The surging K-pop boyband ZEROBASEONE (ZB1) wrapped up the Hong Kong leg of their anticipated “HERE & NOW” world tour, captivating thousands over three days at the Kai Tak Sports Park Indoor Arena. The final show on Sunday, which commenced promptly at 6 p.m., featured a powerful setlist opening with the energetic track “ICONIK,” followed by fan favorites like “Road Movie” and “SLAM DUNK,” solidifying the group’s reputation as a dynamic live act.
The nine members—Kim Ji-woong, Sung Han-bin, Kim Tae-rae, Kim Gyu-vin, Park Gun-wook, Han Yu-jin, Zhang Hao, Ricky, and Seok Matthew—demonstrated their global appeal by personally greeting the audience in a trinational mix of Korean, Mandarin Chinese, and Cantonese, immediately establishing a strong rapport with their diverse fanbase, known collectively as ZEROSE.
Navigating Challenges During Performance
The concert was structured into four distinct segments, including group performances and subunit stages that allowed members to showcase varied artistry, from powerful choreography to lighter, emotionally charged ballads performed in stylized, often playful costumes. A notable moment of concern arose when member Zhang Hao, who had reportedly been dealing with a minor illness upon arrival in Hong Kong, briefly left the stage.
Zhang Hao was absent for approximately 15 minutes during the middle segment of the show. Upon his return, the Chinese member made a lighthearted comment rather than addressing his health, quipping to the relieved audience that he “had an important phone call to take.” Despite the momentary disruption, the collective professionalism of ZB1 ensured the momentum of the packed show remained high.
A Homage to Local Culture and Fans
The concert’s climactic encore provided a special, highly emotional tribute to their Hong Kong followers. Recognizing the nearing holiday season, ZB1 performed a cover of Cantopop star Eason Chan’s poignant Christmas song, “Lonely Christmas,” presenting it as a heartfelt gift to the local ZEROSE.
The performance of the Cantonese track resonated deeply, particularly with Zhang Hao, who became visibly emotional toward the song’s conclusion. He shared with the audience that the lyrics, specifically the line referencing the inevitable dismantling of holiday lights—“Tomorrow, the lights must be taken down”—moved him profoundly. He drew a parallel between the temporary nature of the festive decorations and the stage lighting of the concert venue, lamenting the nearing finality of their performances in Hong Kong.
The moving evening concluded with the nine stars holding up handwritten signs bearing the message, “ZEROSE loves you forever,” cementing the mutual affection between the idols and their devoted supporters. The successful three-day run demonstrates the group’s expanding international footprint and their ability to connect with audiences through both high-energy performances and deeply personal cultural acknowledgments. The conclusion of the Hong Kong stop marks a successful continuation of the “HERE & NOW” tour as ZEROBASEONE solidifies its status as a leading voice in the fourth generation of K-pop.
