ZEROBASEONE’s Ascend- gets U.S. physical release

ZEROBASEONE’s sixth mini album Ascend- is now available at major U.S. retailers, marking the group’s third straight U.S. physical album release after two Billboard 200 charting titles. The release extends the K-pop group’s global momentum ahead of KCON LA 2026 in August.

Why it matters: - ZEROBASEONE’s U.S. physical rollout signals continued label and retail confidence in the group’s fan demand. - The release follows two consecutive Billboard 200 entries, which strengthens ZEROBASEONE’s profile in the U.S. market. - The album’s global chart performance shows the group’s reach extends well beyond Korea and the U.S.

What happened: - ZEROBASEONE’s sixth mini album, Ascend-, is now officially available in the U.S. - Major retailers carrying the album include Target, Barnes & Noble and Walmart. - The U.S. release is the group’s third consecutive physical album release in the market. - Ascend- was released digitally on May 18.

The details: - The digital release entered the Top 10 of the iTunes Album Chart in 18 countries. - The album reached No. 1 in Japan, Saudi Arabia, Kazakhstan and Latvia on iTunes album charts. - Ascend- topped China’s QQ Music Digital Mini Album Chart on release. - The album also reached No. 1 on Japan’s iTunes Top Albums Chart and entered Apple Music Japan’s Album Chart. - The title track “TOP 5” reached No. 1 on iTunes Top Songs Charts in Chile, Mongolia and Vietnam. - “TOP 5” entered the Top 10 in nine countries total. - The music video for “TOP 5” has more than 51 million YouTube views. - The video ranked No. 2 among the most-viewed videos globally in its first 24 hours. - The video reached No. 3 on YouTube’s Worldwide Trending Chart. - The track is described as showing a refined minimalist sound built on groovy, sensual hip-hop rhythm.

Between the lines: - Ascend- continues a run of U.S. album releases that began with BLUE PARADISE in April 2025 and NEVER SAY NEVER in September 2025. - BLUE PARADISE debuted at No. 28 on the Billboard 200, then NEVER SAY NEVER reached No. 23. - Both earlier albums also appeared on six additional Billboard charts. - The album release is positioned as part of a broader narrative around ZEROBASEONE’s performance and vocal growth. - ZEROBASEONE says the new era reflects a journey from incompleteness to unity with fans, ZEROSE.

What's next: - Fans can expect to see ZEROBASEONE at KCON LA 2026 in August. - The group is expected to keep building its U.S. presence if the retail and chart momentum continues.

The bottom line: - Ascend- gives ZEROBASEONE another U.S. platform at a moment when the group is already translating global streaming, chart and retail demand into steady market expansion.