Despite the rain, K-pop fans held a protest in front of SM Entertainment’s building in Seoul on Oct. 18 to support Seunghan after he was removed from boy band RIIZE and hold the Korean agency accountable for what happened.
In a span of three days, Seunghan’s career turned upside down. On Oct. 11, RIIZE's agency SM Entertainment, through its Wizard Production, announced that Seunghan would be returning to RIIZE after 10 months of hiatus due to issues.
Seunghan (Facebook)
The protest by fans who support Seunghan on Oct. 18 in front of the SM Entertainment building in Seoul (Photos from X)
However, just two days later, SM Entertainment’s Wizard Production changed its decision and said on Oct. 13 Seunghan would be leaving RIIZE after it bowed to pressure from fans in South Korea.
Some fans in South Korea opposed Seunghan’s return and sent funeral wreaths in front of the SM Entertainment building with messages such as “RIIZE is 6,” referring to the number of RIIZE members without Seunghan
Videos and posts online showed some of these fans openly mocked Seunghan and wished him dead.
As a result of Seunghan’s removal, international fans started a boycott of RIIZE, unfollowing the group on social media such as Instagram, X and YouTube.
They also criticized SM Entertainment for failing to protect Seunghan from rumors and bullying.
K-pop sellers and shops in many countries have decided to support the “boycott RIIZE” campaign by deciding not to sell and restock RIIZE albums and merchandise.
On Oct. 18, the fans staged a protest in front of the SM Entertainment building.
“We love you Seunghan,” one of the signs in front of the SM Entertainment building read.
Fans also sent trucks in front of the agency. One message read, “SM let Seunghan get bullied. SM did not protect him at all even until the end.”
“BRIIZE Indonesia will always be with the seven members of RIIZE,” another truck message read.
The protest by pro-Seunghan fans will continue on Oct. 19 and 20.
Statement posted on X about Seunghan (X)