Ricky from the K-pop boy group ZEROBASEONE will unfortunately be absent from the upcoming 2023 Asia Artist Awards (AAA) in the Philippines due to visa-related complications.
On Monday, December 11, WAKEONE Entertainment revealed that Ricky will not be able to attend the award ceremony. The agency representing the group explained that there’s “unforeseen” issues with passport and visa processing.
“Despite efforts internally and externally and exploring various solutions to facilitate Ricky’s participation in the event, it has been conclusively determined that he cannot depart,” the agency said, according to a translation by Soompi.
[INFO] Ricky will not be able to attend the '2023 Asia Artist Awards' due to passport and visa issues that could not have been resolved on time.
The '2023 Asia Artist Awards' scheduled for the 14th will be attended by 8 members except Ricky ://#ZB1 #ZEROBASEONE #제로베이스원… https://t.co/DyQXmgjFWx pic.twitter.com/XOQVHsmqQz
— ZEROBASEONE GLOBAL (@GLOBALBASEONE) December 11, 2023
As a result, only eight members of ZEROBASEONE will be present at the AAA 2023. Additionally, Sung Han Bin, one of the group members, was earlier confirmed to be an MC for the event.
Furthermore, WAKEONE Entertainment expressed their sincere apologies for any confusion caused among fans eagerly anticipating Ricky’s attendance in the show. As the agency requested understanding from fans, they also assured them that they’d provide unwavering support to ensure the group’s smooth participation in all upcoming international events and schedules.
Despite this, some fans still called out WAKEONE Entertainment as this isn’t the first time for Ricky to experience visa-related issues. Some fans also raised several instances of the company’s alleged mistreatment of the idol. Meanwhile, others are also lamenting at the missed opportunity of not having the full group in the said prestigious event.
on june 11th, ricky was left behind at the airport due to wakeone's incompetence. 5 months later, the situation repeats itself again. @wakeone_offcl how long will we have to tolerate this type of treatment towards ricky?#RICKYISZB1 pic.twitter.com/USq1CjIVaB
— luc (@haozh4ng) December 11, 2023
It is actually horrifying to me that Wakeone is holding onto Ricky’s personal documents like his passport, and they are able to stop him from performing internationally and blame it on “unexpected circumstances”.
Once is incompetency, twice is intentionally harming him.
— 키키 (@riknyang) December 11, 2023
The AAA 2023 is scheduled for December 14 at the Philippine Arena in Bulacan. Over 45 acts are confirmed to grace the event. Most of the artists in the lineup are from South Korea, while there’s also representatives from Japan, China, and the Philippines.
More about ZEROBASEONE
ZEROBASEONE, a nine-member boy group formed through the talent reality show Boys Planet, officially debuted in July. Their debut album, YOUTH IN THE SHADE, achieved significant success by breaking several sales records.
In November, the group made a highly-anticipated comeback with their second album, MELTING POINT.
Recently, the rookie group has been receiving acclaim by winning in year-end awards. In MAMA Awards 2023, they were named the Best New Male Artist. Meanwhile, they tied with fellow rookie boy group RIIZE for New Artist of the Year at Melon Music Awards.
Featured image: Ricky poses for the group’s profile photos. Credit: Facebook/ZEROBASEONE
