“It’s Clearly Their Loss” – Internet Buzzes as Fans Back RIIZE Seunghan Posters Calling for His Return to SM Entertainment

On October 23, 2024, devoted supporters of Seunghan, a former member of the K-pop group RIIZE, gathered outside the SM Entertainment building to show their backing for the artist. This display came in response to his unexpected dismissal from the group, which occurred shortly after SM Entertainment had announced his return following a nearly ten-month hiatus.

The supporters, predominantly international fans, vocalized their discontent with the management’s choice and expressed criticism toward Korean netizens who had campaigned for Seunghan’s exit. Social media was inundated with messages of love and admiration for the artist, reinforcing his popularity notwithstanding the break from the spotlight.

Prominent banners with messages like “WE LOVE YOU SEUNGHAN”lined the area outside the South Korean label’s headquarters. Fans lamented that SM Entertainment had made a significant mistake by letting go of such a cherished member.

A majority of the international supporters felt that the company’s decision was unduly influenced by anti-fan groups, known as OT6 supporters, who had opposed Seunghan’s reinstatement. A user on X, identified as @seunghan_daily, commented:

“More banners for Seunghan. The scale of project & money spent is insane. If only SM weren’t so shortsighted and stupid, It’s definitely their loss.”

“If they didn’t withdraw him, the money would go straight into their pocket. To think a lot of people were interested in tuning in when they announce his comeback,”another user expressed on X.

“He was promoting only for 2 months, but look what he gained the entire 11 months he was gone. He IS a star even without exposure,”a fan shared.

“@SMTOWNGLOBAL you clearly not understanding his impact,”another X user noted.

“it’s suddenly so pretty outside of sm,”another fan observed.

Just a week earlier, on October 15, 2024, fans, particularly from Mexico and Latin America, had already sent trucks adorned with positive messages to the SM building, in support of the idol’s return.

“More banners are arriving!!! All our love for Seunghan has become a tourist attraction. I hope he comes to see it too,”one fan remarked.

“I can’t believe SM decided to support fans who sent funeral wreaths instead of fans that are doing things like this BRIIZE YOURE AMAZING,”another user wrote on X.

Chronology of Events Leading to Seunghan’s Departure from RIIZE

The wave of international support also highlighted frustrations regarding domestic fans, who many believed were unfairly impacting the group’s trajectory. This collective support surged following a series of protests from OT6 fans, who had controversially sent funeral wreaths to SM Entertainment.

The wreaths, typically emblematic of mourning, were regarded as highly inappropriate, especially considering videos emerged of fans filming TikTok dances in front of them, causing significant backlash. This act drew wide condemnation, with many labeling it as cruel and insensitive, particularly after Seunghan was seen appearing troubled while passing by the wreaths.

The controversy surrounding Seunghan ignited in August 2023 when media surfaced, purportedly depicting him kissing a woman and smoking, inciting calls for his removal. He subsequently took a voluntary hiatus to reflect on the situation, while SM Entertainment had initially scheduled his return. Nonetheless, after outcry from certain fans, the label opted to remove him from the group.

Despite his self-imposed exit, international fans have continued to speak out against the decision, accusing domestic fans of lacking compassion and being excessively harsh.

As RIIZE now proceeds as a six-member ensemble, this incident has sparked broader discussions surrounding the immense pressure faced by idols, the dynamics of fan culture, and the far-reaching effects of drastic fan protests on an artist’s career.

Source