ZEROBASEONE Fans Slam “Xenophobic” Photo Edits By Melon

Fans are demanding the platform make changes.

Zeroses (ZEROBASEONE fans) have slammed music streaming platform Melon for making photo edits they believe show prejudice towards certain group members.

ZEROBASEONE | @ZB1_Official/Twitter

ZEROBASEONE are currently prepping for one of the most anticipated debuts of 2023. Following the finale of Boys Planet, the winning trainees have entertained fans with various content, like magazine features.

| Super Elle

In June, the group’s album name, Youth In The Shade, was finally announced as concept teasers and videos were released.

Before their July 10th debut, the group were added to the streaming platform Melon, one of Korea’s most popular music store and streaming service. Unfortunately, the platform changed several photos of the group, triggering criticism from fans.

First, on the group’s special Hi-RiSing page, the header photo has been altered from the original, moving the group’s center, Zhang Hao, from his position to the edge of the photo.

Zhang Hao in the center of the original photo. | @ZB1_Official/Twitter
Zhang Hao is moved to the bottom left corner in this photo. | Melon

Another photo of the group has been rearranged in another section of their profile, moving the group and placing Zhang Hao and Ricky on the edges. Fans also criticized Melon’s overall editing because Kim Gyuvin was cropped entirely from another photo, though that seems to have been fixed.

Zhang Hao (center) and Ricky (second going from right to left) in the original photo. | @ZB1_Official/Twitter
Zhang Hao (now bottom row, second from left) and Ricky (bottom row, last from left to right) | Melon
The top photo shows only eight members of ZEROBASEONE. | Melon

Ricky and Zhang Hao are Chinese, leading some fans to believe these edits were made with prejudice in mind.

Considering ZEROBASEONE are the most followed 2023 Rookie Group on Melon, it’s no surprise these changes were noticed. Fans have organized efforts to contact WAKEONE and inform them of the changes that need to be made.

ZEROBASEONE

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