제로베이스원 Opens a New Chapter with First Comeback as a Five-Member Group Following 9-to-5 Reorganization, with Ascend-

제로베이스원 is kicking off its first activities as a five-member group following a reorganization from nine to five. Their mini sixth album Ascend- was released simultaneously at 6:00 PM on the 18th across major music sites, featuring seven tracks in total, including the title track 'TOP 5'. After a long, hardship-filled period, the five members 성한빈, 김지웅, 석매튜, 김태래, and 박건욱 expressed their intention to focus on the essence with this album. Formed in 2023 through Mnet's 'Boys Planet', 제로베이스원 saw all five members re-sign their contracts in February this year, and on March 15 they wrapped up their nine-member activities with an encore concert before regrouping. In the meantime, several members who returned to their original agency are preparing to re-debut with AND2BLE. Thus, the five-member lineup pledged to strengthen their connection with their fanbase, Zeroes. 성한빈 said, 'The members who share the same heart met as if by fate,' outlining the aim of this reorganization. The members also agreed that, as they returned to five, they would present performances more clearly and design stages that bring out each member's individuality. 박건욱 stated, 'With five members, we focused on highlighting each member's strengths.' The title track TOP 5 reinterprets '2000s dance pop' in a modern way, a track that emphasizes 제로베이스원’s minimalist style. 석매튜 said, 'Even with five members, the stage can be delivered powerfully by choosing classic moves and restrained performances.' Another highlight of this album is the track Customize, which marks 박건욱's first writing and composition participation. 박건욱 explained, 'To bring out every member's tone and charm, I tailored the song's direction to fit the members.' The album concept emphasizes 'growth faithful to the essence'. The hyphen in Ascend- represents an ongoing ascent, showing that the five members' colors have become more distinct. This direction was also evident on the KCON Japan stage and in encounters with Japanese fans. Unlike in the nine-member era, audiences welcomed the five-member performance with a sense of space that the lineup creates. The group also described competition with AND2BLE not as an intentional clash but as a friendly rivalry in which they encourage each other's growth. According to the schedule, Ascend- is released on the 18th, with seven tracks starting with the title track and including Intro., V for Vision, Customize, Exotic, Changes, and Zero to Hundred. They also sent a message to their fanbase, Zeroes. The five-member new start was another promise to the fans. The members said conversations in their group chat are still active, and they reiterated their support for each other's growth. While cherishing memories of the nine-member era, their vow to move forward together in the present and future of the five members became even clearer through Ascend-. Ascend- marks another milestone for 제로베이스원 and raises expectations for how the group's story, now at '1', will unfold in the future.