“Will They Be Proud?”— Fans React to RIIZE’s VIP Exit as OT6 Supporters Welcome Seunghan at Airport with Posters

On October 18, 2024, RIIZE made their way back to South Korea after completing an overseas schedule. In contrast to their usual practice of engaging with fans upon their return, the group chose to utilize the VIP exit this time. This decision reportedly stemmed from the presence of a faction of OT6 supporters, fans advocating for the six-member configuration that excludes Seunghan.

These OT6 advocates arrived at the airport, brandishing banners proclaiming “RIIZE IS 6.”It is believed that the other members opted for the alternate route to evade a direct encounter with the supporters’ display. Loyal fans of the original lineup swiftly voiced their frustration on social media, expressing anger directed at the OT6 supporters.

A significant number of fans perceived the act of showcasing signs calling for Seunghan’s exit as disrespectful and divisive. A user on X, @SEUNGHANTL, commented,

“Is this how you welcome RIIZE at the airport? Do you really think they would be proud? Are you out of your mind?”

“After everything you have done, this is honestly so disgusting. I feel so sorry for RIIZE; I hope they won’t even look up. Shame on you,”one user expressed on X.

“Hide your faces because you are a disgrace to the entire K-pop community,”another fan remarked.

“I am beyond furious. When will the OT6 fans realize they are the only ones harming the group?”a user vented on X.

Additionally, numerous fans expressed their relief online, celebrating the RIIZE members’ choice to take the VIP exit instead of addressing the OT6 supporters. Many believed that this decision effectively communicated the group’s stance on the ongoing controversy.

“RIIZE taking the VIP route so those OT6 banner holders won’t even be noticed…. Well-deserved,”a fan wrote.

“They disdain OT6 stans just as much as we do,”another commented.

This group of OT6 supporters had previously garnered attention by sending funeral wreaths to SM Entertainment as a form of protest against Seunghan’s membership in the group.

The sending of these wreaths, coupled with TikTok videos taken in front of them, incited outrage among Seunghan’s supporters. The use of funeral wreaths, generally reserved for mourning, was perceived as a grossly inappropriate gesture, especially given that the idol, still in his twenties, is very much alive.

The Complete Timeline of Events Leading to Seunghan’s Departure from RIIZE

The controversy surrounding Seunghan traces back to August 2023, when images and videos purportedly showing him kissing a woman and smoking while underage surfaced. These revelations led to public outcry, prompting some fans to demand his removal due to fears that his actions compromised the integrity of the group.

In light of the uproar, Seunghan decided to take an indefinite hiatus for self-reflection, but SM Entertainment initially hinted at a potential return, which further fragmented the fanbase. OT6 supporters were particularly vocal against his comeback, and tensions heightened as Seunghan ultimately made the choice to step back from the group.

In a poignant letter, he conveyed that he wished to prevent further division within the fanbase and protect the group’s reputation. Despite his exit, international fans criticized the decision, labeling it as unjust and accused domestic supporters of lacking compassion.

As RIIZE moves forward as a six-member ensemble, this incident has sparked broader discussions regarding fan culture, accountability, and the significant pressures experienced by idols in the public eye.

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