ZEROBASEONE's Kim Ji Woong faces an ongoing controversy over allegedly saying "Ssibal (f**k)" at the end of a fan meeting video call.

About a week ago, Kim Ji Woong faced criticism for allegedly using inappropriate language, specifically uttering the word "Ssibal (FU*K)," directed towards a fan following a video call fan meeting.

Immediately after the video went viral, WAKEONE Entertainment released a statement regarding the spread of false information. The agency warned that it would take stern legal action against those spreading rumors and false information.

This caused much disappointment and anger for a few fans, leading them to rally protest trucks in front of WAKEONE Entertainment CJ ENM requesting ZEROBASEONE Kim Ji Woong's withdrawal.

Then on February 8, the ZEROBASEONE fan union released a statement with demands that Kim Ji Woong halt activities until the controversy is clarified.

The statement read, "Currently, due to the profanity controversy involving ZEROBASEONE member Kim Ji Woong, not only is the group's image tarnished, but also other members unrelated to the controversy are suffering."

They added, "The ambiguous statement released by the affiliated agency WakeOne immediately after the controversy only serves to exacerbate confusion and division. Despite demands for further clarification from the fans united, your company remains silent and continues to observe the situation."

Fans are now demanding that WAKEONE Entertainment release another statement addressing the situation. They stated, "Despite the subsequent secondary statement from the video uploader regarding your company's initial claim of falsehood, both your company and Kim Ji Woong have avoided making clear statements. Therefore, we demand detailed and accurate explanations of your company's and Kim Ji Woong's positions regarding the controversy. Your company has stated that it will clearly determine the facts of the controversy through digital media forensics. If this is an ongoing process, we request clarification on whether procedures for evidence-gathering and fact-checking are underway. If not, we seek specific explanations on whether announcements regarding digital forensics were merely attempts to quell the controversy by diverting attention."

Fans also demanded that Kim Ji Woong halt activities until all the controversy is cleared. The fans united explained, "If your company does not clarify its position by 11:59 PM on February 11, 2024, the entire ZEROBASEONE fan alliance will express a strong stance, such as boycotting all future activities of ZEROBASEONE."

Korean netizens commented, "They thought this issue would go away if they stayed silent," "He needs to stop being an idol," "What kind of idol says  'Ssibal' to his fans?" "WAKEONE shouldn't have released that statement about false accusations immediately after the video was released," "Good," "They are continuing to fight with fans?" and "I guess the company thought the fan would get scared and be quiet if they said they would file a lawsuit," and "Geez."