MJ & JINJIN Roll Into a New Era as ZOONIZINI Gears Up to Debut with DICE

ASTRO’s newest unit, ZOONIZINI, made up of members MJ and JINJIN, is stepping into the spotlight with their first mini album DICE, set for release on August 13, 2025, at 6 PM KST. For longtime AROHA, this moment feels like the culmination of years of shared music, growth, and memories. For new fans, it’s the perfect opportunity to be introduced to two artists who have already proven their individuality but are now ready to show what happens when those strengths merge into one project. Fans can keep up with every teaser and announcement through fantagio’s official X account and ASTRO’s Instagram, where the energy around ZOONIZINI is already surging.

Photo Credit: fantagio

At the stroke of midnight KST on July 29, ASTRO’s agency fantagio dropped a “coming soon” teaser video across official social media channels (watch on X). In a flurry of bold, shifting typography, the screen flashed the unit names “ZOONI” and “ZINI,” followed by the words “1st MINI ALBUM,” the title DICE, and the release date “2025.08.13.” The visual was quick, sharp, and filled with energy—instantly setting fan timelines ablaze. Just hours later, the excitement grew as a scheduler video and image were revealed (see it on Instagram), mapping out a teaser schedule that felt like a countdown to something monumental. The roadmap promised four distinct sets of concept photos, a full tracklist reveal, a highlight medley, a performance spoiler, a prologue film, and two music video teasers—each piece building the anticipation for the official release.

The name ZOONIZINI itself feels like a statement of intent. Born from the fusion of MJ’s “ZOONI” and JINJIN’s “ZINI,” it reflects not only their names but also the way their artistry interlocks. MJ has long been celebrated as ASTRO’s main vocalist, with a voice that can soar in bright, pop anthems or linger with tenderness in emotional ballads. His solo album Happy Virus in 2021 (listen to title track M/V) gave fans a closer look at his ability to infuse songs with warmth, while his work on drama OSTs (listen to “Our Season” OST) showcased his emotional range. JINJIN, as ASTRO’s leader and main rapper, has an equally distinct artistic signature—one marked by creative versatility and a deep understanding of musical production. His JIN LAB project (watch “Lazy” M/V) offered self-produced tracks that blended genre-bending beats with introspective lyrics, while his role as a producer on ASTRO’s albums solidified his reputation as a multi-talented force behind the music. Fans can also catch personal updates from both members on MJ’s Instagram and JINJIN’s Instagram, where they’ve been sharing behind-the-scenes glimpses of the unit preparations.

Photo Credit: fantagio

Both artists have proven they’re not bound to just one stage. MJ’s charisma and storytelling abilities have carried him through starring roles in musicals like JAMIE, Winter Wanderer, Jack the Ripper, and Zorro: Actor-Musician, earning praise for his emotional depth and ability to command an audience. JINJIN’s acting portfolio is just as impressive, with performances in Winter Wanderer, the original and revival of Dream High, and Crash Landing on You—each role revealing new layers of his charm and presence. These stage experiences add a theatrical edge to ZOONIZINI’s upcoming debut, hinting that DICE may offer more than just music—it may be a performance experience in its own right.

This debut also comes at a milestone moment in ASTRO’s journey. Celebrating their ninth anniversary this year, MJ and JINJIN have already shared a special single, Twilight, written and composed by JINJIN, as a gift to fans (watch “Twilight” live performance). They also returned to the concert stage together for The 4th ASTROAD [Stargraphy] in Korea and Japan, marking the group’s first tour in three years and reaffirming their global appeal. These shared moments have laid the groundwork for DICE, which will be the first official project that channels both members’ individual growth into a new, unified sound.

The title DICE holds symbolic weight, representing the many facets of MJ and JINJIN’s musical identities. Just like the different faces of a die, the songs are expected to show contrasting moods, genres, and energies—reflecting the dynamic chemistry between them. The album will be released in both digital and physical formats, making it a collectible for fans who want to hold this debut era in their hands. In the days leading up to the release, ZOONIZINI will keep the momentum alive with a steady flow of concept photos (view on Instagram), spoiler clips, and behind-the-scenes glimpses, ensuring that by the time August 13 arrives, anticipation will have reached its peak.

When DICE finally drops, it won’t just be the start of ZOONIZINI’s discography—it will be the opening roll of something bigger. A new chapter in ASTRO’s story. A blending of two artists’ journeys into a shared vision. And, for fans, a reminder that after nearly a decade together, MJ and JINJIN still have new ways to surprise, inspire, and connect. Follow ZOONIZINI updates on fantagio’s X and watch the official “DICE” M/V here when it premieres on release day.

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