Farewell or a New Beginning? The “Meaning” Behind ZEROBASEONE’s Emotional Split

The clock has officially run out for the 9 member lineup of ZEROBASEONE. On March 15, the group held their final full member concert, ‘HERE & NOW’ Encore, at the KSPO Dome, marking a tearful end to a journey that began with the feverish competition of Boys Planet in 2023.

While the “news” is about a contract ending, the real story lies in how the group is redefining the “Project Group” curse.

The highlight of the night wasn’t a flashy dance break, but a song called “Not Alone.” For the members, this wasn’t just an encore track; it was the song they sang as trainees before their lives changed forever.

Leader Sung Han-bin noted that performing it now as global stars brought back the “darkness” of their trainee days, making the connection with their fandom, ZEROSE, even more overwhelming.

Zhang Hao described the performance as a “gift,” a final bridge between the members and the fans who birthed the group through their votes.

Unlike many project groups that disappear entirely, ZEROBASEONE is entering a unique “split-track” phase:

1. The Core Five: Sung Han-bin, Kim Ji-woong, Seok Matthew, Kim Tae-rae, and Park Gun-wook will continue as a 5-member unit.
2. The Returning Four: Zhang Hao, Ricky, Kim Gyu-vin, and Han Yu-jin are returning to their original agencies to pursue individual careers.

In a deeply personal handwritten letter posted late on the 15th, Sung Han-bin didn’t just say goodbye; he left the door open. By writing, “When the nine of us gather again someday, let’s hug each other with a smile,” he shifted the narrative from a permanent “disbandment” to a temporary “individual growth period”.

For global fans, this signals a shift in K-pop’s rigid contract structures. ZEROBASEONE isn’t just ending; they are branching out, with the leader himself promising to be the first to cheer for the “different paths” his brothers take.