An idol who goes back to the ‘gift’ era on the 12th day of his debut
An idol who goes back to the ‘gift’ era on the 12th day of his debut
The wrong judgment of my agency is ruining my career as a singer. The new group 'Zero Base One', which has not even made its proper debut yet, has been at the center of controversy from the beginning. When it comes to ‘support’, it seems like they are caught between the fans and the agency and can’t do anything about it.

Zero Base One is a 9-member boy group that was recently created through Mnet's idol audition program 'Boys Planet'. The nine members of Zero Base One include 1st place Jang Hao, 2nd place Seong Han-bin, 3rd place Matthew Seok, 4th place Ricky, 5th place Gun-wook Park, 6th place Kim Tae-rae, and 7th place, who were selected by the final viewer vote in the last broadcast of 'Boys Planet' last month. There is Gyu-bin Kim, Ji-woong Kim in 8th place, and Yu-jin Han in 9th place.

Zero Base One is preparing to debut around the middle of this year. However, before their official debut, they will hold their first official stage through 'KCON JAPAN 2023' on the 13th and 14th.
An idol who goes back to the ‘gift’ era on the 12th day of his debut
An idol who goes back to the ‘gift’ era on the 12th day of his debut
However, for those who survived the audition competition with the dream of becoming a singer, what currently unfolds is a dirt road, not a flowery one. Their agency, Wake One, recently posted a notice stating that they would receive support, which is prohibited even by large entertainment companies. The first post posted after forming the debut group was 'Guide to fan letters and support applications', which was enough to infuriate fans.

Usually, for idols whose debut is confirmed, it is considered polite and customary to thank the fans who have supported them so far. However, Wake One listed in detail how to send 'gifts' to members and what 'gifts' should be sent.
An idol who goes back to the ‘gift’ era on the 12th day of his debut
An idol who goes back to the ‘gift’ era on the 12th day of his debut
According to the controversial notice, 'We will not respond separately regarding receipt of support', 'Food and breakable items are not accepted', 'Please prepare a disposable device for meal support', 'There is no support certification process, and you may be disadvantaged if you request it. 'It says.

In the entertainment industry, fans' 'tribute culture' has long since disappeared. In the past, there were controversies between fandoms as they competed for expensive gifts, but now we often see stars giving 'counter-tribute' to their fans. The number of celebrities who politely refuse gifts from fans is increasing.
An idol who goes back to the ‘gift’ era on the 12th day of his debut
An idol who goes back to the ‘gift’ era on the 12th day of his debut
However, Zero Base One, which prides itself on being a 5th generation group, was different. We are going backwards with the times. 12 days have passed since the final announcement of ‘Boys Planet’. The agency is already hoping for tribute from fans.

If the agency continues to respond with a commercial focus, fans will have no choice but to turn away before the official album is released. At the same time, Wake One's response to fans as if they are 'money' ultimately remains like a 'tag' to the singer.
An idol who goes back to the ‘gift’ era on the 12th day of his debut
An idol who goes back to the ‘gift’ era on the 12th day of his debut
The conflict between the fans who have been supporting the star and the star is truly an irreversible tragedy. It is very important to actively listen to the growing voices of fans. The appearance of the agency taking the initiative to 'eradicate' support by making counter demands is 'poisonous' to the star.

Fans are demanding that Wake One's support notice be withdrawn. In a phone call with a reporter from this newspaper, a Wake One official responded, "There is nothing to explain. It is the same as the notice."

Ryu Ye-ji, Ten Asia Reporter ryuperstar@tenasia.co.kr
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