Fans were shocked.
Lately, RIIZE have received a lot of attention because of SeunghanHis sudden retirement shortly after announcing that his hiatus was over.
Fans of the group opposed to his return protested by handing out hundreds of funeral wreaths, sparking a debate on the commodification of idols. Many looked at the relationship between idols and fans and saw this reaction as dehumanization.
Fans bombard SM Entertainment with garlands protesting RIIZE Seunghan’s return
This has also led fans to examine how the group is being treated, particularly following the announcement.
RIIZE had schedules immediately following the announcement, and fans were shocked to see it Sungchan being attacked during their departure for Japan.
this is so damn disrespectful… i feel so sorry for Sungchan 🙁 #Sacrament #SUNGCHAN pic.twitter.com/CV7vC8CNlz
— Chanyoung (@prodbyton) October 14, 2024
these are the same people you want to keep as riize fans?? those who obviously don’t give a damn about the well-being of a member who is obviously having a hard time and doesn’t want a camera in their face??? pic.twitter.com/7fdp90OAPE
— 𝙈𝙊𝙊𝙊⭑ (@sungchania) October 14, 2024
this is literally inhuman….. https://t.co/6tFRJ73VMW
— kiyah🗝️🫧💋seunghan ily (@naurrjake) October 14, 2024
While this behavior overall didn’t sit well with fans, one specific individual’s actions have since gone viral.
As members passed through the initial checkpoint where they had to show ID, a supposed fansite was seen taking quick photos on a wall.
When the camera angle changes, the area where most of the photos are located is strategically placed behind this barricade. Airport staff attempt to stop the individual from taking photos by holding up a chair, but he continues to take images.
Fans were disgusted by these actions, as the group’s privacy was put at risk. From the perspective of the alleged fansite, it is possible that the group’s passport information was seen and captured.
If this doesn’t concern you then I don’t know anymore
pic.twitter.com/cE2rMEK6Ur— ً (@kswyhee) October 15, 2024
I don’t think people realize that saseng can take photos of their passports from that angle. The attendant only gave them the answer so they couldn’t see but we know SM will get everyone fucked https://t.co/gs2EUrOYvK
— Davina (@ItssDivineDear) October 15, 2024
it’s scary because these supposed fans treated them like they were nothing more than simple zoo attractions and not like real human beings if you think about it https://t.co/f7dVQmSQxS
— ★ (@riizemv) October 16, 2024
Disgusting. https://t.co/ClkT41Eu94
— enchanted (@evilregressor) October 15, 2024
You can read more about the situation below.
K-Pop stores around the world participate in the RIIZE boycott