Will ZEROBASONE Disband in January 2026? Agency Briefly Responds

ZEROBASEONE’s future is quickly becoming one of the most-watched topics in K-pop. 

WakeOne, the group’s managing label, has confirmed that it is holding ongoing discussions with each member’s agency to determine whether the nine-member project group can continue promoting beyond its scheduled disbandment date in January 2026.

The company stated that it values the group’s strong growth and wants to explore options to keep them active.

Formed through Mnet’s survival program Boys Planet, ZEROBASEONE debuted in July 2023 with a fixed two-and-a-half-year contract. 

The lineup, Sung Hanbin, Kim Taerae, Kim Jiwoong, Ricky, Zhang Hao, Seok Matthew, Kim Gyuvin, Han Yujin, and Park Gunwook, has quickly established itself as one of the most commercially successful groups to emerge from a survival show.

On August 12, the label stated

WakeOne highly values ZEROBASEONE’s potential and growth prospects. Accordingly, since early this year, we have been in continuous discussions with each member’s respective agency regarding the possibility of extending the group’s project activities.

Project groups in the K-pop industry are formed for a predetermined period, often through televised survival programs or special collaborations between agencies. These groups are designed to promote intensively during their term, then disband once their contracts end.

Think of IZ*ONE or Wanna One, groups that burned bright for a set time before concluding their activities. Occasionally, as with Kep1er, these acts can extend their lifespan through contract renewals or external agreements. 

Another project group under WakeOne, Kep1er, successfully renewed the contract but lost two members in the process. Given the success ZB1 has achieved in a short time, it is likely that the group will continue their activities after a contract extension. 

Renewals for the project group, however, require complex negotiations involving multiple agencies and schedules. In February, Sung Hanbin hinted at ongoing discussions between agencies for extension during the album, Blue Paradise media showcase.

ZEROBASEONE is currently preparing for the release of their first full-length album, NEVER SAY NEVER, scheduled for September 1, 2025, at 6 p.m. KST through major online music platforms. 

The 10-track album includes the title song “Iconik” along with tracks like SLAM DUNK, Lovesick Game, and Long Way Back. Fans received a preview of the group’s new musical direction with the pre-release single SLAM DUNK on July 23.

Since debut, ZEROBASEONE has achieved consistent million-selling releases with Youth In The Shade, Melting Point, Cinema Paradise, Blue Paradise, and more. In addition, their tour Timeless World sold out major venues like Seoul’s KSPO Dome and ended earlier this year with a feature film. To date, ZB1 has sold over 7.4 million albums combined.

The members have publicly expressed hope to continue working together. However, the final decision depends on agreements between WakeOne and the members’ original agencies.

For now, all eyes are on the group’s September comeback with NEVER SAY NEVER, as fans wait for further updates on the possibility of an extended future for ZEROBASEONE.