CJENM Responds to HYBE’s Alleged ‘Ugly’ Comment About ZEROBASEONE in Controversial Internal Report: A Synergy of Handsomeness

On October 30, 2024, CJENM responded to claims by HYBE that suggested their internal report hinted at ZEROBASEONE’s perceived unattractiveness. This controversial internal document stirred discussions after being unveiled during a National Assembly Audit by Min Hyun-bae, a representative from the Democratic Party of Korea.

CJENM took to the Mnet Plus app to showcase the new K-pop ensemble, highlighting their good looks with a post titled A Synergy of Handsomeness: Moments of ZEROBASEONE’s Visual Blessings. This release sharply contrasted HYBE’s disparaging comment found in the same internal document, which referred to a K-pop group possessing a “synergy of ugliness that is hard to stand.”

Moreover, the internal report stated that the K-pop group had recently performed on Amazing Saturday and was featured on the KStarNextDoor4 talk show. With ZEROBASEONE appearing on both platforms, speculation arose that they were the group being referenced.

The report included the following statement:

“As a whole, they are scheduled to appear on Amazing Saturday. They have two episodes on K Star Next Door, one of which has already been aired. When the members come together, they create this synergy of ugliness that is hard to stand…”

Despite the reference, the official name of the K-pop group was omitted when the details were shared during the National Assembly Audit livestream.

Insights into the Rookie Group ZEROBASEONE from WakeOne Entertainment

ZEROBASEONE, a newly debuted boy group, was formed through Mnet’s competitive survival show Boys Planet and is quickly making a name for itself in the K-pop scene. Affectionately referred to as ZB1 by fans, this nine-member group launched under WakeOne Entertainment in 2023.

Their debut EP, Youth in the Shade, was released in July 2023 and rapidly ascended to the top of the South Korean Circle Album Chart. Remarkably, it achieved over 2 million sales within its first day, breaking the record for highest first-day sales for a K-pop boy group debut album. Their lead single, In Bloom, showcases a vibrant blend of electronic pop paired with invigorating summer tones that resonate with the group’s youthful theme.

The group was assembled through the challenges of Boys Planet and comprises members Han Yujin, Zhang Hao, Sung Hanbin, Kim Jiwoong, Kim Gyuvin, Park Gunwook, Seok Matthew, Ricky, and Kim Taerae.

Zhang Hao earned the top position in the survival series, taking on the role of the group’s center vocalist, while Sung Han-bin was appointed as the leader and visual of the ensemble.

Matthew, Taerae, and Ricky contribute as vocalists, in contrast to Gyuvin, Jiwoong, Yujin, and Gunwook, who serve as both rappers and vocalists. The group boasts a vibrant interplay of talents, ranging from impressive rap abilities to dynamic dance performances and vocal skills.

On September 27, 2024, ZEROBASEONE announced their upcoming release of Only One Story, which will serve as the opening theme for Rayquaza Rising, the fourth chapter of Pokémon Horizons: The Series. The song was featured in episode 68, which premiered on October 11, 2024.

Source