Park Gunwook of ZEROBASEONE has issued a public apology after coming under fire for allegedly manipulating the result of a Polaroid giveaway during a recent fan event.
The controversy erupted amid the group’s latest comeback promotions, which included a series of offline fan events and fan signings. One particular event featured a special drawing in which attendees had the chance to win an additional signed Polaroid photo from the members.
During the event, each ZEROBASEONE member drew a number and announced it aloud to determine the winner of a signed Polaroid prize. Park Gunwook also participated, drawing a slip of paper and announcing that the winning number was 10. However, after footage from the event began circulating online, some fans claimed that the number written on the slip was not actually 10. Fans closely analyzed screenshots and video clips of the moment, pointing to the semi-transparent paper used in the drawing. According to some viewers, the number appeared to resemble a 6 with an underline rather than a 10.
The speculation quickly spread across social media and online communities, leading to accusations that the result may have been altered in favor of a particular attendee.
As discussions intensified, some fans accused Gunwook of intentionally announcing a different number than the one he had drawn. One social media user wrote: “Is the alleged signed Polaroid manipulation incident involving ZEROBASEONE’s Park Gunwook actually real? He picked number 9 to give to a Japanese fan and then confidently said it was number 10. There were multiple cameras there and everyone was watching did he really think he wouldn’t get caught?”
Others criticized unrelated aspects of his behavior at the event. Despite the growing criticism, it remains unclear whether the discrepancy was intentional, a misunderstanding, or the result of the angle and quality of the footage circulating online.
On June 5, Gunwook addressed the controversy through the fan communication platform Bubble, sharing a handwritten-style message apologizing for his actions. “I should have been more careful in my judgment and actions at the event, but I wasn’t,” he wrote. “I take seriously the fact that I caused confusion and hurt to many people.”
The idol acknowledged the disappointment felt by fans and apologized to those who were affected by the incident. “I sincerely apologize to those who were confused and hurt because of my shortcomings.” Gunwook also expressed regret for letting down fans, known collectively as ZEROSE, during the group’s comeback promotions. He further apologized to his fellow ZEROBASEONE members and the staff who worked alongside the group throughout the album promotions.
Concluding his statement, Gunwook promised to learn from the controversy and become more mindful of his actions moving forward. “I will act more carefully in the future and sincerely reflect and grow so that I can become someone who deserves the trust ZEROSE places in me.”
While debate continues among fans regarding what exactly occurred during the giveaway drawing, Gunwook’s apology appears to acknowledge the confusion and disappointment that followed the incident. The controversy comes at a sensitive time as ZEROBASEONE continues promotions for its latest comeback. (Note: There are no TV shows or movies mentioned in this text to bold).
Full statement:
Hello, this is Park Gunwook of ZEROBASEONE.
I am writing this message to sincerely apologize for my actions at the recent fan signing event.
At the time, I should have been more careful and thoughtful in my judgment and behavior, but I failed to do so. I take very seriously the fact that my actions caused confusion and hurt to many people. I sincerely apologize to everyone who was hurt or troubled because of my shortcomings.
Even though I have always cherished the support and affection that fans give me, I am sorry that I was unable to live up to those feelings. I will not take this incident lightly and will genuinely reflect on my actions.
I would also like to apologize once again to all the ZEROSEs who supported and believed in me throughout this album promotion, only to be disappointed by me. In addition, I want to apologize to my fellow ZEROBASEONE members and the staff members who work hard alongside us.
From now on, I will be more careful in my actions and sincerely reflect and grow so that I can become someone who is worthy of the trust that ZEROSEs place in me.
Once again, I am truly sorry.
Sources: 네이트 뉴스
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