Kim Jiwoong from ZEROBASEONE has recently been under heavy scrutiny. It all started with accusations from a fan who participated in a video call fansign event with Kim Jiwoong. After the call ended, a curse word was heard, allegedly spoken by Kim Jiwoong, sparking outrage online.
However, ZEROBASEONE’s company has denied the allegations, stating, “Kim Jiwoong did not curse.” Dispatch also stepped in to clear Kim Jiwoong’s name.
The fact that ateez’s bodyguard had to handle all that mess and people are saying he also helped with cleaning the poop oh that man needs a raise and an all expenses paid vacation pic.twitter.com/Tx7vK1q7Wz
— LUMEEN🌙TEEZCHELLA 2024 (@lumeenh4atesu) February 18, 2024
Following Dispatch’s investigation, Kim Jiwoong issued an apology for causing distress to fans. He also changed his bio on his Bubble account to an idiom meaning everything will eventually return to its rightful place.
Kim Jiwoong’s action is being compared to G-Dragon’s when he wanted to prove his innocence. This phrase went viral in Korea during G-Dragon’s drug use investigation, when he vehemently defended himself against accusation. Netizens believe Kim Jiwoong is trying to use his senior’s words to justify himself.
However, despite efforts by the company and Dispatch to deny the accusations, the public’s reaction to Kim Jiwoong is still negative. Some fans insist that Kim Jiwoong’s curse was real. This intensifies the wave of boycotts against Kim Jiwoong, with demands for him to leave the group becoming stronger.
Recently, ZEROBASEONE attended the 2024 Hanteo Music Awards. After ZEROBASEONE finished their performance, a fan shouted “Leave the group” (to Kim Jiwoong).
Moreover, there was a brawl within ZEROBASEONE’s fans at the scene after the fan loudly demanded Kim Jiwoong to leave the group.
Source: K14