WAKEONE’s Recent Actions With ZEROBASEONE’s Ricky Has Fans Demanding Better Treatment For The Idol

WAKEONE‘s recent actions with ZEROBASEONE‘s Ricky have fans of the group demanding better treatment.

Since he made his first appearance on Mnet‘s show Boys Planet, Ricky has been gaining huge popularity through his talent, visuals, and charisma.

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It earned Ricky fourth place and a spot in ZEROBASEONE but, since the group was formed, netizens have raised concerns about Ricky’s treatment.

Earlier in the month, netizens shared their anger about the “erasure” of Ricky from content, such as the Mnet reality show trailer and the group chant from the KCON behind-the-scenes footage. While it was only early, many thought it wasn’t acceptable and could easily showcase Ricky’s future.

what i don’t get is why people are calling riyangis dramatic for being (rightfully) upset about the ricky erasure in the recent content. if ur bias barely had screentime on the show and is now being treated as if he’s not even a part of the group you’d be upset too no?

— pastor jenn (@rickybaebae) June 8, 2023

1. lack of closeup and clear magazine shots
2. no solo portions on the kcon behind ep 2
3. no solo parts in the reality show teaser
4. not included in the group chant

they haven’t debuted yet but the ricky erasure is just becoming worse… like ricky is a zb1 member too hello pic.twitter.com/YIiyoxejXb

— ۟ (@shenqrui) June 8, 2023

ppl who say riyangis are overreacting can stfu cuz why is ricky the only member who didn't get a close up shot for the magazine, got wrong subtitles, got no screentime and didn't talk in that behind vid and now why would they put a clip of an ot8 chant when there was an ot9 one?

— 아라 (@rickkoyangi) June 8, 2023

Yet, it seems like fans are angered again after recent actions from WAKEONE have netizens demanding better treatment for Ricky.

On June 11, ZEROBASEONE was spotted at the airport, and it seemed like the members were flying to Jeju to film an upcoming reality series.

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Jeju Island is in Korea, so you wouldn’t need a passport unless you’re not a Korean citizen.

WAKEONE seemingly forgot about the fact they had two Chinese members in the group, and when Zhang Hao and Ricky went to be checked in, they were refused entry as they didn’t have their passports.

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While the anger was initially about WAKEONE’s lack of preparation and treatment towards Ricky and Hao, the follow-up had fans even more infuriated.

It seems as if the company employees found a way for Hao to get on the plane, whether it was a photo or some proof from his phone.

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It meant that only Ricky was unable to fly with the rest of the members. Although it isn’t always possible to change flights, especially overseas, many thought they would change the flight or at least postpone filming until Ricky arrived in Jeju Island.

Instead of waiting for the idol, not only did netizens notice that Ricky was left alone at the airport…

But that when the other eight members landed in Jeju, they immediately started recording without Ricky.

When all the clips were shared, netizens couldn’t hide their anger at Ricky’s treatment again. Although WAKEONE’s lack of preparation impacted both the group’s Chinese members, it was Ricky who had to stay alone while the rest of the group traveled together to record.

we voted for ricky in the group because we want to see him in the group, this constant mismanagement that always end up in ricky not being shown is frustrating and they haven’t even debuted yet

ZEROBASEONE IS 9#WakeoneTreatRickyBetter#RICKY_IS_ZB1 pic.twitter.com/NkmPoKXswi

— jia (@520springs) June 11, 2023

This is so heartbreaking, he went to the airport with a smile on his face and after his flight got delayed his smile disappeared

ZEROBASEONE IS 9#WakeoneTreatRickyBetter#RICKY_IS_ZB1 pic.twitter.com/CmksYkCToN

— mei | 沈泉锐✧ (@rickysehn) June 11, 2023

ricky following hao hyung to show his boarding ticket then the security saying “if u dont have a passport u cant pass” then both looking very worried. this could have been avoided if w1 inform them to bring passports#WakeoneTreatRickyBetter#RICKY_IS_ZB1pic.twitter.com/4B5le9QwGw

— hill (@haobinsplanet) June 11, 2023

Of course, it’s not about fans wanting special treatment for Ricky, but just that he is given the same respect as the rest of the members. For a group that hasn’t debuted, it would be hard to be split up from the members, and considering Ricky is Chinese, it would’ve been harder.

You can read more about netizens’ anger with Ricky’s treatment below.

Netizens Express Anger At ZEROBASEONE Ricky’s “Erasure” From Recent Group Content