ZEROBASEONE drew about 4,000 fans to a surprise free live in Tokyo, debuted “Existence,” and performed with Omoinotake’s Leo Fujii.

ZEROBASEONE, the boy group representing the 5th generation of K-pop and continuing to update numerous records, held a surprise free live on Thursday, August 20, at Tokyu Kabukicho Cinecity Square in Shinjuku, Tokyo. Despite there being less than two hours since the announcement, about 4,000 fans rushed to the venue. Even after the sun had set, the 29°C streets of Shinjuku grew even hotter with the anticipation of the gathered audience. ZEROBASEONE released their long-awaited 2nd Japanese EP, "Kika LOVE," on Wednesday, August 19. The title track, "Existence," had been attracting major attention even before its release as a song specially written by the popular Japanese piano trio band Omoinotake, who created it "with special feelings for ZEROBASEONE." At 7:00 p.m., the scheduled start time, ZEROBASEONE appeared on stage. The first song was the Japanese version of "TOP 5," the title track from their 6th mini album "Ascend-" released in Korea in May. The moment the song ended, loud cheers rose up. After the performance, the members greeted the audience in Japanese in unison. Following the call of "Good evening! We are ZEROBASEONE!" each member made comments in Japanese one by one. Park Gunwook seemed unable to hide his surprise, saying, "I didn't think so many people would come." He also said, "It is really hot, so please be careful while watching," showing concern for the fans who had gathered in the intense heat. Kim Taerae said, "I think there may be people seeing us for the first time today, but I would be happy if you enjoy it." Then, when Seok Matthew began by saying, "There is something we need to tell you, right?" Sung Hanbin again informed the fans about the release of the new EP, "Kika LOVE." Warm applause from the audience sounded as if to say, "We've been waiting." Amid the nonstop applause and cheers, the performance of their Japanese debut song "Yurayura - Fate's Flower -" began. Fans also responded loudly with "Baby baby!" and the venue was filled with a sense of unity. Next came "NOW OR NEVER," a track from their Japanese 1st EP "PREZENT," which drew cheers just from the intro. Their presence and performance overwhelmed the space to the point that it felt like a solo concert. To the audience's full-throated response of "Welcome back!" to ZEROBASEONE's "ZEROSE! We're back!" the exchange continued as if proving that both sides were mutually in love, and then the event moved into the MC segment. The members explained the new EP themselves. They introduced the theme of this work as "circling back to you," said that it contains three songs including two original Japanese tracks, and explained that the title track "Existence" was written by Omoinotake's members with special feelings. Here, Sung Hanbin mentioned the episode from last year when he covered Omoinotake's "Hundreds of Millions of Light Years" on his birthday. "I originally loved Omoinotake's song 'Hundreds of Millions of Light Years' and had been listening to it all the time. So when I heard that we would be receiving a song from them, I was truly happy!" he said, expressing his joy. Park Gunwook then winked at the fans and said, "Hanbin, could you let us hear a little bit of that 'Hundreds of Millions of Light Years' now?" and "ZEROSE, you want to hear it too, right?" Then, at Hanbin's words, "Today, a special guest has come to support our guerrilla live," cheers of delight rose from the audience. At that moment, Omoinotake vocalist Leo Fujii made a surprise appearance. The venue's excitement instantly surged at the unexpected turn of events. Leo Fujii greeted everyone, saying, "I am happy to be able to work with ZEROBASEONE this time." When Sung Hanbin requested that he sing "Hundreds of Millions of Light Years" together, he gladly agreed with a smile, and while playing the keyboard, he duetted with Sung Hanbin on the chorus. It was a special and beautiful harmony that could only be heard at this event. It became a moment when everyone in the venue could not help but listen closely. After the dream collaboration, Sung Hanbin, looking deeply moved, said, "I am very happy and it feels like a dream that I could sing a song I love like this together with the person himself." Leo Fujii also replied, "I am the one who should thank you for doing such a wonderful cover." The atmosphere became warm and relaxed. Kim Taerae then expressed his gratitude, saying, "Once again, thank you for writing such a wonderful song for us this time," and then they moved into the first performance of "Existence," the highlight of the day. ZEROBASEONE danced and sang along to Leo Fujii's keyboard performance. A special collaboration that existed only for this day was realized. It was clear that the fans had thoroughly mastered the "cheering method" that had been released on YouTube two days earlier. After the performance, Sung Hanbin thanked Leo Fujii, saying, "Thank you for writing such a wonderful song for us this time, and for coming all the way to our guerrilla live despite your busy schedule." Leo Fujii also said, "I had fun too. Everyone, please listen to the new song 'Existence' a lot." Next came a challenge corner to enjoy together with the fans. While singing the chorus of "Existence"—"Beside me, beside me, the two of us"—the members taught the audience simple choreography. Along with their live singing, they filmed the fans throughout the venue performing together, and the challenge corner ended. The footage is scheduled to be released later on ZEROBASEONE's official TikTok. Finally, they took commemorative photos with heart poses and with a "Godzilla pose" inspired by the venue, bringing the event to its climax. "Thank you for coming today. Actually... the end time is getting close," said Seok Matthew. "Did you enjoy it?" The fans answered, "Nee!" ("Yes" in Korean). "You answered in Korean," Park Gunwook said in Korean, sounding delighted. As the live entered its final stage, the members shared their thoughts one by one. Sung Hanbin said, "Thank you for coming to see us in this heat today. I was very happy to be able to directly feel your loud cheers. I love you all!" Seok Matthew said, "I was happy to be able to present the first performance of 'Existence' in this way. Let's keep making wonderful memories together." Kim Taerae said, "I was happy to be able to enjoy this together with you at such a close distance today. Listen to 'Kika LOVE' and spend a wonderful summer with us." "We prepared the song and the music video with all our love and effort. So many ZEROSE came... thank you, bullfighter!" Park Gunwook's unexpected Japanese pun caused the venue to erupt in laughter. The last song was "Firework." From the audience came calls of "Firework!" and shouts of each member's name. The main event ended amid loud cheers. The members left the stage once, but the encore calls from the audience did not stop. In response to the fans' voices, ZEROBASEONE appeared again. "Everyone, thank you for the encore!" "Please sing along with us," they called out, and began singing their Japanese original song "Only One Story." From the fans humming the lyrics together, it was clear how much this song is loved in Japan. Sung Hanbin thanked everyone, saying, "Thanks to all of you getting so excited, we were able to return to the stage once more. Thank you for the best excitement," and concluded the event with the words, "That was ZEROBASEONE! We love ZEROSE!" ZEROBASEONE's surprise live, filled with great excitement through a one-night-only collaboration with Omoinotake's Leo Fujii and the first performance of their new song, was a night that confirmed their further success in Japan. ・ZEROBASEONE, title track "Existence" MV released... members in school uniforms also draw attention ・ZEROBASEONE to appear on Fuji TV's "Poka Poka" broadcast on August 21