They praised the international fans.
Lately, Seunghanthe departure from RIIZE was announced. This decision was made within 48 hours of the announcement that he would be returning after a 10-month hiatus. As a result, many international fans were left confused and heartbroken. Seunghan’s departure from the group appeared to be the result of SM Entertainment succumbing to bullying from some Korean fans who protested his return, sending wreaths to the company, angry at his pre-debut lifestyle, as it was revealed that he had a girlfriend and smoked.
I still can’t believe those antis who wish death on a very much alive person and yet continue to deny that they meant no harm? ….
“We send wreaths just to ask the company to let it out as it is a trend in kr to protest with a funeral wreath”
how about… pic.twitter.com/HuAagLvjzr
— Seunghan (@picseunghan) October 17, 2024
As a result, international fans have protested and boycotted RIIZE and SM Entertainment unless Seunghan returns. K-Pop stores around the world have joined the boycott, even issuing statements promising not to stock RIIZE products.
BECAUSE OF THE INJUSTICE OF RIIZE. #JUSTICE_FOR_SEUNGHAN #AlwaysWithSeunghan #SMSupportsBullying #SEUNGHAN #Hong Seung-han @RIIZE_official #BOYCOTT @SMTOWNGLOBAL pic.twitter.com/Soq5upQqhB
– Ana! 𝝑𝝔 | sunholover 🍀 (@heepurinz) October 13, 2024
Now, some Korean news is also calling out toxic fans.
Own the TVan international broadcast station operated by the Korea International Broadcasting Foundation and based in Seoul, South Korea, carried a story about “K-Pop artists being held to higher moral and ethical standards.” Guests praised international fans’ support for Seunghan while calling out OT6 fans.
They are not the most, they are not the majority, they are just the loudest and very loud minority. The fact that they can wield so much power and influence over the trajectory of an artist’s career is shocking.
— Real Estate Television
GUYS, SEUNGHAN’S CASE HAS BEEN IN THE NEWS!!! https://t.co/iGOpxhXPwf pic.twitter.com/z5642aB28e
— ౨ৎ (@jiyuriseuton) October 22, 2024
The clips have garnered over 281,000 views on X (formerly Twitter) as of this writing.
“They’re not the best, they’re not the majority, they’re just the loudest, very outspoken, loudest minority. The fact that they can wield so much power and influence over the trajectory of an artist’s career is shocking.”
Thank you so much for talking about this on the Korean TV show… pic.twitter.com/6qPAOjud7c
— Jo 🐋🫧 (@h3llohanikitty) October 22, 2024
arirang introduced Seunghan in the news oh my god y’all, this is great… arirang is based in Korea so if sm stays silent after this then they just proved how cruel they actually are #UnfairExit_Seunghan #UnitedforSeunghan#BringBackRII7E#Seunghan is Risepic.twitter.com/M31RLnK9Ls
— and ★ (@bbinmeoowz) October 22, 2024
International fans are encouraged to watch a Korean news broadcast that brings awareness to the situation.