Yuehua Ent. Makes ZEROBASEONE Disbandment Official First: Fans Express Bitter Skepticism Over Future Success
ZEROBASEONE, the project group formed through Mnet’s Boys Planet, is officially reaching its end earlier than expected—at least in terms of official confirmation. While the group saw monumental success with six consecutive million-seller albums and global tours, the possibility of a contract extension has effectively been crushed. Despite being managed by WAKEONE, it was Yuehua Entertainment that took the lead in formalizing the group’s disbandment, issuing its own statement before any joint guidance was released, leaving the fandom in a state of shock and confusion.
On the 12th, Yuehua Entertainment—the agency for members Zhang Hao, Ricky, Kim Gyu-vin, and Han Yu-jin—abruptly announced that they are preparing for the “future paths” of their four artists. By stating they are “carefully reviewing various directions” for individual activities, Yuehua has essentially confirmed that ZEROBASEONE will not continue as a full group past this month. This “preemptive strike” has backfired with the K-fandom, sparking a wave of bitter skepticism as fans question the agency’s professional etiquette and express doubt over whether these members can ever replicate their current success in a post-disbandment landscape.
[K-Netizen Reactions to ZEROBASEONE Disbandment Notice]
Many fans are outraged by Yuehua’s “disrespectful” and “premature” announcement that effectively snubbed the main agency and ignored the fans.
- @yottforluv: “I knew ZEROBASEONE members were on a 2.5-year contract, and I knew from the start that they would disband. But then, shouldn’t you at least try to make a beautiful ending? I don’t understand what this behavior is. So, 4 members are out, and are we supposed to just wait to see what happens to the other 5 one by one?” https://x.com/yottforluv/status/2010539775808377135?s=20
- @eun234842622: “To be honest, even before this came out, there weren’t many days when I thought there would be a contract renewal. But with the contract period not even over yet, an individual agency is the first to announce ‘future’ activities… haha. You really don’t care about the group’s fans at all. Right… it’s my fault for believing in you. ^^” https://x.com/eun234842622/status/2010655989444579765?s=20
- @charming_kjw: “Even if it was expected, the situation where the disbandment has been made official through the statement of a third-party agency—one that didn’t even mention its own artist’s name and isn’t the current management—is just so inconsiderate, isn’t it?” https://x.com/charming_kjw/status/2010568255287754970?s=20
- @zer0_1es: “Was the original ZB1 contract end date January 10th? Did you think it would be okay to post this two days later today? Do you not think? You would have agreed to the 2-month extension, right?? Then can’t you think, ‘Oh, we extended it, so we should post it later’? I already had no affection for Yuehua, but now I’m truly disgusted.” https://x.com/zer0_1es/status/2010558619088248936?s=20
- @woontael_luck: “But seriously, is this considered respectful behavior? You put out all the comeback and concert notices and then say you’re going to disband—did you think about the fans who were happily stanning, or the artists who were working hard to prepare? I don’t understand why Yuehua hurriedly put out a statement first when WAKEONE hasn’t even taken a position. Even though the original activity period is over, this feels like crossing the line.” https://x.com/woontael_luck/status/2010587116078784806?s=20
Following the initial shock, fans are expressing deep skepticism, fearing there is no viable future for the members after the group’s disbandment.
- @hsuiwie: “Seriously, Yuehua management—no matter how much you try to re-debut them within your label, do you honestly think you can achieve even half of ZEROBASEONE’s success? It’s so obvious you’re pulling out the two popular members to debut them, but how many people who re-debuted after a survival show group have actually done better than the original group? damn it.” https://x.com/hsuiwie/status/2010545790725345705?s=20
- @hsuiwie: “If Yuehua had overflowing money and an environment to fully support them, I wouldn’t say anything. But seriously, if you debut them and they don’t get the same fire as ZB1, it’ll be a deficit. Their results will be poor, they’ll only be popular for a moment at debut and then get neglected, with only a few popular members doing solo activities. That’s why I’m saying this. Shouldn’t you have at least a few successful groups in your agency for us to trust you?”https://x.com/hsuiwie/status/2010547912649158873?s=20
More about ZEROBASEONE members > Will ZEROBASEONE Renew Like Kep1er? WAKEONE Confirms Contract Extension Talks
