SUNG HANBIN was one of the members to stay on as part of ZEROBASEONE following the conclusion of the initial 3-year period after the survival show, BOYS PLANET. We saw him earlier this year promoting as part of the reformed 5-member lineup with the release of TOP 5. For his solo work, SUNG HANBIN returned to one of his original companies, THE L1VE. Today, he officially debuted as a solo artist with the single UNDEAD and the mini-album DEAD:ALIVE.
Both SUNG HANBIN and UNDEAD don’t hold back, making a strong impression from the get-go. The instrumental is powerful alternative pop-rock that definitely gets the adrenaline pumping. From the guitar riffs to the dramatic drumming to the calculated pauses, the backing was intense and robust throughout UNDEAD. SUNG HANBIN’s vocals were on par with the instrumental, powerful enough to cut through the backing. This kept his delivery clear and not drowned out, unlike some songs where the balance between the powerful instrumentation and vocals wasn’t right. I also liked the clever use of the choral backing to amplify the song’s most intense moments. This only added to the dramatic, powerful flair SUNG HANBIN was already bringing to UNDEAD and concentrated everything into a memorable piece. On memorability, the only thing UNDEAD could have done better was feature a meatier hook. It definitely got the melodies down right, but the hook just wasn’t addictive enough. That would have made UNDEAD a hook-line-sinker song.
Based on media articles, UNDEAD ‘conveys a strong determination to willingly accept any pain and hardship, both for the sake of others and for his own.’ Throughout the music video, we see SUNG HANBIN on the run. In some parts, it looks like he is running away from someone or something. But most of the video shows him facing it all as everyone else runs away. We see him running head-on through walls, falling off buildings and taking high risks to escape the someone or something chasing him (most likely the pain and hardship mentioned above). In the end, he climbs back to the top of the building, having gone through it all to claim his success and glory. SUNG HANBIN’s visuals were on full display, too. He looked good doing anything, even falling from the building.
The choreography captured the intensity, power, and dramatic flair I mentioned earlier. And it was amazing to watch. The performance really highlights SUNG HANBIN’s talent and skill as a dancer. The synchronisation with his dancers was also perfect. His charisma and stage presence really shone through. If you are still unconvinced, I highly recommend checking out his intro performance during the live curating session for DEAD:ALIVE. You won’t regret it!
Song – 9/10
Music Video – 8.5/10
Performance – 9/10
Overall Rating – 8.9/10
