Global RIIZE Fans Are Urging Seunghan To Rejoin The Group

Seunghan 's Exit from RIIZE Sparks Global Fan Uproar.

SM Entertainment announced on October 11th that Seunghan would be returning to RIIZE after an 11-month hiatus. The international fanbase, known as BRIIZE , welcomed the news with excitement, but Korean fans had a different reaction. Many expressed their dissatisfaction, stating they would only support RIIZE as a six-member group, urging Seunghan to step away permanently.

The disagreement soon moved from online comments to a physical protest. On the same day, dozens of funeral wreaths were sent to the SM Entertainment building as a symbolic gesture of the Korean fans’ opposition to Seunghan’s return. This shocking display angered many international fans, who saw the action as extreme and disrespectful.

Amid the growing tension, fellow RIIZE member Wonbin took to Weverse to share a message with fans. He explained that Seunghan’s return had been carefully considered by all seven members, along with the company, and urged fans to support the group as a whole. However, his post was later removed, deepening the uncertainty surrounding the situation.

Just two days later, on October 13th, SM Entertainment announced that Seunghan would not be rejoining RIIZE after all. A handwritten letter from Seunghan was posted on Weverse, in which he expressed his emotions about the decision. While the letter did not reveal specific reasons, it was clear that the decision had not been easy. The sudden turn of events left fans reeling, and international fans quickly took to social media to voice their disappointment.

Many K-pop enthusiasts, not just RIIZE fans, were upset by the pressure placed on Seunghan. They criticized SM Entertainment for caving to the demands of a vocal minority. Some pointed to the intense online campaigns and protests that Korean fans had waged, accusing them of bullying Seunghan into leaving.

Soon after the announcement, hashtags like "#SMSupportsBullying" and "BRING SEUNGHAN BACK" started trending on X (formerly Twitter), with both tags reaching the top spots globally. Fans from other K-pop fandoms joined BRIIZE in calling for justice for Seunghan, arguing that the situation had been handled unfairly.

The controversy over Seunghan’s departure raises larger questions about the influence of fans and the internal dynamics of K-pop fandoms. While international fans showed overwhelming support for Seunghan, it’s clear that regional differences can lead to very different opinions. The incident has highlighted how a small but vocal group of fans can influence major decisions, sparking heated discussions about fairness and fan power in the K-pop industry.


(With AI Inputs)

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