Sad news, ZEROSE: Ricky won’t be able to join this year’s Asia Artist Awards in the Philippines due to passport and visa issues.
ZEROBASEONE’s agency WAKEONE Entertainment made the announcement on Monday, Dec. 11.
“We regret to inform you that due to unforeseen circumstances affecting passport and visa issuance, ZEROBASEONE member Ricky will not be able to attend the 2023 Asia Artist Awards,” the agency said in a statement, as translated by Korean media Soompi.
“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,” it added.
The management said that the group will push through with the event, which will happen on Dec. 14 at the Philippine Arena with its remaining eight members, including Seok Matthew, Kim Ji-woong, Zhang Hao, Kim Tae-rae, Kim Gyu-vin, Park Gun-wook, Han Yu-jin, and Sung Han-bin—who will also serve as one of the hosts of the event.
“We sincerely apologize for any confusion caused to the fans eagerly awaiting. Moving forward, we promise to provide our utmost support to ensure ZEROBASEONE’s seamless participation in all future overseas events and schedules,” WAKEONE Entertainment concluded.
ZEROBASEONE was formed from Mnet’s talent reality show Boys Planet. Since their debut in July, they have released two EPs titled Youth in the Shade and Melting Point.
Since 2016, the AAA has been putting the spotlight and celebrating Asian excellence in film, music, television, and digital content.
First time to be held in the Philippines, this year’s edition will be graced by some of the biggest names in the industry, including K-drama stars like Kim Seon-ho, Ahn Hyo Seop, Kim Sejeong, and Moon Gayoung as well as K-pop acts like NewJeans, Le Sserafim, Stray Kids, and NMIXX.
Pinoy celebrities such as Kathryn Bernardo, Daniel Padilla, and Melai Cantiveros will also attend the event.
AAA 2023 is mounted by the Asia Artist Awards Organizing Committee, StarNews Korea, and local event organizer PULP Live World.
