ZEROBASEONE Returns as Five‑Member Group With ‘Ascend’

Author David Kim

Update May 18, 2026

Date May 18, 2026

ZEROBASEONE members pose indoors in neutral-toned outfits, seated and standing against a tiled wall and wooden window, exuding calm confidence.

ZEROBASEONE begins a new chapter as a five-member group, showcasing refined charm ahead of their mini album “Ascend.” (Photo / WakeOne )

ZEROBASEONE Begins New Era as Five-Member Group With Mini Album ‘Ascend’

K-pop boy group ZEROBASEONE officially opened a new chapter on May 18 with the release of their sixth mini album Ascend.

The project marks the group’s first comeback as a five-member team following the departure of former members Zhang Hao, Ricky, Kim Gyuvin, and Han Yujin, who returned to their original agency YH Entertainment after concluding their project-group activities.

Current members Sung Hanbin, Kim Jiwoong, Seok Matthew, Kim Taerae, and Park Gunwook are now moving forward under a newly reorganized lineup, signaling a major turning point in ZEROBASEONE’s career.

Released at 6 p.m. KST across major music platforms, Ascend contains seven tracks including the title song “TOP 5,” alongside “Intro.,” “V for Vision,” “Customize,” “Exotic,” “Changes,” and “Zero to Hundred.”

The title track “TOP 5” reinterprets early-2000s dance-pop sounds through a modern lens, expressing five different charms felt toward a loved one. The upbeat energy and nostalgic production style are expected to resonate strongly with both longtime fans and casual listeners.

Among the B-sides, “Customize” has drawn particular attention as member Park Gunwook’s first self-produced track, offering a more personal glimpse into the group’s evolving musical identity.

ZEROBASEONE officially launches a new five-member era with their sixth mini album Ascend. (Photo / WakeOne)

WakeOne described the album as a project focused on “the essence of ZEROBASEONE,” adding that Ascend condenses the group’s musical journey into a single narrative while highlighting a stronger identity and their determination to continue growing without pause.

Ahead of the official comeback, ZEROBASEONE met fans during the “Mnet Plus ZEROBASEONE COMEBACK PREMIERE,” held at Korea University’s Hwajeong Gymnasium in Seoul on May 17.

Originally formed through Mnet’s survival program Boys Planet, ZEROBASEONE quickly rose to prominence with strong album sales, synchronized performances, and a rapidly growing global fandom. With Ascend, the group now enters a new era — one defined not by transition, but by reinvention.