Kim Jiwoong's withdrawal from ZEROBASEONE has been demanded by K-ZEROSEs, as protest trucks for the quest are currently being prepared.
Read more details below.
ZEROBASEONE Kim Jiwoong Demanded to Leave by K-ZEROSEs Amid Idol's Fancall 'Swearing' Controversy
Earlier on February 2, Kim Jiwoong went viral across online communities and social media platforms for allegedly "swearing" at a fan during a video call.
According to the clips that spread like wildfire, Jiwoong bid goodbye to the fan, and the idol was allegedly heard saying "shibal" (Korean term for f**k). Responses towards the issue were divided, as some criticized Jiwoong while others defended the idol.
On February 3, ZEROBASEONE's agency WAKEONE released a brief statement, saying that the rumors claiming Jiwoong had cursed on the fancall were false.
It added that the matter was confided with Jiwoong himself and that other staff present confirmed the absence of foul language.
On February 5, K-ZEROSEs and netizens gathered in an online thread titled, "ZEROBASEONE Kim Jiwoong's resignation truck phrases after swearing at a fan."
In the post, the author uploaded a screenshot of X (Twitter) user "@kkw_out," which showed a Tweet containing four images with protest captions requesting Kim Jiwoong's departure.
"Kim Jiwoong-ssi fast, fast withdraw (t/n: word play between ssi and bbal (li) = f**k)"
"We made you debut using our votes and you returned it with swears. Kim Jiwoong, withdraw."
"If you still force yourself to stay, ZEROSEs will leave. You're the oldest hyung who's an eyesore to the eight dongsaengs (younger members)."
"Because of that one eyesore member, they became the 'hating group' of the fans. Kimm Jiwoong, withdraw."
Korean netizens stood by the fandom's opposing side against Jiwoong and were baffled as to why Jiwoong hadn't apologized for the matter yet. They also stated that even if the accusations against Jiwoong weren't true, the idol should still address the misunderstanding.
Read their comments below:
"Why isn't he apologizing?"
"He's never apologized once? That's impressive."
"You should apologize. Even if you didn't swear at fans, you should apologize for the misunderstanding."
"This sounded so much like a swear, of course, the fan will be hurt."
"The ssi-bbal wordplay was too funny, but isn't this truck going to get sued?"
"The company is just making this issue worse."
"Wow, this was so strong. He should apologize before the truck goes out."
Meanwhile, on X, international fans urged WAKEONE to protect Jiwoong. Some claimed that the protest idea was from the idol's antis and not his fans.
HELLO WOONGDEONGIES &ZE_ROSES
Here's a drive template of the English & Korean version of the email that you should send to wakeone in order to protect Jiwoong!! Please copy & paste the Email.
To the antis who are hating on Jiwoong,seriously more trucks? You have more ppl testifying there was nothing on the call, evidence the caller was a known anti& I’ve seen new that the sound was edited. I hope he& WK1 use language you deserve.this is a hate trolling acc-report it. https://t.co/dBAPiy5uY1
