The Most Unfair K-Pop Idol Removal: A Deep Dive into Controversial Departures — What’s Happening with RIIZE

In the ever-evolving world of K-pop, where talent, visuals, and hard work reign supreme, the industry isn’t immune to controversies. From sudden hiatuses to heartbreaking disbandments, K-pop idols frequently face immense pressure. One of the most shocking events for fans is when a beloved member is removed from their group, often under unclear or controversial circumstances. While there have been many such cases over the years, a few stand out for the perceived unfairness of their removals, leaving fans and industry insiders questioning the ethics behind these decisions. Let's delve into some of the most notable cases where K-pop idols’ removals sparked outrage and debate—and how these past events relate to the recent turmoil surrounding SM Entertainment’s new group, RIIZE.

1. Kim Garam (LE SSERAFIM)

https://x.com/garamspics/status/1531575419807342592

Kim Garam’s removal from the rookie group LE SSERAFIM remains one of the most discussed and controversial idol departures in recent memory. Debuting in 2022 under HYBE and Source Music, Garam was part of a highly anticipated lineup. However, soon after her debut, accusations of past school bullying surfaced, igniting widespread media coverage and fan debate.

Despite Garam and her company's denials of the allegations, HYBE eventually removed her from the group just two months after LE SSERAFIM's debut. Fans were divided; while some believed the allegations warranted her departure, others felt Garam was unfairly treated and not given a proper chance to address the accusations. With conflicting reports about her involvement in the alleged incidents, many still argue that Garam's removal was premature and driven more by public pressure than by a thorough investigation of the truth.

2. Jessica Jung (Girls' Generation)

Jessica鄭秀妍訪港 開心跟朋友見面

Perhaps one of the most shocking and controversial exits in K-pop history was Jessica Jung’s removal from Girls’ Generation (SNSD) in 2014. As one of the original members of the group, Jessica had been with Girls’ Generation since their debut in 2007, playing a significant role in their rise to global fame.

Jessica’s departure came amid reports that her business ventures outside of the group, particularly her fashion brand BLANC & ECLARE, caused conflicts with her commitments as an idol. SM Entertainment and the remaining members of SNSD stated that Jessica’s business activities interfered with the group’s schedule, leading to her departure. However, Jessica countered with claims that she had been forced out and that her departure was sudden and unexpected, leaving fans confused and heartbroken.

To this day, many believe Jessica’s removal was poorly handled and unnecessary, especially considering that other idols have successfully balanced solo activities with group promotions. Her removal remains one of the most debated decisions in K-pop history.

3. Hwayoung (T-ARA)

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The case of Hwayoung and T-ARA stands as one of the most complex and contentious scandals in K-pop. In 2012, Hwayoung, a relatively new member of T-ARA, was removed from the group following reports of internal discord and bullying allegations. The situation escalated quickly as rumors spread that Hwayoung had been bullied by her fellow members, leading to her removal. The public backlash against T-ARA was swift and severe, with the group facing significant hate and loss of popularity.

However, years later, new information surfaced that contradicted the initial narrative, with some claiming that Hwayoung had been difficult to work with and that the bullying rumors were exaggerated. While the full truth may never be known, many fans argue that Hwayoung’s removal, along with the damage it caused to T-ARA’s career, was deeply unfair. The situation highlighted how rapidly misinformation can spread and impact both idols and their careers.

4. Jimin (AOA)

Dispatch - 한국어: AOA(지민), “눈빛으로 올킬”… 과감한 패션

AOA’s Jimin was once a beloved leader and rapper of the group, known for her charisma and talent. However, in 2020, fellow AOA member Mina accused Jimin of bullying her during their time together in the group, leading to Jimin’s abrupt departure. FNC Entertainment announced Jimin’s retirement from the entertainment industry shortly after the accusations surfaced.

While the situation was undoubtedly complicated, many fans felt that Jimin’s removal was hasty, particularly because it seemed that there was more to the story. As more details emerged, some began to question whether Jimin was solely to blame for the group’s internal conflicts or if the issue had been mishandled by their company. The lack of clear resolution and FNC’s limited responses left many feeling that Jimin’s removal was not thoroughly justified and that she was scapegoated to protect the company’s reputation.

5. Woojin (Stray Kids)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xJx9DStOI5k

In October 2019, JYP Entertainment announced Woojin’s sudden departure from Stray Kids, citing “personal reasons.” This vague explanation led to rampant speculation, with some believing that there was more to the story. A few months later, Woojin became embroiled in allegations of inappropriate behavior, though no concrete evidence ever surfaced.

Fans were left confused and disappointed, as Woojin had been a key member of Stray Kids, known for his powerful vocals. The lack of clarity surrounding his departure, coupled with the swirling rumors, led to widespread frustration. Many fans felt that Woojin’s exit was poorly handled and that he was unfairly removed from the group without a clear explanation.

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The Parallels to RIIZE’s Current Situation

SM Entertainment’s new boy group, RIIZE, which debuted in September 2023, is now facing its own controversy with the sudden departure of Hong Seunghan, one of the group’s most popular members. Much like the past idol removals that sent shockwaves through the industry, Seunghan’s situation has left fans shocked, confused, and divided.

Reports of Seunghan's personal controversies surfaced quickly after the group’s debut, with rumors spreading about his private life. SM Entertainment swiftly responded by announcing his departure, a decision that felt abrupt to many fans who believed the situation hadn’t been fully addressed or resolved.

This decision by SM Entertainment echoes the removals of idols like Jessica Jung and Kim Garam, where companies appeared to prioritize public image over giving the idols a fair chance to explain or address the allegations. Seunghan’s exit also parallels the handling of Woojin’s departure from Stray Kids, where rumors fueled fan speculation, but the company offered little clarification, leaving room for confusion and frustration.

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A Recurring Pattern?

What’s happening with RIIZE and Seunghan is not an isolated incident—it reflects a broader issue in the K-pop industry, where idols are often swiftly removed under the weight of scandals, regardless of whether they’ve had the opportunity to share their side of the story. These incidents highlight the immense pressure companies feel to protect their groups from public backlash, even at the cost of an idol’s career.

Fans and industry observers are questioning whether the industry has learned from past controversies. With Seunghan’s departure, many are left wondering if SM Entertainment’s decision was too hasty, especially considering the group had just debuted and was still establishing its identity. Will RIIZE be able to recover from the loss of a key member, and was Seunghan treated fairly?

As K-pop continues to grow on the global stage, it’s crucial for companies to balance protecting their groups with ensuring fairness and transparency in how they handle sensitive situations. For fans, watching another idol’s career potentially end prematurely is heartbreaking, and the question remains—will K-pop ever find a better way to handle these controversies?

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Seunghan’s removal from RIIZE is another reminder that in the world of K-pop, fairness and clarity are essential, but often elusive. Fans hope that in the future, idols will be given more support and the opportunity to defend themselves, preventing the industry from repeating the same painful history.