ASTRO first appeared on the scene in 2016, and over the years, their creative work has matured with impressive grace. Known for their diversity, the members have built their own artistic identities while keeping the spirit of the group intact.

Now, in 2025, a new chapter comes alive with the arrival of the group’s third sub-unit, ZOONIZINI (주니지니), composed of MJ and JINJIN. And what a superb debut it is: their first mini-album, DICE, released on August 13, is a wonderful stream of positivity and a welcome boost for the soul.

The title itself is telling. Why DICE? JINJIN explains, “Since MJ and I both enjoy games, we thought it’d be fun if the album concept started from something like a board game. That’s how Blue Marble (the Korean version of Monopoly) came to mind. Once we had the feel for the overall mood, we wanted the album title itself to be simple and tied to that idea. That’s when we thought of naming the album DICE, and it just felt right.” Undoubtedly, the joyful approach guides this mini-album, filled with fond memories and optimism that reflects their close bond as a duo.

DICE opens with Some Things Never Change, an optimistic track overflowing with joy and carried by their wonderful vocals. JINJIN not only wrote, composed, and arranged the song but also helped shape the musical essence of the entire release. “Since I already know what kind of music and concepts MJ usually wants to go for, I try to work in line with that,” he says. “I couldn’t be there for the recording of the other tracks because of our different schedules, but for the title track, I was there to direct the recording session. I remember that since it was the title track, we thought it should fully capture the album’s identity, so we recorded it over and over until it was perfect.” MJ adds that his role began in the early planning: “I usually came up with broad stroke ideas in the planning stages. JINJIN did a great job putting them together and bringing them to life.” And the result is a connection that comes across as a natural dialogue between two artists who have shared the stage for years, now stepping into their own spotlight.

I hope that when you watch our performances or listen to our songs, even just in that moment, you can forget everything else and just feel happy. Because for us too, performing is when we feel the happiest. – JINJIN

You can feel that chemistry best in Utopia, a bright song about escaping into a secret paradise. JINJIN confesses, “I hope that when you watch our performances or listen to our songs, even just in that moment, you can forget everything else and just feel happy. Because for us too, performing is when we feel the happiest.” It is a simple statement, but it carries weight; ASTRO’s music has always found strength in joy, and ZOONIZINI extends that ethos into their unit identity.

Tenderness arrives with Favorite Memory, where the duo reflects on meaningful moments as a source of comfort. For MJ, recent experiences with ASTRO provided the inspiration he needed. “I think the recent ASTRO concert gave me a lot of strength. It had been such a long time since I got to meet AROHA with the members, and just being in the same space sharing those memories together made me really happy. That experience gave me a lot of energy while preparing for this album.” With soaring notes and emotional bridges, his voice reaches our hearts with a lot of gratitude.

Starlight Voyage has a way of keeping the vibe going, letting listeners feel like they’re part of the journey. “We all have our own dreams and we’re running toward our goals, so I want to take everyone to the fantasy world they’ve been wishing and dreaming of,” MJ says, describing the track as a promise of companionship in both music and imagination.

Fittingly, the album closes with Restart, a song about renewal and strength. After nearly a decade with ASTRO, both members see this debut as a continuation and a turning point. “Just like the times change, I think we have to follow the trends and styles that fit each moment,” MJ reflects. “To do that, it takes constant effort and growth to keep up with new changes and really make them our own as artists.” JINJIN frames it as a new beginning: “I hope you think of this album promotion not as an ending, but as a new beginning, just like Restart. We’ll keep working to create more opportunities to see AROHA even more often through various activities, so your support and love would mean a lot.”

Just like the times change, I think we have to follow the trends and styles that fit each moment. To do that, it takes constant effort and growth to keep up with new changes and really make them our own as artists. – MJ

DICE shines not only with its optimism but also with the personal touches MJ and JINJIN bring to it. MJ’s rich, superb vocals remain one of ASTRO’s most powerful instruments. Asked how he takes care of it, he admits with a laugh, “I try to talk as little as I can and avoid raising my voice. But when my energy goes up, I sometimes end up speaking louder without realising it, so I’m working on fixing that.” JINJIN, on the other hand, reveals his restless curiosity: “I’m the kind of person who likes to try out things I’m not good at. I keep working at it until I get better, and I find a lot of joy and a sense of exhilaration in the process of learning. Something new I’d like to try in the future is making coffee. Since I really love coffee, I’d love to try being a barista one day, and if the chance comes, I’d also like to learn something completely new that has nothing to do with music.”

I must say that this mix of energy and drive shapes ZOONIZINI. As ASTRO, MJ, and JINJIN have always been part of something bigger than themselves, creating a magic thread that has kept fans loyal for years. As ZOONIZINI, they turn that talent into something wide-reaching, fun yet impactful. DICE is a reminder that taking chances, embracing change, and finding joy, memories, and connection are still possible in today’s pop music world.

Written and interviewed by Maggie Gogler

Featured image courtesy of fantagio

_{View of the Arts is an online publication dedicated to films, music, and the arts, with a strong focus on the Asian entertainment industry. With rich content already available to our readers, we aim to expand our reach and grow alongside our audience by delving deeper into emerging platforms such as K-pop and Asian music more broadly. At the same time, we remain committed to exploring the vibrant and ever-evolving global landscape of film, music, and the arts, celebrating the immense talent and creativity that define these industries worldwide.}