RIIZE Member Seunghan’s Fans Protest Outside SM Entertainment Office After His Departure

On the afternoon of October 18, a significant number of RIIZE fans congregated outside the headquarters of SM Entertainment in a demonstration aimed at seeking clarity regarding Seunghan’s unexpected exit from the group. This protest followed the revelation that the idol was officially removed from RIIZE.

The demonstration was not confined to those physically present at SM’s headquarters in Seoul; fans from around the world joined in solidarity by dispatching trucks adorned with LED screens that relayed their grievances and demands for more information about the circumstances surrounding Seunghan’s removal.

The trucks and signs held by protesters conveyed powerful messages underscoring their discontent with the situation. Notable slogans included:

“Make the departure process transparent.”
“SM, safeguard Hong Seung Han.”
“Reverse the decision and reinstate Seunghan in RIIZE.”
“RIIZE represents ‘The Big Dipper’” – referring to the constellation that symbolizes the group’s original seven-member configuration.
“SM and Wizard Production staff must be exhausted lately.”
“Idols are human beings with feelings; stop treating them like machines!”
“SM should be ashamed for facilitating the mistreatment of its own artists.”
“Is this the first time fans have contested the company’s decisions regarding an artist’s life? Due to your negligence, this is the first time an artist has received 1,000 funeral wreaths.”

Previously, on October 11, after SM Entertainment declared Seunghan’s reintegration into RIIZE, fans expressed vehement opposition on social media platforms.

Seunghan had ceased his activities last November amidst personal controversies and faced substantial backlash upon his reentry. This discontent reached a peak when RIIZE supporters sent white funeral wreaths to SM’s headquarters, concerned that his issues would tarnish the group’s reputation. By October 12, roughly 1,000 wreaths were sent, urging Seunghan’s exit from the group, as fans preferred the current six-member lineup of RIIZE.

As a reaction to the mounting criticism from fans, SM Entertainment announced on the evening of October 13 that Seunghan would officially part ways with RIIZE.

Comments from netizens included:

“Only 20 fans? That’s fewer than the number of members in NCT!”
“The artist himself is responsible for these issues, so why the protests? The company has probably faced losses too. If you’re true fans, just support his solo career.”
“Seriously, that’s fewer people than in NCT, LOL.”
“SM is still offering support, so when he releases a solo project, just back him up enthusiastically.”
“So many fans despise him and sent those funeral wreaths. Why push for his return? Wouldn’t it be better to advocate for mental health support, legal aid, and solo endeavors?”
“He should just focus on his solo career.”
“They criticized the RIIZE members for lacking loyalty, spread rumors, and now they want him back?”

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