On the afternoon of October 18, a group of RIIZE fans gathered in front of SM Entertainment’s headquarters to stage a protest demanding transparency regarding Seunghan’s sudden departure from the group. The protest comes after the announcement that the idol was kicked out of RIIZE.
The protest was not limited to fans physically present at SM’s building in Seoul. International supporters also participated by sending trucks with LED screens displaying messages of frustration and demands for the company to clarify the circumstances behind Seunghan’s departure.
The protest trucks and handheld signs displayed slogans that reflected the fans’ dissatisfaction with the situation. Some of the key messages included:
- “Make the departure process public.”
- “SM, protect Hong Seung Han.”
- “Demand to reverse the decision and reinstate Seunghan in the group.”
- “RIIZE is ‘The Big Dipper’” – a reference to the seven stars that form the famous constellation, symbolizing the group’s original seven-member lineup.
- SM and Wizard Production staff must be very tired these days, right?
- Idols are human beings with emotions and can be hurt. Stop treating them like robots or puppets!
- SM should be ashamed for enabling the bullying of its own artists.
- Is this the first time the company has seen fans argue about an artist’s personal life? Because of your incompetence, this is the first time an artist has received 1,000 funeral wreaths
Earlier, on October 11, after SM Entertainment announced Seunghan’s return to RIIZE, fans strongly opposed the decision on social media.
Seunghan, who stopped activities last November due to personal scandals, faced harsh criticism upon his return. The backlash intensified when RIIZE fans sent white funeral wreaths to SM’s headquarters, fearing his scandals would harm the group’s image. By October 12, around 1,000 wreaths were sent, urging Seunghan to leave the group, as fans preferred the current six-member lineup of RIIZE.
In response to the strong backlash from fans, on the evening of October 13, SM Entertainment announced that Seunghan would permanently leave RIIZE.
Netizens’ comments:
- Only 20 people? Sigh, that’s fewer than the number of NCT members.
- The artist himself caused these problems, so why are they protesting? The company must have suffered a big loss too. If they’re fans, they should just support his solo.
- Seriously, fewer than the number of NCT members LOL
- SM is still taking care of him, so when the solo comes out, just support it enthusiastically then.
- So many fans hate him, and they sent all those funeral wreaths. Why ask for him to come back? Isn’t it better to ask for mental health care, legal support, and solo promotions?
- Just go solo.
- They bashed the RIIZE members for lacking loyalty, spread rumors, and now they want him back in the group?
