Welcoming a new generation of K-Pop, we are slowly slipping into the 5th generation idols now with many groups scheduled to debut or have already debuted; one of them already has an extensive and strong fandom despite not debuting just yet.

ZEROBASEONE (제로베이스원), also known simply as ZB1, is a 9-member project group formed by MNET‘s survival show BOYS PLANET, the male version of GIRLS PLANET 999, that formed the girl group, Kep1er. After finishing BOYS PLANET, the group's first-ever public appearance was at KCON Japan, and professional media reported that they were absolutely baffled by ZB1's popularity, where fans filled the Gimpo Airport to send off the group to their first overseas schedule despite them not debuting yet.

Planning to debut in July 2023, the group managed by WAKEONE Entertainment consists of Kim Ji Woong, Zhang Hao, Sung Han Bin, Seok Matthew, Kim Tae Rae, Ricky, Kim Gyu Vin, Park Gun Wook, and Han Yu Jin. 

Before the group debuts, let's check out some quick facts about this new 5th gen group. 

Fandom name: ZE_ROSE 

Sung Hanbin

With the success we're already seeing with the group pre-debut, we already know they're only going to keep growing bigger, and for that to happen, we need a very dependable leader; one they already have. 

Sung Hanbin, the all-rounder, who maintained his first-place ranking from the start of BOYS PLANET up until episode 11, is also the group's leader. Hanbin is close to fellow trainee, and ZB1 member, Matthew even prior to BOYS PLANET. He was also a backup dancer for Wanna One’s Boomerang performance at SBS Gayo Daejeon 2018 and BTS Dionysus performance at MMA 2019.

Hanbin, who has been a Waacking dancer since middle school and won many competitions, surprised many as he battled dance master Lip J on the first episode of BOYS PLANET. 

Kim Jiwoong

Jiwoong is the oldest in the group. Before BOYS PLANET, he was a former member of the boy group INX and is known for acting. He made his acting debut in 2021 in the drama 'The Sweet Blood,' and played in several others; 'Don't Lie Rahee' (2022), 'Kissable Lips' (2022), and 'Roommates of Poongduck 304' (2022). He also made a quick cameo on the popular JTBC drama 'The Good Bad Mother,' (2023). 

Despite his cold look, people around him say that he's very soft and actually has lots of aegyo. His favorite song is the 'Pororo' theme song. It can't get any cuter than that. 

Zhang Hao

If you're a Zhang Hao stan, you'd need to be rich because his photocards go on sale for a crazy price, and again... they haven't even debuted yet. This talented all-rounder was the center for the G-Group during BOYS PLANET, alongside Hanbin, who was the center for the K-Group. Zhang Hao then became ZB1's final center as he ranked first in the final episode. With that, he became the first foreign center for an MNET survival show. 

Similar to Hanbin, who taught dance, Zhang Hao has a teacher's license and said that if he didn't debut as an idol, he would teach violin or music. 

Seok Matthew

Even if you don't watch BOYS PLANET, you must have heard the famous catchphrase, "I want you, I love you, Seok Mattchu~" He's the cutie behind it! This talented vocalist doesn't only have the voice of an angel, but the media also kept calling him "Smiling Angel" and 'Baby Sunshine" for his insanely sweet smile. 

Being from Canada and wanting to look ‘tough,’ he nicknamed himself the “Canada Oppa.” 

Kim Taerae has a unique vocal tone that makes him one of the best vocalists out there. He is a well-rounded vocalist who can carry any given genre, but the one line that has fans crazy to this very day is his "Hot Summer" performance. Someone even made a one-hour loop of it...

That line of his was hotter than summer, wasn't it? 

Fans often tease Kim Taerae for his penchant for wearing bright-colored outfits. However, he has clarified that he does own 'normal' clothing, but prefers primary color outfits when heading to training sessions. According to him, these outfits are more comfortable. Regardless of his fashion choices, it's undeniable that Kim Taerae looks great in whatever he wears.

Ricky

Ricky might have introduced himself as, 'young and rich, tall, and handsome,' but he forgot to add the word 'perfect' into that intro. His insanely attractive visuals had those who don't even watch BOYS PLANET talking about him. Similar to Jiwoong, despite his intimidating looks and refusal to do any aegyo, Ricky is actually the sweetest and cares for the people around him a lot. 

Funny enough, despite him being known for his visuals, he revealed that he actually doesn't do his hair in the morning and had staff jokingly ask him where is the 'handsome' in 'young and rich, tall, and handsome.' 

Kim Gyuvin

Gyuvin has the best reactions throughout BOYS PLANET, he constantly becomes a meme, and it's the funniest thing ever. After performing his initial performance of NCT 127's 'Kick It,' during the star-level test on BOYS PLANET, he requested to also perform The Boyz's 'Reveal' before the judges evaluated him, which earned him all-stars. 

He also has read up on the guide to being an idol and will do fan service no matter what. During the final episode of BOYS PLANET, where he was still sobbing after his name was called out as the member of ZB1, and also when the group was mobbed at the airport on their way to KCON JAPAN, both times, despite the circumstances, he didn't forget to pose, smile, and look good for the camera. This cutie patootie also loves snacks. During the show, it was revealed that he packed an entire suitcase full of snacks. Snacks over clothes? We see where his priorities lie, and it's the cutest!

Park Gunwook

With his dance talents, Gunwook had fans enthralled by him since the first episode of BOYS PLANET. He is acknowledged for being good at controlling his body and showing the power in his dance very well. Despite his big and tall figure, he is still able to pull off any dancing style with ease, and it just shows how great he is at dancing. He can also match any concept given to him and always makes the song he performs his. Undoubtedly, he will likely go down as one of the best dancers for 5th gen idols. 

This lovable all-rounder is also very sociable, warm, and friendly, making it easy for everyone to befriend him. 

Han Yujin

Han Yujin, born in 2007, is the maknae of the group. Despite being the youngest, he was named as the 5th gen boy to look out for, for his outstanding performances and growth throughout BOYS PLANET. 

During the last episode of BOYS PLANET, he was announced last, but he has the entire Jamsil Stadium cheering his name. Fans who attended the show said that the chants were louder than any other member, and it felt like you were at his solo concert. He truly has fans wrapped up around his finger, which is totally warranted by how talented he is, despite his young age.