ZEROBASEONE Sets August 19 Release for Second Japanese EP Kaiki LOVE

South Korea’s breakout global boy group ZEROBASEONE has officially announced their highly anticipated second Japanese extended play, titled Kaiki LOVE, scheduled to drop on August 19, 2026. The news follows the successful launch of their first Japanese EP PREZENT, which debuted in January 2025 and quickly topped regional music charts, cementing their growing popularity across Japan and broader East Asia.

The theme of Kaiki LOVE centers on the phrase “circling back to you” a concept that reflects themes of reunion, reconnection, and the cyclical nature of love and relationships. The EP will feature three carefully curated tracks:

- “Existence” – The lead single, written in collaboration with renowned Japanese piano trio Ominotake, bringing a rich blend of K-pop melody and sophisticated instrumental arrangement. ​

- “Aphrodite” – An original Japanese R&B track that showcases the group’s smoother, more soulful vocal range. ​

- “TOP 5 (Japanese Version)” – A reimagined take on one of their Korean fan-favorite songs, adapted to resonate deeply with Japanese-speaking audiences.

Pre-orders opened immediately following the announcement, with a wide range of exclusive benefits to reward early supporters. Fans can choose from different editions, each including photo books, collectible photocards, and limited store-exclusive merchandise a strategy that helped drive strong sales for their previous Japanese release.

Music industry analysts note that this move marks a clear step in ZEROBASEONE’s long-term regional expansion. “Entering the Japanese market with consistent, high-quality local-language releases is a proven path for K-pop acts to build lasting, loyal fanbases,” said Lee Jin-ho, a Seoul-based entertainment industry consultant. “Pairing their signature sound with respected local collaborators like Ominotake also helps them feel more authentic and accessible to Japanese listeners.”

Source:(1)