ZEROBASEONE EMP: Seok Matthew & Park Gun Wook’s Unit Debut

ZEROBASEONE just got smaller — in the best way. On September 18, the group’s agency unveiled a logo motion video introducing ZEROBASEONE EMP, a two-member unit made up of Seok Matthew and Park Gun Wook. Their first mixtape is set to arrive on September 21, giving fans barely three days between the announcement and the actual release.

If you’re new to ZB1 or just confused by the name, here’s what’s happening and why it matters.

What Is ZEROBASEONE EMP?

ZEROBASEONE EMP is a sub-unit pulled from the nine-member group ZEROBASEONE (often shortened to ZB1), which debuted through the survival show Boys Planet. The unit pairs Seok Matthew and Park Gun Wook specifically, and their first project together is described as a “mixtape” rather than a full single or mini album — a smaller-scale, often more experimental release format.

Neither the teaser materials nor the agency has said what “EMP” stands for, so it stays an unexplained acronym for now.

Where This Sits in ZB1’s Career

Sub-units are a well-worn tool in K-pop, and groups usually turn to them once they’ve established a solid group identity and want to spotlight individual members’ chemistry, vocal color, or writing skills without pausing the main group’s schedule. ZEROBASEONE debuted with a large nine-member lineup, which means unit work is a natural next step — it lets specific member pairings shine in a way a full-group comeback can’t always accommodate.

For context on how this compares to other prominent unit formats in K-pop: think of how SEVENTEEN splits into vocal, performance, and hip-hop sub-units, or how SUPER JUNIOR has spun off units like SUPER JUNIOR-D&E and, more recently, SUPER JUNIOR-83z. Those units give members creative room while keeping the parent group’s brand alive between comebacks. ZEROBASEONE EMP looks to be ZB1’s version of that move, focused on the Seok Matthew–Park Gun Wook pairing specifically.

Why the Format and Timing Are Notable

A few things stand out here:

It’s a mixtape, not a single or mini album. Mixtapes in K-pop tend to carry a looser, more personal feel — they’re often positioned as passion projects rather than chart-driving title tracks, which can signal that this unit is about showcasing Seok Matthew and Park Gun Wook’s specific artistic voice rather than aiming for a big promotional cycle with music show stages.

The turnaround is fast. Announcing on September 18 for a September 21 drop is a short window by K-pop standards, where teaser rollouts for full comebacks often stretch across several weeks with concept photos, trailers, and tracklists. A tight three-day gap suggests this is being treated as a lower-key, fan-focused release rather than a tentpole comeback — which tracks with the “mixtape” framing.

It’s a two-member unit, not a broader sub-team. Some groups form units of three or four; going with just two members here puts a tighter spotlight on Seok Matthew and Park Gun Wook individually, which is worth watching if you’re curious about how their specific dynamic — vocally or conceptually — differs from the full ZB1 sound.

Where to Start If You’re New

If ZEROBASEONE EMP is your entry point into ZB1, here’s a quick on-ramp:

1. Watch the logo motion teaser released September 18 to get a first visual sense of the unit’s concept direction.
2. Check out ZEROBASEONE’s main discography first if you want the full-group sound as a baseline before hearing how the unit differs.
3. Follow the September 21 release for the actual mixtape drop, and pay attention to whether it includes music show stages or stays as a music-only release — that will tell you how promotional the label intends this era to be.

Why Agencies Build Units Out of Existing Groups

A sub-unit isn’t a spin-off or a warning sign, and it gets read as both constantly. The logic is closer to arithmetic.

• Line distribution. In a nine-member group, a three-minute song divides nine ways. Two members sharing a release get the room a full-group track can’t give them.
• Sonic range. A unit can go somewhere the full group wouldn’t, without that release having to represent everyone.
• Schedule efficiency. Units keep releases flowing during gaps in the main group’s cycle rather than leaving a fandom with nothing.

For the broader idea and how other groups use it, see our guide to K-pop sub-units. ZEROBASEONE’s own trajectory is covered in our group guide.

FAQ

When does ZEROBASEONE EMP’s mixtape release? The unit’s first mixtape is scheduled for September 21, based on the agency’s announcement.

Who are the members of ZEROBASEONE EMP? The unit consists of two ZEROBASEONE members: Seok Matthew and Park Gun Wook.

Is ZEROBASEONE EMP a permanent group, or a temporary project? How long the unit will be active has not been stated.

Does this affect ZEROBASEONE’s main group activities? though no statement covers how it fits around ZEROBASEONE’s next full-group comeback.

What does “mixtape” mean in this context? In K-pop, a mixtape usually refers to a smaller, less commercially driven release compared to a single or mini album — often used to showcase personal or collaborative artistic choices rather than a chart-topping title track.

Where can I watch the logo motion teaser? It was shared alongside the September 18 announcement introducing the unit name and members; check ZEROBASEONE’s official social channels for the clip.