Fans of the Haobin duo, Zhang Hao and Sung Hanbin, have recently expressed their concerns and accusations of homophobia directed towards WAKEONE Entertainment. The allegations stem from the company’s perceived treatment of the two ZEROBASEONE members.

zb1 haobin moments in boys planet || zhang hao & sung hanbin’s story

Haobin on ‘Boys Planet’ and beyond

Viewers of the popular show Boys Planet are well-acquainted with the deep bond between Zhang Hao and Hanbin. Their camaraderie was evident during the show’s finale, where their interactions caught the attention of many as they secured the first and second positions. Announcer Minhyun heightened the suspense by revealing that one of the two would clinch the top spot. While Hanbin consistently maintained a high rank throughout the season, Zhang Hao‘s journey from the top nine to the pinnacle was remarkable.

The climax saw Zhang Hao crowned ZEROBASEONE‘s center, with Hanbin closely following in the second position. Fans were ecstatic to see both their favorites make it to the group. However, a particular moment before the official announcement became the talk of the town. As Minhyun confirmed their inclusion in the group, an emotional Hanbin was comforted by Zhang Hao. Fans at the live show captured this heartwarming moment from various angles, with one angle seemingly showing Zhang Hao planting a gentle kiss on Hanbin‘s neck during their embrace.

Their close bond became evident in various appearances, such as their stint on Mnet’s ASMR YouTube series. Here, the duo shared endearing stories about each other, revealing instances when they found the other most adorable. Hanbin fondly spoke about Zhang Hao‘s eating habits, emphasizing how his tendency to smile while eating was a sight to behold. Zhang Hao reciprocated the sentiment, mentioning how he often captured Hanbin‘s cute moments, especially when he ate eggs.

Is WAKEONE homophobic?

However, the bubble burst when fans began to suspect WAKEONE of taking discriminatory actions against the duo’s closeness. A recent poll by Forbes Korea on the Idol Champion app asked fans to vote for the idol pair with the most chemistry. The reward for the winning duo was a one-page ad and a news PR story in the magazine’s October edition. With over 60% of the votes, Zhang Hao and Hanbin emerged victoriously. Yet, fans were taken aback when the edition preview showcased a group photo of ZEROBASEONE instead of the winning duo. Idol Champ later apologized, attributing the oversight to the lack of “official images” of the pair. However, fans were unconvinced and believed that WAKEONE could have provided the required images.

This incident, coupled with rumors that WAKEONE has been trying to distance Zhang Hao and Hanbin due to their closeness, has fueled suspicions of the company’s homophobic intentions. While it’s essential not to speculate about their personal lives, such behavior, if proven true, can be considered homophobia.

In the ever-evolving world of K-pop, agencies must foster an environment of acceptance and understanding. Only time will tell how this controversy unfolds and its implications for the industry, especially since ZEROBASEONE is due for a comeback. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: Fans suspect ZEROBASEONE’s agency of keeping Haobin apart. Source: X/@haobinzzang.