MJ and JinJin reveal their new unit ZOONIZINI, releasing their first mini-album 'DICE' during ASTRO's military hiatus.
September/3/2025 18:55
MJ and JinJin, who started activities as the new unit "ZOONIZINI" of ASTRO, revealed what they decided during the group's military hiatus. ZOONIZINI released their 1st mini-album "DICE" last month. "DICE" is the album that marks the first step into the music world for the unit ZOONIZINI, formed by combining the names of MJ and JinJin. This work, composed of self-written songs, showcases an unpredictable travelogue as ZOONIZINI rolls the dice and sets off. The beginning of ZOONIZINI dates back to last December. JinJin explained, "There was talk of the unit from that time. Originally, we planned to release the album in February this year, and we had many meetings to decide on the concept. However, when we started preparing, we found that there were no songs that could capture our 'playful moments.' Therefore, we decided to wait until we found a good song with mass appeal, which led to the postponement and the current release timing." JinJin had experience in unit activities with former member Rocky, but this is his first time with MJ. He said, "My brother is a very happy and bright person. I wanted to take that energy and blend it into our music. Even though we are in our 30s and in our 10th year, I want to show how we play through our songs." The unit activity was proposed by the agency. MJ mentioned, "I did solo activities, but I was always curious about what kind of color would come out if I teamed up with someone in the group. I was looking forward to how much newness we could show, and this opportunity has finally come." The unit name "ZOONIZINI" was surprisingly decided quickly. JinJin revealed with a laugh, "It was unilaterally conveyed by MJ brother." He expressed satisfaction, saying, "As soon as I heard it, I thought it was very good. It's simple and has a popular name while also having our own personality. I thought that if it's a unit derived from ASTRO, it should have a clear color. I think it fits perfectly like Pat and Matt, Tom and Jerry." ASTRO recently successfully concluded their first solo concert in Korea and Japan in three years, titled "The 4th ASTROAD [Stargraphy]." MJ laughed, saying, "It was my first time standing on a stage like that in four years. Honestly, it wasn't like before. There were many difficult dance moves, and I wondered how I managed to do them before." He continued, "So this time, I made the choreography a bit simpler. I think it's not bad to make it easier. Even so, it wasn't easy physically." JinJin reflected, "I thought I had built up my stamina from doing the musical 'Dream High.' I thought I would be fine for the concert since I accomplished that, but it was tough." Out of the 28 songs in the setlist, 19 were dance songs. He said, "Since it was a concert after a long time, I wanted to show everything. My brother worked really hard." The conversation naturally led to the topic of military hiatus. MJ was the first member to enlist. He said, "In the military, you start to think about everything, past and future. I particularly thought a lot about the future. After discharge, I think my earnestness has increased significantly." He added, "I want to do everything that is given to me. I want to create opportunities to get closer to fans and people. I did musicals, but now I want to try acting as well." JinJin reflected on MJ's military hiatus, saying, "At that time, I was in my 5th or 6th year, and we were preparing for a concert, so I didn't have the luxury to make plans." He continued, "This time, before (Cha) Eunwoo's enlistment, I felt that since Eunwoo paved the way, I wanted to develop the ability to catch up during the year and a half. I told him, 'I'll work like crazy for a year and a half, so go comfortably.'" JinJin expressed gratitude for the members, saying that no one is complacent in their current position and that they are quietly working hard. He particularly mentioned, "I think it's not an exaggeration to say that Eunwoo created this. He is like an older brother in society. He walked the path first, and there must have been data from his experiences, and I think there are things to gain when you move according to that. I see this as an opportunity to develop the ability to lighten Eunwoo's burden."
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