Arirang TV Spotlights RIIZE’s Seunghan and Fans, Critiques Impact of OT6 Protestors on K-pop Careers

On October 23, 2024, a widely-discussed segment from Arirang TV highlighted the ongoing debate regarding Seunghan’s exit from the group RIIZE. The broadcast commended international fans for their unwavering support, while simultaneously criticizing a vocal minority of OT6 advocates who have protested against Seunghan. Though this faction represents a small segment of the fanbase, their actions have had a considerable impact on Seunghan’s career trajectory.

“They’re not the most, they’re not the majority they’re just the loudest and very vocal, loud minority. The fact that they can wield this much power and influence on an artist’s career trajectory is shocking,”remarked the channel.

The program condemned the unrealistic expectations imposed on idols, emphasizing that such pressures from certain fans can inhibit personal growth and leave no space for mistakes.

Arirang TV Explores the Pressures Faced by Idols After Seunghan’s Departure from RIIZE

In one notable clip from the broadcast, the hosts pointed out that fans frequently seek a flawless version of their beloved artists instead of accepting them as imperfect human beings capable of making errors. They asserted,

“fans DON’T WANT the BEST VERSION of their favorite artists; they WANT the PERFECT VERSION. We know that’s unattainable because EVERYONE IS HUMAN, yet regardless of good days or bad, they’ll still make mistakes. THEY’RE HUMANS.”

The anchors cautioned that enforcing unattainable standards can stifle artists’ opportunities for growth and learning, ultimately hindering their long-term success. They elaborated,

“currently, if you become a hashtag and get canceled, there’s no path to redemption. If we keep imposing these IMPOSSIBLE STANDARDS on K-pop idols, MANY ARTISTS WILL NEVER BECOME STARS because THEY ARE NOT ALLOWED TO MAKE MISTAKES, GROW, AND LEARN FROM THEM.”

The controversy surrounding Seunghan began when images emerged in August 2023, depicting him engaging in smoking and kissing a woman while underage, igniting backlash among certain fans demanding his dismissal from RIIZE.

In light of the uproar, Seunghan decided to take an indefinite hiatus. Although there were plans for his return, the dissent from OT6 advocates escalated, leading to his eventual voluntary exit from the group. Protesters even sent funeral wreaths to SM Entertainment as a dramatic act, which further inflamed Seunghan’s supporters.

These wreaths, traditionally associated with mourning, were met with outrage given that Seunghan is alive and well in his twenties. Fans from the international community expressed their disappointment regarding Seunghan’s departure, arguing that SM Entertainment capitulated to a loud minority.

A growing number of fans have also begun boycotting RIIZE merchandise, advocating for the return of Seunghan. K-pop retailers globally have echoed this sentiment by indicating they will not carry RIIZE products until a resolution is reached.

Supporters continue to highlight the unjust treatment Seunghan has faced, while the feature from Arirang TV illuminates the significant sway held by a small yet passionate faction of fans.

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