K-Netz Slam ‘RIIZE is Seven’ Chant — International Fans Face Backlash

A surprising controversy has surfaced among the devoted followers of RIIZE, the popular K-pop group, due to the behavior of Mexican fans at a recent Fancon. This has resulted in differing responses from Korean netizens.

The intense longing for a full team of 7 members has sparked intense debates on the internet, revealing the intricacies of fan culture and the dynamics of group dynamics in the music world.

A video was discovered on the Korean forum “theqoo”on May 16, showing Mexican fans energetically chanting “RIIZE is Seven”at a RIIZE Fancon event.

Hello! Mexico🧡 #RISEANDREALIZE #RISEANDREALIZE #RISE_FANCON pic.twitter.com/Vl4AOAfhkp

— RIIZE (@RIIZE_official) May 16, 2024

The chant, which was intensified by Seunghan’s indefinite hiatus as a member, conveyed the yearning for his comeback to the group, despite the ongoing controversies surrounding his personal life.

RIIZE IS 7 at the Mexico fancon 😭😭😭🙌🏻🙌🏻 #RIIZE pic.twitter.com/FhMuF32HjX

— nana | the dream show in mexico (@sugarincandyz) May 16, 2024

RIIZE plans to introduce a new concept that is beyond the ‘KWANGYA’ worldview.

Despite the passionate and nostalgic intentions behind the Mexican fans’ chant, Korean netizens held a vastly different view. Numerous individuals expressed disbelief and even ridicule towards the Mexican fans’ behavior, considering it to be insensitive towards the current dynamics within the group.

The comments section continued to demand an official statement from SM Entertainment regarding Seunghan’s status, highlighting the public’s need for transparency during this period of ongoing uncertainty.

The following represents the sentiment among K-Netz:

“That’s rude. Shouting that at the members who came to Mexico for the first time is insensitive as hell.”

“Why are they even acting like that? Do they care about the remaining members?”

“SM should release an official statement about Seunghan’s status because it is getting really annoying.”

“I don’t think SM is letting Seunghan back to the group anyway so I can’t fathom why there’s still no official announcement.”

“Just announce (Seunghan’s departure) quickly and clearly already.”

“Why are they going that far… How are the 6 remaining members supposed to react to that?”

Additionally, an internet forum explores the consequences of RIIZE’s controversies on students in educational settings, specifically centering on conversations regarding Eunseok and Han Seo Hee, who are both members of the group.

The discussion centers around the increased focus and rumors surrounding the group in academic environments, as online users look back on past instances of similar controversies.

Despite the controversies, RIIZE continues to generate significant buzz among both domestic and international fans, who have also taken note of the reminiscent drama from previous K-pop generations. This suggests a change in the way fandoms engage with the genre.