his honest inner self into the music. He studied the stages of various solo artists and deeply contemplated the direction.

He said, "The process of struggling alone was difficult, but I didn't stop," and "I prepared very ambitiously through discussions with the company in various ways," raising expectations.

Han Bin Seong held a showcase on the 12th at Layer Studio 11 in Mapo-gu, Seoul to commemorate the release of his first solo album "DEAD:ALIVE."

"DEAD:ALIVE" is an album that contains the process of self-transcendence. The keyword is "beautiful destruction." It depicts the process of not stopping even before fear, breaking limitations, and being reborn as a new self.

Han Bin Seong said, "I'm actually much more fearful than I thought," and "I have an inner side that is slightly different from the bold image I had when auditioning for competitions. I chose self-transcendence as a keyword to break through that image of mine," he explained.

He made efforts to increase the overall immersion of the album. He said, "I created several devices," and "In particular, I utilized my identity tattoos of the sun, moon, and stars in the music video and logo," he added.

The new album includes a total of 8 tracks. Including the title track "Undead," there are "Killin' Me," "Insidious," "3 A.M.," "Bloody Gravity," "Other Side," "Still the Thunder," and others.

The title track "Undead" contains a strong determination to willingly accept any pain and hardship. Intense guitar riffs and elaborate drum lines come together to deliver explosive energy.

The key choreography movement is drawing a line across the throat with the thumb. Han Bin Seong added, "I expressed the determination to move forward without stopping even in the face of death."

He also performed the title track stage that day. He unfolded his strength in performance for approximately 3 minutes without pause. He smoothly executed the sharp and angular choreography. Strong energy coupled with delicate expression stood out.

Behind the flashy performance was serious contemplation. Han Bin Seong said, "I thought about how to balance dance performance," and "Since tutting is my specialty, I also considered whether to incorporate it this time," he revealed.

He continued, "But I wanted to show a new side, so I boldly removed tutting," and "Also, with only my experience, I couldn't see a way to express such intense performance. I studied and practiced by referring to videos of senior artists like Taemin and Kai," he added.

His favorite track from the album is "Other Side." It is positioned at the point where the album's atmosphere shifts. While the earlier tracks have a dark atmosphere close to death, from this song onward it gradually becomes brighter.

Han Bin Seong said, "It's a song that depicts the courage and sense of liberation to escape all the boundaries that confined oneself and venture into an unknown world," and "The song's atmosphere also aligns with this message," he said.

The musical capacity he has built can also be glimpsed. The album track "Photon" is a song that Han Bin Seong worked on as his university graduation piece. It tells the story of moving toward an unknown world where a beloved being awaits.

He incorporated his sincerity toward fans. He said, "Since it's my first solo album, I really wanted to include a fan song containing stories I wanted to convey to fans," and "I first played it for them at my birthday party this year," he noted.

The greatest achievement in preparing this album was growth. He challenged unfamiliar genres. Through multiple rounds of recording, he expanded his own limits.

Han Bin Seong reflected, "I re-recorded the title track 4 to 5 times. I've now become able to express genres that I previously thought would be difficult to handle."

He also revealed his activity goals. He said, "My goal is to show what I can do now at the highest level of completeness," and "I want to be a role model for the members as well," he emphasized.

He also teased future activity directions. Han Bin Seong said, "I will continue to balance solo and group activities," and "I'm preparing various content to show more diverse sides," he shared.

<Photos by Lee Ho-jun Reporter>