For all the right reasons.
ZEROBASEONE member Taerae is making headlines with his candid take on South Korea’s political sensitivities. In a climate where celebrities walk on eggshells during elections, even a casual gesture like a peace sign can stir controversy. Poses that resemble political symbols or the use of party colors are generally avoided, reflecting the heightened scrutiny faced by public figures.

- I’m back in Korea.
- Oh yeah, oh right.
- Sigh…
- They said I can’t do a peace sign in this climate LOL.
- I’ll neutralize it using my phone’s color…
His witty remarks had netizens laughing out loud. As one user put it, “Neutralizing it LOL so f*cking funny.” Others joined in, praising his humor and the cleverness of using his phone color to diffuse any tension surrounding the gesture.

- Neutralizing with his phone color LOOOOL.
- What the, he’s hilarious LOL.
- Good thing he bought the phone hahaha.
- Neutralizing with his phone color, f*ck.
Taerae’s straightforward and humorous approach is a refreshing change in an industry where idols often tread carefully. For more insights on this trend, check out our piece on “Idols Are Avoiding Numbers And The Peace Sign Like The Plague Recently — Here’s Why.”
Idols Are Avoiding Numbers And The Peace Sign Like The Plague Recently — Here’s Why
As the political landscape continues to evolve, many are keen to see how Taerae and others like him navigate the delicate balance of celebrity and social commentary.