After nearly three years, K-pop group ZEROBASEONE (제로베이스원) said goodbye to their nine-member lineup with a final full group performance at their encore concert. However, their dramatic stage exit is sparking heated reactions amongst fans.
On 15th March 2026 (Sunday), ZEROBASEONE performed at their “HERE & NOW” Encore in Seoul, marking their last performance as a nine-member group. While the K-pop sensations will continue group promotions with five members, the concert still had many emotional moments as it was the final performance of members Zhang Hao (장하오), Ricky (리키), Kim Gyu Vin (김규빈) and Han Yu Jin (한유진) as ZEROBASEONE members.
@ricckybabys please tell me this is just a dream💔 #zb1 #zerobaseone #fyp #xybca #lastconcert
However, one particular moment in the night stood out to fans, albeit not in the best way. At the end of the concert, the members concluded their performance by exiting the stage one by one through a door. As seen in videos captured by fans, the members appear emotional as they bid farewell to the audience, with some members even tearing up. The door then closes as the final member exits the stage.
The dramatic exit sparked heated debate amongst ZEROSEs (ZEROBASEONE fans) and netizens. While some described the moment as a tear-jerker ending to the group’s run with nine members, others criticised the group’s management, WAKEONE and CJ ENM, for the “cruel” stage direction. Some even lamented that the exit is emotionally manipulative towards the members and the audience amid group lineup changes.
Netizens also pointed out that many of CJ ENM’s previous project groups, particularly the male groups, had similar stage exits, prompting speculations that it’s a “tradition”. However, it’s worth noting that the company previously received massive criticism for such stage direction when Wanna One held their final concert, with the public arguing it can be “traumatising” for the members and the fans.
Despite the criticism and mixed reactions, some fans argue that CJ ENM would likely continue the tradition with their future project groups. Meanwhile, the public also wished all ZEROBASEONE members the best as they navigate their respective futures.
