ZEROBASEONE’s Ricky to miss Asia Artist Awards 2023 due to visa, passport issues

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Ricky of K-pop boy group ZEROBASEONE. Image: X/@ZB1_official

Shen Quanrui, best known as Ricky of K-pop group ZEROBASEONE, will be unable to participate at the upcoming Asia Artist Awards (AAA) in Manila following issues with his passport and visa.

In an official statement on ZEROBASEONE’s X (formerly Twitter) page, his label Wakeone Entertainment confirmed that Ricky will skip the upcoming event on Dec. 14 at the Philippine Arena in Bulacan.

“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,” Wakeone said last Monday, Dec. 11, per a Soompi translation.

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ZEROBASEONE 리키 2023 아시아 아티스트 어워즈 참석 관련 안내https://t.co/aj6ivEy77Q#ZEROBASEONE #ZB1#제로베이스원

— ZEROBASEONE (@ZB1_official) December 11, 2023

Despite “internal and external” efforts to ensure Ricky’s attendance, Wakeone apologized to fans for “any confusion” as the K-pop idol would be unable to make it.

“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 said. “ZEROBASEONE will proceed with a performance featuring the 8 members excluding Ricky.”

Ricky competed for a spot in ZEROBASEONE in the survival show “Boys Planet,” where he finished as fourth. The nonet, which debuted in July 2023, is a project group which will promote for two years and a half.

The rookie powerhouse is also composed of Sung Han-bin, Kim Ji-woong, Zhang Hao, Seok Matthew, Kim Tae-rae, Kim Gyu-vin, Park Gun-wook, and Han Yu-jin.

Apart from ZEROBASEONE, K-pop groups Seventeen BSS, LE SSERAFIM, NewJeans, ITZY, and Stray Kids, just to name a few.

K-drama stars Kim Seon-ho, Kim Se-jeong, Ahn Hyo-seop, and Moon Ga-young are among the actors who will grace the event.

The star-studded event, which is considered as South Korea’s Oscars and Grammys, will also feature Filipino stars SB19, Ben&Ben, Kathryn Bernardo, Daniel Padilla, Melai Cantiveros, and HORI7ON.