K-Pop Idol’s Statement on Korea-Japan Match Sparks Heated Debate Online

An idol explained why they couldn’t watch the Japan-Korea game with fans
Park Gunwook of Zerobaseone emphasized the need for idols to remain neutral

Zerobaseone member Park Gunwook has sparked controversy by mentioning ‘neutrality’ regarding the Korea-Japan match in soccer.

 

The South Korean U-24 national soccer team won the gold medal by defeating Japan 2-1 in the final of the 19th Hangzhou Asian Games men’s soccer tournament held on the 7th.

Park Gunwook conducted a live broadcast on the 6th before the Korea-Japan match, spending time communicating with fans.

When soccer was mentioned during the broadcast, Park Gunwook said, “It’s the Korea-Japan final. I have to watch it. It would be fun to watch it live with everyone. I’ll confirm it with the company and try it once. I can’t make promises.”

However, the day after the final, Park Gunwook said, “I can’t watch soccer today,” and drew attention by saying, “I think idols should remain neutral because it’s the Korea-Japan match. Do you know what I mean? I believe everyone will understand.”

He added, “I will watch soccer with the members. I am Korean, and ZEROSE (fandom name) fans worldwide love me, so I believe they will understand with a generous heart.”

 

This statement quickly spread through online communities and SNS. In response, some netizens criticized, saying, “Can’t a Korean cheer for Korea?”, “I don’t understand why an idol is talking about neutrality in sports,” “Isn’t it a bit excessive to be concerned about Japan’s reaction?”

On the other hand, there were also reactions of understanding, saying, “It seems like he made a mistake by speaking when he was told not to by the company,” “As an idol who also works overseas, there might be unavoidable aspects to consider.”

Meanwhile, Zerobaseone, Park Gunwook belongs, is a project group formed through the Mnet audition program Boys Planet.

By. Kim Hayeon