Kim Tae-rae

Kim Tae-rae, known mononymously as Taerae, is a South Korean singer and a member of the project boy group ZEROBASEONE (ZB1). He rose to prominence as a contestant on Mnet's survival show Boys Planet in 2022-2023, where he finished 6th overall and secured a spot in the final debut lineup. Managed by WAKEONE, ZEROBASEONE debuted in July 2023 with their first mini album, featuring the hit single 'In Bloom,' which quickly amassed over 15 million streams on Spotify. As a vocalist, Taerae has been credited on numerous group tracks, contributing to the group's strong rookie presence in the K-pop industry. Despite being early in his career, his participation in multiple survival shows and his dedicated fanbase have marked him as a promising idol in the 4th generation. [edit]

Kim Tae-rae was born and raised in South Korea. Before his debut, he trained under WAKEONE Entertainment, preparing for a career as an idol. He first appeared on the survival show Top 10 Student, though details about this show are limited. His major breakthrough came when he joined Mnet's Boys Planet in December 2022, competing as a WAKEONE trainee. During the show, he showcased his vocal abilities and performance skills, ultimately finishing 6th in the final rankings. This achievement earned him a spot in the debut lineup of ZEROBASEONE, launching his professional career. [edit]

Kim Tae-rae's career took off with the debut of ZEROBASEONE in July 2023. The group's first mini album and title track 'In Bloom' were commercial successes, with the song surpassing 15 million streams on Spotify. Taerae has been an active vocalist on all of ZEROBASEONE's releases, contributing to tracks that have charted on various music platforms. The group quickly gained a strong following, and Taerae's individual popularity grew through his participation in variety shows and fan events. As of 2026, ZEROBASEONE continues to release music and tour, solidifying their position in the K-pop scene. [edit]

Kim Tae-rae, known as Taerae, is perceived by fans and media as a dedicated vocalist with a warm and earnest stage presence. As a member of ZEROBASEONE, his public persona emphasizes sincerity and hard work, traits that resonated during his journey on Boys Planet. His style often leans towards youthful, trendy K-pop fashion, favoring clean lines and soft colors that complement his approachable image. Fans describe him as humble and passionate, with a focus on improving his craft. The fandom, collectively known as ZEROSE, supports him with enthusiasm, often highlighting his vocal stability and emotional delivery. On social media, he maintains a polite and grateful tone, frequently thanking fans for their support. His aesthetic is not overly flashy but consistent with the polished, aspirational image typical of fourth-generation idols, balancing relatability with idol perfection.[edit]

Kim Tae-rae commands a dedicated following defined by its resilience and vocal appreciation, particularly during the turbulent restructuring of his group in 2026. While ZEROBASEONE navigated a complex contract crisis that threatened to dissolve the lineup into rival factions, the fanbase remained steadfast, rallying around the surviving five-member configuration. This period transformed their support from simple fandom into a narrative of loyalty, with fans actively monitoring legal and corporate developments rather than just streaming charts. The audience is characterized by a deep focus on Taerae's technical vocal prowess, often dissecting his live performances at events like KCON 2026 where he was highlighted as an all-rounder. Unlike groups with massive, organized global campaigns, this fanbase operates through intense digital engagement and emotional investment in the group's survival story. Their collective identity is less about a specific named organization and more about a shared commitment to the reformed entity, reacting swiftly to news of contract renewals and lineup changes. As the group solidified its path forward, the connection between the idol and his supporters deepened, creating a stable foundation for future promotions despite the industry-wide instability. This unique dynamic of navigating a near-collapse together has become the defining feature of his public reception. His standing in the broader cultural landscape reflects this sustained relevance. He is currently the 80th most famous person in South Korea, a position held steady from the previous cycle according to the iFANN Global Fame Rankings.[edit]

Kim Tae-rae appeared on the survival show Top 10 Student prior to his tenure on Boys Planet. During his time on Boys Planet, he secured the 6th place finish, which directly led to his debut in ZEROBASEONE. He is recognized within the group for his exceptional vocal abilities and has accumulated 83 track credits on Dork, reflecting his extensive involvement in the group's discography. As of 2026, he remains an active member of ZEROBASEONE under WAKEONE management. A significant chapter in his career unfolded in early 2026 when the group faced a potential split after several contracts expired. Reports indicated that four members planned a rival debut as a quartet, leaving the original lineup in jeopardy. However, negotiations resulted in the group continuing as a five-member act, with Taerae retaining his spot in the reorganized lineup. This event, often referred to in media as the transition from nine to five, became a defining moment for the group's history. In June 2026, he delivered a standout performance at KCON, earning praise as an all-rounder. Later that year, he expanded his artistic scope by participating in the OST for Creepy Love, further diversifying his portfolio beyond standard idol activities.[edit]

Details about Kim Tae-rae's family are not publicly available. He has not disclosed information about his parents or siblings in interviews or official profiles. [edit]

Kim Tae-rae is associated with his ZEROBASEONE groupmates, including Ricky Shen, Han Yu-jin, and Seok Matthew. He trained and competed alongside other Boys Planet contestants. He is managed by WAKEONE Entertainment. [edit]

There are no publicly confirmed romantic relationships for Kim Tae-rae. As a K-pop idol who debuted in 2023, his agency WAKEONE has not disclosed any dating history. Fan speculation exists but is not supported by credible sources. As of 2026, his relationship status is unknown, and he is presumed single based on industry norms for rookie idols. [edit]

iFANN currently estimates Kim Tae-rae's net worth at $1 million as of 2026. This valuation reflects his earnings derived primarily from his activities with ZEROBASEONE, including album sales, music streaming revenue, concert tours, and merchandise. As a rookie idol who has navigated significant group transitions, individual endorsements or separate business ventures have not been publicly reported. The commercial success of the group, marked by strong debut album sales and subsequent tours, forms the basis of his income. Specific financial figures from WAKEONE remain undisclosed, and this estimate is grounded in typical earnings patterns for idols in similar positions within the current market.[edit]