# Nearly a decade into ASTRO, MJ and JINJIN begin fresh chapter as ZOONIZINI

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Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/kpop-boy-bands-always-6569955/nearly-a-decade-into-astro-mj-and-jinjin-begin-fresh-chapter-as-zoonizini.md
Podcast: [Kpop Boy Bands Always](https://stenobird.com/podcast/kpop-boy-bands-always-6569955)
Published: 2026-04-29T12:19:10+00:00
Episode link: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/tasha-monell2/episodes/Nearly-a-decade-into-ASTRO--MJ-and-JINJIN-begin-fresh-chapter-as-ZOONIZINI-e3ikvqf
Audio file: https://anchor.fm/s/e662f8cc/podcast/play/119225615/https%3A%2F%2Fd3ctxlq1ktw2nl.cloudfront.net%2Fstaging%2F2026-3-29%2F423115233-44100-2-b2895b15df317.m4a
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Duration seconds: 543

## Resource

ASTRO members MJ and Jinjin have launched a new subunit, ZOONIZINI, to showcase a more personal side of their decade-long partnership. The duo explores their shared history and creative autonomy through their debut mini-album, 'Dice'.

## Highlights
- Main idea: The subunit name ZOONIZINI is a personalized brand derived from the members' individual names
- Creative process: The duo auditioned over 400 songs to curate a tracklist that reflects their specific musical styles
- Core theme: The album 'Dice' focuses on the concept of 'unchanging friendship' after 13 years of working together
- Practical takeaway: Subunit projects allow veteran idols to exercise greater creative control over songwriting and production
- Failure mode: Avoiding generic branding by moving away from standard member-name combinations to create a unique identity

## Topics

K-pop, ASTRO, ZOONIZINI, MJ, Jinjin, Subunits, Music Production, K-pop Idols

## Chapters
- 0:00 — Introduction to ZOONIZINI: An announcement of the new ASTRO subunit featuring the group's eldest members, MJ and Jinjin.
- 1:00 — The Birth of a New Brand: The reasoning behind moving away from previous subunit naming conventions to a more personal identity.
- 2:00 — Curating the 'Dice' Tracklist: Details on the intensive process of reviewing 400 songs to find the perfect fit for the duo's personalities.
- 4:00 — Themes of Longevity and Friendship: How the duo uses their 13-year history and bond with fans to drive the lyrical content of the album.
- 6:00 — The Future of ASTRO: Reflections on the group's upcoming 10th anniversary and the enduring connection with their fanbase, AROHA.

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## Transcript

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