The Complete of an Era: ZEROBASEONE’s Farewell and the Future of Project-Based K-Pop Groups
ZEROBASEONE (ZB1), formed through the Mnet reality competition Boys Planet in 2023, recently concluded their activities with a series of emotional encore shows in Seoul. The group’s limited lifespan was known from the start, but fans held onto hope for an extension, mirroring the path taken by Kep1er, who too debuted through a similar competition show, Girls Planet 999.
The Project-Based Group Model: A Growing Trend
ZB1 and Kep1er exemplify a growing trend in the K-pop industry: the project-based group. These groups are formed through reality competition shows, with a pre-determined disbandment date. This model offers several advantages for entertainment companies. It creates intense fan engagement during the competition and debut period and allows companies to test the market viability of different combinations of trainees without long-term commitment.
However, the limited activity period also presents challenges. Building a lasting fanbase and establishing a unique musical identity can be difficult when the group’s future is uncertain. The recent departure of members from both Kep1er and ZB1 highlights this issue.
Contract Renewals and the Future of Members
The possibility of contract renewals, as seen with Kep1er retaining seven members, offers a glimmer of hope for fans. However, the situation with ZB1 demonstrates that renewals are not guaranteed. Four members – Zhang Hao, Ricky, Kim Gyuvin, and Han Yujin – have returned to their original agency, YH Entertainment, whereas the remaining five will continue as ZEROBASEONE. This split outcome is becoming increasingly common.
This raises questions about the long-term career paths of these trainees. While some may locate success as soloists or in fresh groups, others may struggle to maintain their visibility after the project concludes. The industry is watching closely to see how these members navigate their post-group careers.
The Rise of “Boys II Planet” and Beyond
Mnet, the creator of Boys Planet and Girls Planet 999, is continuing the project-based group format with Boys II Planet, aiming to debut a new group, ALPHA DRIVE ONE (ALD1). This suggests that the model remains profitable and popular with audiences. The success of Kep1er and ZB1 has paved the way for future iterations, and the industry will be closely watching ALD1’s debut and trajectory.
Gunwook’s final ment….🥺 (rough translation, might contain some inaccuracies)
🧸: The first day of Here&Now encore con is ending. Since it’s been a while since I’ve met Zerose in Korea so it was nerve-wracking but I also felt excited. +++
(1/8)pic.twitter.com/vufhd0VXIv
— Mono⁰-¹🌸🪻 (@Monoghost_H) March 13, 2026
RICKY IS CRYING???? HES NEVER CRIED BEFORE IM SO DEAD pic.twitter.com/6VMQPULCpj
— mister nice guy (@hakanaiigguk) March 15, 2026
ricky hugging the members while he’s crying cos he doesnt do it often 😭😭😭 pic.twitter.com/Ti0ubUdpDl
— rae (slow) (@0520RICKY) March 15, 2026
260315 막콘
😭😭😭#성한빈 #SUNGHANBIN #ソンハンビン #ZEROBASEONE #ZB1 #제로베이스원 pic.twitter.com/AcVQuD6rZ5
— ᴡɪɴɢ.s (@wings_hb) March 15, 2026
my dearest zerobaseone,
thank you for all the amazing memories, thank you for all the friends i met thanks to you, thank you for being such a wonderful talented and genuine group, you’ll always be my nine brightest stars, i love you more than anything ❤️🩹 pic.twitter.com/m7aVUNg87f— eli (@gyuvbearz) March 15, 2026
Our last OT9 Zerofocus🥺…..thank you so much to all 9 members for all the happy and precious memories for the past 2.5 years. No matter what the future holds, I hope everyone remains happy and fulfilled. Thank you and I love you ZEROBASEONE 💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙 https://t.co/8XgB2pbikK
— Mono⁰-¹🌸🪻 (@Monoghost_H) March 15, 2026
i got to spend 429 days with the 9 of you, and even though i thought i had loved you all to my fullest, i really wish i had done more, had appreciated my nine more. But it’s always nine to me, no matter what happens zb1 will remain the same to me ❤️🩹 pic.twitter.com/9qbdYTNSru
— zhang hao lesbian fan⁷ (@zhaophobia) March 15, 2026
Pro Tip: For fans looking to support former ZB1 members, following their individual social media accounts and keeping an eye out for solo projects is the best way to stay connected.
The disbandment of ZEROBASEONE marks the end of a chapter, but also signals the continued evolution of the K-pop industry and its innovative approaches to group formation and promotion.
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