Fans React to RIIZE’s Anton Holding a 7-Finger Pose During Seunghan Exit Controversy at Recent Fansign Event

On Friday, October 18, RIIZE hosted their latest fansign event in Guangzhou, China. This occasion marked the group’s first official public appearance following former member Seunghan’s departure. During the event, when asked to strike a confident pose, Anton raised his hand to show seven fingers.

This gesture sparked immediate speculation among fans regarding its meaning. Many supporters have been vocal about their wish for Seunghan, the recently departed member, to return to the seven-member lineup. As a result, they believe Anton’s symbolic pose was a show of support for Seunghan’s reinstatement.

Although the band members have not openly addressed Seunghan’s exit, Anton’s gesture at the fansign led to assumptions that the group might not be content with the current dynamics. Fans expressed happiness at witnessing this show of solidarity from the members for their former teammate.

Here are some fan reactions to Anton’s pose during the fansign event:

“RIIZE IS 7! !!! SAY IT LOUDER ANTON!!!!!!”

“KEEP FIGHTING FOR SEUNGHAN… IT’S WHAT ANTON AND THE REST WANT!! They have shown time and time again they want Seunghan back,”one fan expressed on X.

“This whole group is incredibly brave for standing up for their teammate. I love them,”added another fan.

“HE’S TELLING US TO KEEP FIGHTING YALL!!!!”commented a netizen on X.

Many users also expressed joy in seeing Anton freely express himself and found the moment quite amusing.

“ANTON, WE SEE CLEARLY 20/20 VISION. WE’RE FINALLY RISE AND REALIZING TOGETHER RIIZE IS WHAT? ?????”wrote an X user.

“This whole thing genuinely feels like a slap in the face for the ot6. I love Anton,”said another X user.

“Everyone saying, ‘that’s not what it means!’ The mischievous smile says everything I need to know,”commented a fan.

“The way he’s looking at the other members like ‘I just did the funniest thing,’ Anton, how I love you,”added another fan on X.

Announcement of Seunghan’s Departure from RIIZE by SM Entertainment

On October 11, SM Entertainment announced that Seunghan would be returning to RIIZE after a hiatus that began in November 2023. While this return brought joy to many fans, it also elicited significant backlash from various netizens who expressed their dissatisfaction and demanded his exit from the group.

Just two days later, on October 13, SM Entertainment issued a follow-up statement declaring that Seunghan would be permanently departing from RIIZE. This decision followed the negative reaction to the news of his return. The statement also mentioned that Seunghan himself had suggested this departure for the betterment of the group.

A portion of their announcement read:

We carefully considered the opinions and responses from fans and recognized that our initial decision had caused more hurt and confusion.

The statement continued:

Throughout this time, Seunghan has consistently communicated his wish to leave for the sake of both the members and the fans. In light of respecting his wishes, we are announcing his departure from RIIZE instead of his return.

Despite this, numerous fans are opposed to RIIZE continuing as a six-member group and are actively campaigning for Seunghan’s return. Many plan to boycott the group and have started online initiatives urging SM Entertainment to bring him back.

Recently, some fans even staged a physical protest outside the headquarters of SM Entertainment. Thus, fans have shown their determination for Seunghan’s return through various means, while others seem content with the group’s continuation as a six-member unit.

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