ZEROBASEONE Shatters Records: 'NEVER SAY NEVER' Hits New Peak on Billboard 200
ZEROBASEONE's first full album 'NEVER SAY NEVER' achieves a new personal best on the Billboard 200, proving their global dominance. Here's what it means for the 5th gen leaders.
In the fast-paced world of K-pop, ZEROBASEONE (ZB1) has once again proven they are a force to be reckoned with. The 5th generation powerhouse has just smashed their own records with their first full-length album, ‘NEVER SAY NEVER,’ debuting at an impressive #23 on the U.S. Billboard 200 chart.
This isn’t just another chart entry; it’s a new personal best for the group, soaring past the #28 spot they secured with their previous mini-album, ‘BLUE PARADISE.’ This achievement solidifies their status as leaders of their generation, marking the highest Billboard 200 ranking for any 5th gen K-pop group to date. It’s clear that ZEROBASEONE is living up to the title of “글로벌 톱티어” (Global Top-Tier), a term frequently used by Korean media to describe their elite status on the world stage.
A Deeper Dive into Billboard Dominance
The success of ‘NEVER SAY NEVER’ wasn’t limited to the main album chart. ZB1 made their presence known across a total of seven different Billboard charts, showcasing their widespread appeal:
- Emerging Artists: #1
- World Albums: #2
- Independent Albums: #3
- Top Album Sales: #5
- Top Current Album Sales: #5
- Artist 100: #19
This multi-chart dominance in the competitive U.S. market highlights the group’s explosive growth and dedicated global fanbase.
Six Albums, Six Million Sales
The records don’t stop there. ‘NEVER SAY NEVER’ sold over 1.51 million copies in its first week alone. This incredible feat makes ZEROBASEONE a “6-consecutive million-seller,” meaning every one of their six albums has surpassed the million-copy sales mark. In K-pop, consistently hitting this milestone is a key indicator of a massive and loyal fanbase.
The album also conquered charts across Asia, hitting #1 on Japan’s Line Music Daily Album chart and China’s QQ Music chart, further cementing their international influence.
An “ICONIK” Grand Slam
The album’s title track, ‘ICONIK,’ has been just as successful. The song achieved a “Grand Slam” on South Korea’s major music shows, winning first place for six consecutive days. For international fans, a “Grand Slam” is a prestigious achievement where a song wins #1 on all major weekly music programs. This was the first time in the group’s history they’ve achieved a 6-win streak, truly living up to the song’s “iconic” title.
The album itself carries a powerful message: for those who dream of something special even in ordinary life, ‘NEVER SAY NEVER’ because nothing is impossible. ZEROBASEONE is living proof of this message, turning impossible-looking records into reality.
What’s Next? A World Tour!
With this monumental comeback, what’s next for ZEROBASEONE? A world tour, of course! The 2025 ZEROBASEONE WORLD TOUR ‘HERE&NOW’ is set to kick off in Seoul from October 3-5 at the KSPO DOME. Demonstrating their immense popularity, all three shows sold out instantly during the fan club pre-sale, prompting the release of additional seats with restricted views.
As ZEROBASEONE continues to write a new chapter in K-pop history, one thing is certain: the world is watching.