ZEROBASEONE is facing backlash for plagiarizing the Japanese manga Slam Dunk with their pre-single and fan chant.
The controversy began after ZEROBASEONE dropped their pre-single SLAM DUNK. Fans quickly pointed out that the group copied exact lines from the original manga in the fan chant. Many accused the group and their agency WAKEONE of disrespecting the manga’s legacy and culture.
One fan tweeted:
Can this be forgiven? And you’re making the fans say it? What do you think will happen if we perform this at a concert or award ceremony where fans of the manga are present? Have you not thought about this before? Where is your conscience?
Another added:
WAKEONE, have you lost your mind? I already knew they were crazy, but this has seriously crossed the line. You guys don’t do anything right, and yet you copy someone else’s culture and make the fans yell it out? Stop playing. This shows you have zero respect for fans. Get a hold of yourselves.
Fans have started defending the members, saying the blame lies solely with WAKEONE:
The fans are already dying from embarrassment, so please stop attacking the members. It’s not like they wanted to do this. If you are going to bash someone, please bash the incompetent company.
Some on social media argued the group should be excused because “Slam Dunk is a basketball term before it was a manga title.” But others delivered a harsher critique.
The biggest issue seems to be the overall concept. Critics pointed out the group copied more than just fan chants — the music video’s styling including hand gestures referencing “No.1” and basketball uniform designs closely imitate the manga’s iconic visuals.
One fan remarked:
The concept itself is more problematic than the fan chant. They even copied the ‘No.1’ message on the hand. People say the term is just a basketball term and that the jersey looks like the Chicago Bulls uniform. Well, now it looks like they are just straight-up taking lines from the manga…
The backlash is gaining traction on social media, with many calling on WAKEONE to issue an apology and rethink the concept.
ZEROBASEONE has not publicly responded yet. Fans and critics continue to monitor the situation closely as this controversy unfolds.
