ASTRO’s MJ & JINJIN Debut as ZOONIZINI with Mini Album ‘DICE’—A Playful Journey Through Friendship and Nostalgia

Photo Credit: fantagio

On August 13, 2025, at 6 PM KST, ASTRO, the popular K-Pop group under fantagio, officially launched their new unit ZOONIZINI, composed of main vocalist MJ (Kim Myung Jun) and main rapper JINJIN (Park Jin Woo), with the release of their first mini album, DICE, across various online music platforms. The unit name itself, ZOONIZINI, is a creative blend of the members’ names, symbolizing the beginning of a new musical journey shared by two of ASTRO’s most prominent members. Celebrating their 10th debut anniversary this year, MJ and JINJIN have poured the essence of their decade-long journey into this mini album, expressing a desire to break free from expectations while enjoying every unpredictable moment, much like the roll of a dice.

The six-track album takes listeners on a vibrant and interconnected journey, showcasing ZOONIZINI’s versatility and strong musical identity. The title track, “Some Things Never Change,” is an emotional hip-hop song characterized by simple yet addictive rap flows and melodic hooks. JINJIN’s active involvement in both the writing and composition adds depth and personal meaning to the track, making it a direct reflection of the unit’s story and bond. The chorus—“Same thoughts so we act the same. 놀 때면 (When we play) No time to sleep. 너무 웃어 (Laugh so hard) Cannot breathe. Some things never change”—beautifuaslly captures the enduring friendship between MJ and JINJIN, evoking a sense of nostalgia for fans who have followed their journey since ASTRO’s debut. The accompanying music video amplifies the song’s energy with lively choreography and playful interaction, perfectly capturing ZOONIZINI’s chemistry and upbeat vibe.

Beyond the title track, DICE includes five additional songs that further highlight the unit’s versatility and creative storytelling. “New World” immerses listeners in a mysterious, otherworldly experience, reflecting the sense of adventure inherent in ZOONIZINI’s debut. “Utopia” combines funky rhythms with sophisticated disco sounds, producing an infectious energy perfect for dance floors and casual listening alike. “Favorite Memory” delivers a heartfelt reflection on precious moments shared with friends, while “Starlight Voyage” brings a cheerful pop-rock sensibility that radiates optimism and joy. The album closes with “Restart,” a song that celebrates the excitement and possibilities of new beginnings, encapsulating the theme of adventure and growth that runs throughout the release.

In the weeks leading up to the release, ZOONIZINI built anticipation through concept photos and teasers shared on ASTRO’s official channels. The first set of four-cut concept photos captured MJ and JINJIN’s natural, playful chemistry, portraying innocent expressions and playful interactions against vintage and kitschy props. These images evoked feelings of nostalgia, reminiscent of flipping through an old photo album and revisiting shared memories. Individual concept photos highlighted the members’ distinct personalities while showcasing their harmonious connection as a unit. In the second set of photos, the duo conveyed a warm, travel-inspired chemistry, leaning on each other’s shoulders, filming memories together, and offering a candid, sentimental feel, as if fans were peeking into a genuine travel diary.

Photo Credit: fantagio

MJ and JINJIN have long been recognized as “K-Pop’s representative all-rounders,” demonstrating excellence in vocals, rap, performance, and concept execution. With ZOONIZINI, they embark on a fresh and exciting chapter, bringing versatile skills, boundless charm, and a unique musical identity to the forefront. Promotions for the title track “Some Things Never Change” mark the official start of the unit’s activities, providing fans with an intimate and energetic introduction to MJ and JINJIN’s collaborative artistry.

The mini album DICE is now available on all major online music platforms, offering a six-track exploration of friendship, growth, adventure, and nostalgia. ZOONIZINI’s debut not only celebrates ASTRO’s 10th anniversary but also sets the stage for an adventurous new musical path for the duo, full of unpredictability, charm, and heartfelt storytelling.