Seunghan's departure from RIIZE has sparked intense debates among fans, both in Korea and internationally, revealing deep cultural divides. The controversy started after Seunghan was placed on an indefinite hiatus in November 2023 following a series of personal scandals. What began as a simmering issue has now erupted into a full-blown fan war.
Seunghan trained under SM Entertainment for nearly four years before making his official debut with RIIZE in 2023. However, in August 2023, photos of him in a motel room with a girlfriend went viral. While these photos were published after his debut, they had been taken during his trainee period, a fact that softened the blow for some but intensified the criticism from others. Shortly after, a video of Seunghan smoking and recording himself circulated, further fueling the backlash. Although the actions depicted were legal, many fans in Korea and other parts of Asia deemed them inappropriate for an idol, leading to widespread criticism. These controversies, occurring just as RIIZE was starting to gain momentum, caused significant damage to the group's image.
Facing immense pressure, Seunghan issued a public apology, expressing regret for disappointing his team and fans. In November 2023, he was placed on an indefinite hiatus, with SM Entertainment supporting his decision to step back due to the emotional toll. Seunghan’s temporary departure, while upsetting for many fans, seemed to quell some of the initial outrage.
Then, on October 11, 2024, SM Entertainment’s Rise management agency, Wizard Production, announced that Seunghan would be rejoining the group the following month. This announcement was met with intense opposition from certain fans, particularly in Korea and China, who believed that Seunghan’s controversies had irreparably damaged RIIZE’s image. These fans protested his return, sending wreaths to the SM building, demanding his permanent removal. They argued that the group had functioned better as a six-member unit, with no need to reintroduce a member who had caused public scandals.
Under this pressure, on October 13, SM Entertainment and Seunghan jointly announced that he would permanently leave RIIZE. Seunghan explained that he made this decision for the sake of the other members and fans, to prevent further division within the fandom and to allow RIIZE to move forward without the shadow of his past actions. This decision, however, ignited outrage among international fans. Many of these fans, particularly in the West, rallied to Seunghan’s defense, criticizing what they saw as an extreme and toxic cancel culture. Hashtags like #JusticeForSeunghan and #BringBackRIIZE began trending globally, amassing millions of posts. Fans argued that Seunghan’s privacy had been invaded, and that it was unfair to hold him accountable for actions taken during his trainee period. They also pointed out that idols, especially young ones, should not be expected to live perfectly controlled lives, especially before their debut.
A petition on change.org titled "We Want Seunghan Back! RIIZE is 7!" quickly gathered over 220,000 signatures, as international fans voiced their frustration with SM Entertainment’s decision.
Calls for a boycott also spread, with many international fans unfollowing RIIZE’s official social media accounts. The group’s Instagram followers dropped from 4.1 million to 3.9 million in just days, reflecting the international fanbase’s discontent.
To counter the protest wreaths sent by Korean fans, international supporters organized trucks with messages of support for Seunghan, declaring "RIIZE is 7" and parking them outside SM’s headquarters.
Several K-pop retailers worldwide, including North American shops like SubK Shop, EvePink, and LightUpK, have announced they will stop ordering RIIZE merchandise once current stocks run out. The boycott, shared across social media, has sparked mixed reactions from fans and raised questions about the future availability of RIIZE goods in stores.
This cultural clash between domestic and international fans underscores the differing expectations placed on idols. While Korean and some Asian fans uphold strict standards for idols’ behavior, both before and after debut, many international fans view these standards as overly harsh and unrealistic. They argue that expecting idols to be perfect role models at all times is unfair, especially when the controversies occurred before the debut.
The ongoing fan war highlights the complexities of managing a global fandom, where differing cultural values can lead to starkly contrasting views on what is acceptable behavior. As K-pop continues to grow internationally, this conflict serves as a reminder of the challenges that arise when navigating the diverse expectations of a global audience. SM Entertainment now faces the difficult task of addressing these cultural differences while maintaining the group's integrity and fanbase.
Fans Speak Out: Have Your Say!
The debate surrounding Seunghan’s exit from RIIZE has sparked passionate discussions among fans worldwide. To amplify the voices of the fan community, we’re launching a poll to gather your opinions on this controversial decision.
Do you believe Seunghan's departure was justified, or should he have been given a second chance?
We’ll send the results directly to SM Entertainment, so make sure your voice is heard!
Fans React: Voices from Social Media
The announcement of Seunghan’s departure from RIIZE has sent shockwaves through the global K-pop community. Fans have taken to social media in droves to express their feelings, with emotions running high on both sides. Here are some notable reactions:
Dear BRIIIZE,
Due to the current situation, we have decided not to restock RIIZE albums and other products.
However, our current stock will remain available for sale until it runs out.
Thank you for your understanding.
The Musica Team
We are doing the things that SM have to do.. omg.. we got your back seunghan, you are not alone and you will never be alone, never, I hope you k ow that #SMSupportBullying #RIIZE7 pic.twitter.com/YXM67owxPj
— ꜱᴀɴ'ꜱ ꜱᴍɪʟᴇ 🤍🗻I SAW BOYNEXTDOOR ❤️🩹 RIIZE IS7 (@BooNeo__) October 14, 2024
— 🐇 (@i9riize) October 13, 2024