ZEROBASEONE (Sung Han Bin, Kim Ji Woong, Zhang Hao, Seok Matthew, Kim Tae Rae, Ricky, Kim Gyu Vin, Park Gun Wook, and Han Yu Jin) is taking Japan by storm!

The group grabbed the No. 1 spot on Tower Records’ 2024 Bestsellers K-POP TOP20 chart with their debut Japanese single ゆらゆら -運命の花- (Yurayura - Unmei no Hana) for the period of January 1 to October 31, 2024.

Their success doesn’t stop there! ZEROBASEONE's Korean albums are also topping charts in Japan. Their 4th mini-album, CINEMA PARADISE, landed in 5th place, while their 3rd mini-album, You had me at HELLO, came in 9th. These achievements show how much love ZB1 is receiving from Japanese fans.

On Spotify Japan’s 2024 rankings, ZEROBASEONE proved their strong influence on social media. They were named the 5th "Most Shared Artist on SNS in Japan", and their hit track Feel the POP from their 3rd mini-album ranked 10th on the "Most Shared Songs on SNS in Japan" list. They were the only K-pop group to make it onto this chart, highlighting their unique popularity.

The "ZB1 craze" in Japan is undeniable! After their Japanese debut in March with a fan concert at K-Arena Yokohama, the group sold out five shows in Aichi and Kanagawa, attracting 60,000 fans.

Their debut single, ゆらゆら -運命の花-, didn’t just top charts—it became a half-million seller in just one week! In March, it earned a "Double Platinum" certification from the Recording Industry Association of Japan (RIAJ) for surpassing 500,000 shipments.

Fans are already excited for what’s next. ZEROBASEONE is set to release their first Japanese EP, PREZENT, on January 29, 2025.

The EP will include six songs: four new Japanese tracks (NOW OR NEVER, Only One Story, Firework, and HANA) and Japanese versions of their Korean hits Feel the POP and GOOD SO BAD.

With their undeniable talent and growing fanbase, ZEROBASEONE continues to prove they’re a global force to watch!

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IU has once again warmed hearts with her sweet and caring nature — this time by personally helping young actress Kim Tae Yeon get ready for her very first awards show.

The two actresses both played the same character, Ae Soon, in different stages of life in the Netflix drama "When Life Gives You Tangerines". IU played the adult version while Kim Tae Yeon touched viewers with her emotional performance as young Ae Soon.

Even though Kim Tae Yeon doesn’t have an agency yet, IU made sure the young star wouldn’t be alone. According to insiders, IU personally visited a dress shop with Kim Tae Yeon to help her pick out a beautiful outfit. She even helped with hair and makeup plans, making sure Tae Yeon could shine at the upcoming 61st Baeksang Arts Awards, where both actresses are nominated.

Kim Tae Yeon’s mom posted about the moment on Instagram, saying:

“Tae Yeon met IU unnie and told me to say thank you. Words aren’t enough to express how grateful we are. We were so surprised by her unexpected visit, and her thoughtful care truly touched our hearts. Thank you again to IU for the gift.”

The post also showed a happy Kim Tae Yeon holding IU’s present and choosing a dress — a moment that melted fans’ hearts.

IU is well-known in the industry for her generosity and kindness. While filming "You Have Done Well", she reportedly gave thoughtful gifts and created a warm, friendly vibe on set for everyone, from co-stars to staff.

The drama itself became a big hit, earning praise both in Korea and overseas. IU, Park Bo Gum, Yeom Hye Ran, Choi Dae Hoon, and Kim Tae Yeon all received Baeksang nominations — a huge achievement, especially for the young star.

Kim Tae Yeon, born in 2011, has been acting since she was little and appeared in dramas like Crash Landing on You, A Dog’s Love Today, and Gyeongseong Creature. But her powerful acting in "When Life Gives You Tangerines" truly made people cry, smile, and remember her name.

IU didn’t stop at helping Kim Tae Yeon. She also invited fellow cast members Moon So Ri, Park Hae Joon, Ahn Tae Rin, and more to her concert, sending them gifts to show her love and support.

In an earlier interview, IU talked about giving gifts to so many people. She humbly said,

“As I do more projects, there are more people I’m thankful for, but it’s not as hard as people think. I just hope the people receiving the gifts feel happy.”

Talking about the drama, she added,

“It was such a grand project. Just being part of it was a blessing. It made me think, ‘Ji Eun, you really experienced something amazing.’ I’m grateful I could work with such great people.”

Once again, IU has proved she’s not just a talented singer and actress — she’s also a true “Good Deed Queen.”

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