From Wanna One to ZEROBASEONE and AlphaDriveOne, the “Audition Big Three” formed through Mnet’s survival programs are back! The “Mnet Universe,” which kicked off earlier this year, has officially entered its second act this month. With the addition of I.O.I from Produce 101, the reunion and comeback schedules of four different groups are overlapping, making May’s music scene feel like a massive “multiverse” where different group worlds intersect.
ZEROBASEONE, who announced a fresh start as a 5-member group after their contract ended, made their first comeback since the reorganization on the 18th. True to the meaning of “to rise” in their 6th mini album ‘Ascend-‘, this release captures the members’ unstoppable desire to climb and their growth narrative. The title track ‘Top 5’ is a modern reinterpretation of 2000s dance pop and R&B, earning praise for completing a performance that is both restrained and sophisticated.
ZEROBASEONE, who have been sweeping “first” titles among 5th generation groups, added another meaningful record to their list. They achieved over 10 million cumulative album sales according to Hanteo Chart. This is the first and only record of its kind among all 5th generation K-pop groups.
The activity of the “reunion” group that sparked the Mnet audition syndrome is also drawing attention. Wanna One, who shook up the K-pop market in 2017 through Produce 101 Season 2, has returned to the music scene after a whopping 7 years. After a dramatic reunion through Mnet’s observation variety show ‘Wanna One Go: Back to Base’, they released a special fan song ‘Again, Spring Breeze’ on the 20th, heating up the hearts of Wannables.
The momentum of the Mnet Universe is expanding worldwide. I.O.I will embark on a world tour across three countries, including Thailand and Hong Kong, starting with performances at the Jamsil Indoor Stadium in Seoul from the 29th to the 31st. AlphaDriveOne is also preparing to connect with global fans through a fan concert tour.
