Pop Review: ASTRO MJ and Jinjin Roll Out the Fun as ZOONIZINI with DICE Mini Album

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ASTRO MJ and Jinjin as ZOONIZINI with DICE

AROHAs, it’s happening! MJ and Jinjin have arrived as ZOONIZINI with their 1st mini album DICE, serving catchy, fun tracks that take you on a sonic journey.

On August 13, 2025, ASTRO’s main vocalist MJ and leader and main rapper Jinjin made their sub-unit debut as ZOONIZINI, with their feel-good 1st mini album DICE, featuring six tracks that flow like an unpredictable journey through a new and unfamiliar world—like rolling a dice.

ASTRO’s hyung line—MJ (Kim Myung Jun) and Jinjin (Park Jin Woo)—came together to form ZOONIZINI, combining ‘ZOONI’ from Jun and ‘ZINI’ from Jin. It’s such a fun way to mark the start of their duo journey.

Their 1st mini album, DICE, is pure fun while also brimming with nostalgic vibes about trips and friendships that make you smile and reminisce. MJ’s vocals shine as always, and Jinjin impresses not only as a rapper but also as a singer and composer on five of the six tracks, except for “Utopia.”

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Dice Tracklist

Some Things Never Change

“Some Things Never Change” is a hot summertime, cool soundtrack—the one that will make you move, dance, and sing along. With its nostalgic upbeat and playful vibe, the song beautifully captures carefree youthful memories and lasting friendships.

The music video is lively and playful, following two friends preparing for a trip, while cleverly nodding to ASTRO’s decade-long journey with references like the packages from MJ’s solo “Get Set Yo” and the luggage from “After Midnight.”

It’s a joyful, energetic track that blends nostalgia with growth—a reminder that while life moves forward, some moments and bonds remain timeless.

New World

This track feels like being pulled into a hidden, magical realm, with ZOONIZINI as your guides. Those opening bird chippings instantly set the scene—paradise, fantasy, a breath of fresh air.

It feels like they’re exploring and inviting listeners along for the ride. Imagine blasting this while watching trees sway in the wind, with a sense of calm and peace washing over you—”New World” makes you feel exactly that. 

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Utopia

If “New World” introduces you to the unknown, “Utopia” invites you to dive in, have fun, and dance through this newfound paradise. 

In this space, in this moment

Set your heart on fire, good time good time

Laugh without a care, yah

In utopia

With its funky, disco-infused beat, “Utopia” radiates pure feel-good energy. Compared to “New World,” it feels brighter, and more playful—a lively celebration of freedom and limitless possibilities. This is the kind of track that makes you move, smile, and feel truly alive—a perfect soundtrack for a dreamlike escape.

Favorite Memory

Listening to this track feels like flipping through snapshots of life’s best moments—warm, nostalgic, and unforgettable. “Favorite Memory” doesn’t weigh you down with sadness; instead, it overflows with gratitude, reminding you to hold onto every fleeting moment with friends. 

The magic of this track lies in how it lets Jinjin’s improved vocals shine, while MJ’s harmonies and adlibs weave around them—softer, prettier, and simply impactful.

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Starlight Voyage

“Starlight Voyage” isn’t just a song—it’s a feeling. With its dreamy pop-rock vibe, it captures the magic of a journey’s last night. It’s the kind of track that makes you pause, breathe, and realize that endings can feel just as beautiful as beginnings.

Restart

This is the kind of song that instantly lifts you up, reminding you that it’s never too late to start over. “Restart” carries a quiet reassurance, as if MJ and Jinjin are personally urging us to look ahead with hope. 

After the day’s exhaustion, it’s like a refresh button—lifting the burden and restoring positivity. As the album’s final track and the end of ZOONIZINI’s trip, it doesn’t mark an end but instead sparks anticipation for the next journey.

With DICE, ZOONIZINI takes us on a full journey—each track unfolding like a different roll of the dice. From the excitement of setting out to the anticipation of what’s next, every song carries its own distinct color while radiating MJ and Jinjin’s warmth and energy. The result is an album that’s not only fun and vibrant but also deeply comforting—a true showcase of storytelling through music.

The album feels like the perfect companion: something to keep on repeat during a trip or to wind down with after a long day, turning ordinary moments into something meaningful.

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If you could pick just one song from ZOONIZINI’s DICE to put on repeat, which would it be?


Source: Fantagio Music

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