ZEROBASEONE Delivers a High-Energy Victory Lap with “Slam Dunk”
by Abhilasha Bhattarai | July 27th, 2025
My personal favorite fifth-gen boy group are back with their latest pre-release single “SLAM DUNK”, ZEROBASEONE, yet again proving that they are not just playing the game, but rewriting the rules. The group embodies energy and confidence, reinforcing its reputation for excellent performance and distinctive flair.
From the get-go, the song kicks off with main vocalist Zang Hao, commanding “Keep your head in the game,” instantly transporting the listener to an East High Wildcats basketball game. It's more than just a basketball analogy — it represents a guiding principle. This song addresses the themes of stress, composure, and excelling when it counts the most, as evidenced by the cheers and scoreboard showing them leading the game in the music video.
The chorus is pure kinetic energy: “Slam dunk, show it off, how we play hoop / Backboards, shatterin', I'm gonna shoot.” These lines, delivered by Sung Hanbin and Park Gunwook, fuse hip-hop bravado with the rhythmic bounce of a stadium chant. It’s designed to echo through arenas, hype up crowds, and stay stuck in your head long after the final buzzer.
The verses play like a dynamic highlight reel — fast cuts, sharp footwork, and unpredictable plays. Seok Matthew and Kim Taerae set the stage for ZEROBASEONE with their bold declaration, “Big scream, takin' over this court,” as their seamless teamwork and dynamic interplay reflect the intensity of a high-stakes game, showcasing both their individual talents and collaborative strength.
The refrain and pre-chorus sections, especially from Kim Gyuvin, Han Yujin, and Ricky, really make the track stand out. They add layers that prevent it from being just another sports anthem. Lines like “Breathing is light, no gravity / Breaking limits, jump, you'll be shocked by me” elevate the theme beyond just the court. It resonates with personal ambition and limitless potential, which I find incredibly inspiring.
In my opinion, this subtle nod to their fast-track journey in the K-pop industry is brilliant. It captures the essence of striving for greatness and challenges listeners to push beyond their boundaries. I appreciate how they connect their experiences to a broader message, making the song relatable to anyone pursuing their dreams. The energy and determination they convey instill a sense of motivation, which is a refreshing take on the typical sports genre.
Production-wise, “Slam Dunk” thrives on tension and release. The bass hits hard, percussion drives urgency, and layered vocal chants create a stadium atmosphere. The song’s bridge, delivered with confident aggression by Park Gunwook, is a final rally cry that brings the music to its climax and intensifies the experience: “I will never miss a shot… G-O-A-T, end the game.” It’s cocky, sure — but deservedly so.
What makes “Slam Dunk” a hit for me isn’t just the high-energy sports theme or how ridiculously catchy the hooks are, though those things definitely help. It’s how ZEROBASEONE takes a basketball metaphor and turns it into something that feels like their personal mission statement. You can feel their hunger and ambition in every beat, and the chemistry between the members is undeniable. It’s like watching a team in perfect sync, hyping each other up and pushing to go harder, not just on a court, but in an industry where every move counts.
One detail I especially love is the single cover — it’s a clear homage to Space Jam, and that nostalgic nod adds an extra layer of fun. As someone who grew up with that movie, seeing it referenced like that instantly pulled me in. It’s playful, bold, and perfectly matches the song's larger-than-life vibe, ready to dominate.
I also love how the track blends gritty, street-style confidence with that slick, polished pop sound K-pop is known for. There’s this wild energy that makes you want to jump up and move, but there’s also purpose behind it — a message that they’re here to win and they’re not backing down. It’s more than just a flex; it’s a celebration of teamwork, self-belief, and that fearless attitude of going after your shot no matter what. For me, “Slam Dunk” isn’t just a fun anthem — it’s a loud, proud reminder that ZEROBASEONE is a force, and they know exactly how to score.
