Global K-pop sensation ZEROBASEONE is preparing to reveal its very first official subunit since debuting in 2023.
Agency WAKEONE officially confirmed that members Seok Matthew and Park Gun Wook will team up as a duo under the name “ZEROBASEONE EMP.”
The announcement was accompanied by a sleek logo motion video and official album artwork across the group’s social media channels, featuring a rough-textured graphic design that showcases the duo’s distinct hip-hop identity.
The subunit name draws inspiration from “electromagnetic pulse,” symbolizing their intention to create a focused artistic space where only their music resonates, much like an EMP cuts off surrounding noise.
Additionally, “EMP” serves as an acronym for “Extra MTT (Matthew) PGW (Park Gun Wook),” emphasizing their drive to go “beyond the ordinary” through self-produced works.
WAKEONE expressed high confidence in the pair’s musical synergy as they branch out into unit promotions. Speaking on the new endeavor, WAKEONE officially stated:
“Having honed their musical skills and built a strong foundation, please look forward to the two as they take on a new challenge and make a fresh leap forward as a unit.”
The duo’s debut project, titled EMP Mixtape Vol.1: We the Extra, is set to drop on September 21 at 6:00 PM KST, with a follow-up digital single planned for release in November.
Self-Produced Tracklist Breakdown and Future Digital Single Plans
The upcoming four-track mixtape highlights the raw creative autonomy of Seok Matthew and Park Gun Wook, with both members directly credited for writing and composing every song on the album.
The release features double title tracks: “EMP,” an energetic blend of hip-hop and pop sensibilities that captures the core identity of the subunit, and “Pina C,” an alluring, relaxed track designed to evoke the breezy atmosphere of a seaside getaway.
The remaining B-side tracks, “Woofer” and “In your rain,” showcase their vocal and rap range across distinct musical textures.
This self-produced effort builds upon the foundation established in their recent group activities. Park Gun Wook previously earned praise for his self-composed track “Customize” on ZEROBASEONE’s sixth mini-album Ascend-, while Seok Matthew has consistently developed his songwriting and composition capabilities in the studio. Following the initial release of EMP Mixtape Vol.1: We the Extra on September 21, the duo will continue their unit rollout with an official digital single scheduled for November, offering fans an extended promotional cycle.
Fandom Reception and Subunit Significance
The debut of ZEROBASEONE EMP marks a major artistic milestone for the project group formed through Mnet’s 2023 survival show Boys Planet.
By allowing members to write, compose, and produce an entire mixtape, WAKEONE is giving the performers room to express their individual musical tastes outside of standard group releases.
Global fans have enthusiastically welcomed the news, celebrating the duo’s transition into full songwriting partners.
As the September 21 release date approaches, anticipation continues to build for the unique hip-hop and pop landscape Seok Matthew and Park Gun Wook will present through “ZEROBASEONE EMP.”
