ERROR member Poki has recently ignited controversy among his fanbase with a social media post shared on the first day of the Lunar New Year. The post, which features Poki alongside popular comedian Chan Bak Cheung, has drawn ire from many netizens, prompting discussions about the actor's choices and the associated fallout.
On January 29, 2025, Poki took to social media to post the celebratory image, captioning it with, "A lot of netizens call me ViuTV叻仔, I practiced and performed '我至叻' with passion and got praised by the real '叻哥' (Chan Bak Cheung)." The intention was seemingly lighthearted, celebrating the Lunar New Year with the comedic icon who has had significant cultural influence. Despite this, the photograph quickly sparked outrage among fans, many of whom expressed their disappointment and concern.
Chan Bak Cheung, who is often affectionately referred to as Ah Lek, has faced increasing criticism over the past few years for controversies surrounding his comedic style and personal conduct, which soured public sentiment. This negative perception manifested when Poki decided to share the photograph, eliciting swift and severe responses—fans chastised him for associational choices, questioning his loyalty to the ERROR group and expressing worries about the potential impact on the band's image.
Some fans went so far as to suggest Poki step back from the group entirely, fearing his choices might reflect poorly on his fellow ERROR members. The backlash was powerful enough to create what appeared to be a wave of fan desertion, leading to discussions on social media platforms about the future of the band and its members.
Recognizing the mounting criticism, Poki responded with urgency. Just two days after the initial post, he deleted the photograph and issued a public apology via social media, saying, "I’m sorry, I didn’t know how to joke, and I made quite the unfunny joke. I apologize to my fans, teammates, and everyone who once supported me. Thank you for teaching me." This heartfelt message was aimed at mending fences with outraged fans and signaling accountability for his actions.
Prior to this incident, Poki had been part of ERROR’s Lunar New Year concert at the Convention and Exhibition Centre, which showcased the group performing classic hits and celebrating their cultural presence. The event had garnered positive attention, culminating in this unfortunate social media misstep.
Despite Poki’s attempt to rectify the situation, reactions remained mixed. Some fans continued to express their displeasure, stating they would not support him due to his choices. Others, meanwhile, rallied to his defense, reiteratively pointing out his previously well-received contributions to the group and calling for compassion over the matter over downvotes and disappointments.
The saga highlights the fragility of celebrity image and fan loyalty, particularly within the tumultuous environment of social media. With fans having recently witnessed ERROR’s artistic endeavors, including their momentous performances celebrating Hong Kong culture, the controversy adds complexity to Poki's relationship with his supporters.
Musing on the response his photograph received, Poki remarked how, “I never anticipated such reactions. It shows how invested fans are, which is both touching and overwhelming.” He emphasized how he learns from this incident, hoping his future engagements would reflect sensitivity to audience perceptions.
Moving forward, the consequences of this New Year photo controversy will likely linger, affecting not only Poki but his entire group, ERROR. Whether fans will forgive and forget remains to be seen; only time will tell how this incident reshapes their dynamic and influence within the entertainment industry.