Meet ZEROBASEONE Members: Exploring the Ages of the Boy Band

ZEROBASEONE (often stylized as ZB1) is a celebrated South Korean boy band formed through Mnet’s reality competition show Boys Planet and managed by WakeOne Entertainment.

Since their debut in July 2023, the nine-member group has quickly made a name for itself, becoming one of the defining acts of K-pop’s fifth generation. With members from South Korea, China, and Canada, ZEROBASEONE delights fans—known as ZEROSE—with their dynamic performances, diverse talents, and global appeal.

The group’s name represents their journey from “zero” to a “glorious beginning,” symbolizing the unity of nine trainees coming together as one. They were officially formed on April 20, 2023, during the Boys Planet finale, where the top nine contestants secured their spots after months of intense competition.

With a contract set for two years and six months, ZEROBASEONE is expected to disband around January 2026. Despite their temporary status, the group is determined to leave a lasting impact, as expressed by member Kim Gyu-vin in a Teen Vogue interview: “ZB1 is everything to me.”

ZEROBASEONE made their highly anticipated debut on July 10, 2023, with the mini-album Youth in the Shade, featuring the hit single “In Bloom.” Their success continued with subsequent releases, including Melting Point (November 2023) and You Had Me at HELLO (May 2024), as well as their Japanese debut single “Yura Yura” in March 2024.

The group’s rapid rise has been marked by record-breaking pre-orders, chart-topping releases, and a “Rookie Grand Slam,” securing 10 Rookie of the Year awards within their first year.

The Members and Their Ages

ZEROBASEONE’s lineup spans a diverse age range, from the late teens to mid-twenties, reflecting a mix of youthful exuberance and seasoned maturity.

Below, we list the members from oldest to youngest, with their ages calculated as of today, using their international ages (Korean age conventions, which previously added a year, officially shifted in 2023 to align with international standards).

1. Kim Ji-woong

• Birthdate: December 14, 1998
• Age: 26
• Position: Vocalist, Visual  
• Background: The eldest member, Kim Ji-woong, brings a wealth of experience to ZEROBASEONE. Before Boys Planet, where he ranked 8th, he was a member of the boy group INX (disbanded in 2017) and pursued acting, starring in web series like Kissable Lips and Roommates of Poongduck 304. At 26, Ji-woong’s maturity and versatility shine through, balancing his idol career with artistic pursuits like his online platform, Panic Rose.

2. Zhang Hao

• Birthdate: July 25, 2000
• Age: 24
• Position: Main Vocalist, Center  
• Background: Hailing from Fujian, China, Zhang Hao topped Boys Planet with the 1st-place ranking, earning the centre position. A multi-instrumentalist skilled in violin, cello, and piano, he’s fluent in Chinese, Korean, and English. At 24, Zhang Hao’s musical talent and charisma anchor the group’s vocal line.

3. Sung Han-bin

• Birthdate: June 13, 2001  
• Age: 23
• Position: Leader, Main Dancer, Visual  
• Background: Sung Han-bin, the group’s leader, ranked 2nd on Boys Planet. A former Cube Entertainment trainee and dance teacher, he’s known for his choreography skills and warm leadership. At 23, Han-bin guides ZEROBASEONE with a steady hand and a passion for performance.

4. Seok Matthew

• Birthdate: May 28, 2002
• Age: 22
• Position: Vocalist, Dancer  
• Background: Born in Vancouver, Canada, Seok Matthew (Korean name: Seok Woo-hyun) brings an international flair to the group. Fluent in English, French, and Korean, he ranked 3rd on Boys Planet after training with HYBE Japan. At 22, Matthew’s bright energy and tattoos add a playful edge to ZB1.

5. Kim Tae-rae

• Birthdate: July 14, 2002
• Age: 22  
• Position: Main Vocalist  
• Background: Kim Tae-rae, who ranked 6th on Boys Planet, is a vocal powerhouse with a knack for improvisation and guitar playing. At 22, his soulful voice and creative flair—honed over two years of training—elevate ZEROBASEONE’s music.

6. Ricky

• Birthdate: May 20, 2004
• Age: 20
• Position: Vocalist, Rapper  
• Background: Born Shen Quanrui in Shanghai, China, Ricky ranked 4th on Boys Planet. Fluent in English, Chinese, and Korean, this 20-year-old is athletic, stylish, and sports a “role model” tattoo on his neck. His cool demeanour makes him a fan favourite.

7. Kim Gyu-vin

• Birthdate: August 30, 2004
• Age: 20
• Position: Vocalist, Visual  
• Background: Kim Gyu-vin, who ranked 7th, is the tallest member of ZEROBASEONE and a versatile athlete skilled in soccer and basketball. At 20, his charm and dedication—he trained for nearly four years—shine both on and off stage.

8. Park Gun-wook

• Birthdate: January 10, 2005
• Age: 20   
• Position: Vocalist, Rapper, Dancer  
• Background: Park Gun-wook, ranked 5th on Boys Planet, is a triple threat with a bold personality. A former contestant on Wild Idol, he speaks English and Korean and performs well. At 20, his confidence drives ZB1’s dynamic energy.

9. Han Yu-jin

• Birthdate: March 20, 2007
• Age: 17  
• Position: Vocalist, Dancer  
• Background: The youngest member, Han Yu-jin, ranked 9th on Boys Planet at just 16 during the finale. Now 17, this “maknae” (youngest sibling) from South Korea impresses with his dance skills, soccer prowess, and youthful spirit.

With ages ranging from 17 to 26, ZEROBASEONE boasts an eight-and-a-half-year gap between the eldest member, Kim Ji-woong and the youngest, Han Yu-jin.

This spread creates a fascinating dynamic, blending the wisdom of the older “hyung” line (Ji-woong, Zhang Hao, Han-bin) with the fresh enthusiasm of the younger members (Ricky, Gyu-vin, Gun-wook, Yu-jin). Notably, the leader, Sung Han-bin, isn’t the eldest—an uncommon choice in K-pop—highlighting his natural leadership over seniority.

The group’s average age hovers around 21, reflecting their youthful identity, a key theme in their discography. Tracks like “In Bloom” and “Good Night” capture the essence of adolescence and growth, resonating with their ages and experiences.

Despite their temporary tenure, the members’ chemistry—forged through Boys Planet and strengthened by their shared goals—feels familial, as Gyu-vin aptly noted.