ZB1 Zhang Hao receives mixed reactions from Koreans after previous editions reappeared
ZB1 Zhang Hao, the first Chinese to go from an audition program to the center of a K-pop group, is getting mixed reactions from Koreans after finding out he was involved in THIS controversy in the past.
(Photo: Zhang Hao (Kpop Wiki))
The first batch of Mnet’s idol survival program Boys Planet has finally been cast!
On April 20th, the official TOP9 ranking was announced during the show’s finale, which presented the winners as the final lineup debuting in a new group called ZB1 (ZEROBASEONE).
Among the 18 finalists, the trainee sitting at the top surprised the onlookers, none other than Chinese trainee Zhang Hao. He made history as the first foreigner among the program groups produced by Mnet.
(Photo: Zhang Hao (Kpop Wiki))
ALSO READ: 3 Reasons Boys Planet Finale Disappoints Viewers: “Why Isn’t Sung Hanbin #1?”
As a result, he’ll automatically debut as the team’s focal point, get the killer part of their title track, and have his solo track — some of the show’s promised rewards.
Although many K-pop enthusiasts supporting the show testified that Zhang Hao undoubtedly deserved to be in the top 1 due to his impeccable talent and skills, some viewers were skeptical. A REASON– the fact that he is Chinese.
Concern is growing as many Chinese idols have shown incomprehensible movements amid growing anti-Chinese sentiment over China’s cultural invasion, which has been highlighted since the 2010s.
(Photo: Zhang Hao (Kpop Wiki))
ZB1 Zhang Hao faces initial controversy ahead of official debut
As a result, Zhang Hao’s earlier controversial move was revisited.
In online communities, the idol will soon debut Raised eyebrows after learning that he attended the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) 100th Anniversary Celebration organized by the Communist Party Committee of Fujian Normal University.
The Gongcheongdan is a Chinese Communist Party youth group that claims to provide anti-American aid and that China aided North Korea by participating in the Korean War against the United States.
Zhang Hao is scheduled to perform a song dedicated to the revolutionary martyrs to celebrate the centenary of the Communist Party.
(Photo: Zhang Hao (Kpop Wiki))
When the news broke that Zhang Hao was singing in a Chinese Communist Party youth group claiming anti-American aid, netizens lashed out, saying:
- “Please stop looking in Chinese.”
- “Do you want to come to a capitalist country to make money while promoting the Communist Party?”
The Korean fans in particular seem to be more reticent as they debut as the focal point of the group with first place in the finals.
Previously, Chinese idol singers EXO Lay, f(x) Victoria, Kyulkyung, (G)I-DLE Yuqi and others who have publicly shown their support for One China have been heavily criticized, prompting Koreans to raise concerns about Zhang Hao.
LEARN MORE: K-Media Outlet Releases Infographics About Chinese Idols Being Criticized For Supporting China + Why People Want Them Banned In Korea
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Written by Eunice Dawson.
