A disturbing video showing Zerobaseone member Zhang Hao being chased by obsessive fans, known as “sasaengs,” at a restaurant in China has gone viral. The footage reveals the K-pop star running through a crowded food court while a large group of people follows him, forcing him to leave mid-meal. Fans worldwide are expressing outrage over the invasion of his privacy and demanding better safety measures for idols.
Zhang Hao Mobbed by Fans During Private Meal
The incident occurred when Zhang Hao was eating at a hot pot restaurant in China. Surveillance footage shows him suddenly getting up and sprinting through the dining area as a crowd chases him. According to online posts, sasaeng fans recognized him and began surrounding his table, leaving him no choice but to flee.
“He was eating when sasaengs started gathering around, so he had to stop mid-meal and run away. (The guy running at the front is him.) Even popularity can be a double-edged sword.”
The video quickly spread on social media, with many users comparing the chaotic scene to a zombie chase. Netizens criticized the fans for their aggressive behavior, calling it disrespectful and dangerous.
Fans and Netizens Demand Better Protection for Idols
The viral clip has sparked widespread concern over the safety of K-pop idols, especially when they are in public spaces. Many fans blamed WAKEONE Entertainment, Zhang Hao’s agency, for not providing adequate security during his trip to China.
“I’m so sick of WAKEONE and their disregard for their idols’ safety. This is genuinely horrifying.”
“How far gone do you have to be to believe this is acceptable human behavior? Just sick.”
“This must be so scary for him. He deserves better security.”
Some called for legal action against sasaengs, who are known for stalking idols, leaking private information, and crossing personal boundaries. The issue of obsessive fans has been a long-standing problem in the K-pop industry, with many artists facing similar harassment.
Previous Incidents Involving Sasaeng Fans
This is not the first time Zhang Hao has dealt with invasive fans. In October 2024, he had to change his phone number after receiving repeated calls during a live broadcast. Another Zerobaseone member, Kim Gyuvin, was also chased by fans in a separate incident.
The growing number of such cases has led to louder calls for stricter laws and better enforcement to protect celebrities from stalking and harassment. Many argue that while fan love is important, it should never compromise an idol’s safety or mental well-being.
Zerobaseone’s Upcoming Activities
Despite the disturbing incident, Zhang Hao and Zerobaseone are preparing for their first full album, Never Say Never, set to release on September 1. A physical release in the U.S. will follow on September 5. The group recently dropped their fifth mini-album, Blue Paradise, and continues to gain global popularity.
Zhang Hao, who rose to fame after winning Mnet’s Boys Planet in 2023, has also been active as a solo artist. He released an OST for the reality show Exchange Season 3 and made appearances on Chinese variety programs like Keep Running and Knowing International High School.
