The backlash against ZEROBASEONE Kim Jiwoong has not died down, as banners have been spotted demanding his withdrawal from the group.
Earlier this year, Kim Jiwoong was accused of being rude to fans. During a fan call screen recording by a fan shared online, Kim Jiwoong was heard swearing when he thought the call had ended.
Unfortunately, the fan was still on the line, and questioned whether or not he was cursing at her and other fans waiting to meet him.
Read also: ZEROBASEONE Kim Jiwoong Criticized For 'Lacking' Performance Skills + ZEROSEs Defend Idol
Kim Jiwoong has not released a statement on the matter, though WAKEONE has announced they will be taking legal action against those spreading misinformation and malicious comments against their artists.
On May 13, 2024, a post titled "Banners requesting ZEROBASEONE Kim Jiwoong's withdrawal" was uploaded to the popular South Korean online community forum TheQoo.
There, the original poster shared a tweet from a union that demanded Kim Jiwoong's withdrawal from ZEROBASEONE. In the tweet, they noted that the second banner protested Kim Jiwoong's status as a ZEROBASEONE member. The banner was placed from May 7 to May 9.
The banners read, "Kim Jiwoong, who never apologized for swearing, withdraw." Another one states, "Kim Jiwoong, who is ruining the group, withdraw." The final banner reads, "WAKEONE who is standing idly despite the severity of the situation, take responsibility."
Those who saw the post were shocked that Kim Jiwoong was still part of the group, as they assumed that he had already left. Many sympathized with the fans, stating that it must be hard to stand with a group with a member so deep in his controversy.
Others slammed Kim Jiwoong for remaining silent all these months, stating that he is shameless and harming ZEROBASEONE.
FOR YOUR INFORMATION: ZEROBASEONE Kim Jiwoong Caught Swearing After Fancall
Some comments read,
- "This is still a thing?"
- "He's still part of the group? Please hurry up and leave."
- "Wow, Kim Jiwoong is so shameless. He's making sure the group gets canceled."
- "They are still going at it?"
- "He's hasn't withdrew yet?"
- "To the fans, fighting!"
- "Please withdraw."
- "If you can't kick Kim Jiwoong out, at least put him on hiatus. This is seriously annoying. Just withdraw. I want the group to promote without any worries."
- "I still remember how WAKEONE dealt with the issue. It was legendary."
- "I seriously pity the members and the fans."
What do you think of the situation? Tell us in the comments below!
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Written by Alexa Lopez